Davante Adams, one of the league’s premier wide receivers, signed a two-year, $46 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams on March 9, 2025. The deal, which includes $26 million guaranteed, pairs Adams with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, a partnership that has the football world buzzing with anticipation. As the dust settles on this blockbuster free-agency signing, Adams has shared his thoughts on joining Stafford and the Rams, offering insight into his excitement, respect, and expectations for this new chapter in his storied career.
A New Beginning in Hollywood
Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, and three-time All-Pro, is no stranger to elite quarterback play. For eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers, he formed a dynamic duo with Aaron Rodgers, amassing 669 receptions, 8,121 yards, and 73 touchdowns. His subsequent stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets showcased his adaptability, but the move to the Rams marks a return to his California roots—he grew up in East Palo Alto—and a chance to chase a Super Bowl ring with a proven signal-caller in Stafford.
Speaking to the media shortly after the signing, Adams didn’t hold back his enthusiasm about teaming up with Stafford. “Having the opportunity to play with Matthew is a heck of an opportunity,” Adams said, a wide grin spreading across his face. “He’s a guy I’ve respected for a long time, watching him sling it over the years. Playing each other and crossing paths a few times, I gathered that he was a pretty nice, straightforward guy. You never hear anything bad about him in the media or anything like that.”
A Mutual Respect Forged Over Time
Adams’ admiration for Stafford isn’t a recent development. The two have faced off multiple times throughout their careers, with Adams’ Packers and Stafford’s Detroit Lions clashing in NFC North battles. Even after Stafford’s trade to the Rams in 2021, their paths continued to cross, including a memorable 2022 matchup when Adams, then with the Raiders, caught 7 passes for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns against Stafford’s Rams. Those encounters left an impression.
“I remember back in 2012, my rookie year, watching him carve us up,” Adams recalled during a press conference, as reported via posts on X. “He had this calmness about him, but you could tell he was a competitor. That stuck with me. Now, to be on the same side as him, it’s pretty surreal.”
Stafford, entering his 17th NFL season at age 37, brings a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl title (won with the Rams in 2021) to the table. His arm talent remains elite—evidenced by his 3,762-yard, 25-touchdown performance in the 2024 season—and Adams sees parallels to his time with Rodgers. “Matthew’s a gunslinger,” Adams said. “He’s got that ability to put the ball where it needs to be, and he’s not afraid to take shots. That’s the kind of QB you want as a receiver. It reminds me of some of the best years I had in Green Bay.”
Sean McVay’s Role in Sealing the Deal
While Stafford’s presence was a major draw, Adams credited Rams head coach Sean McVay for making the move a reality. Known for his offensive genius and relentless recruiting, McVay pursued Adams aggressively during free agency. “After speaking with a couple of players, Sean, and a couple of the other personnel, it was clear that this was where I needed to be,” Adams explained. “They were definitely the most eager organization to reach out, whether it was the understanding of contracts or understanding of where I am in my game.”
McVay’s pitch highlighted the chance to join a contending team with a dynamic offense, featuring rising star Puka Nacua and a quarterback in Stafford who could maximize Adams’ skill set. “Sean’s a mastermind,” Adams said. “He laid out how he sees me fitting in, and it was hard not to get excited about that vision. Plus, playing with Matthew just made it a no-brainer.”
Chemistry in the Making
Adams and Stafford have yet to take the field together, but the wideout is optimistic about their budding partnership. Having played with Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, Adams knows what it takes to sync up with a quarterback of Stafford’s caliber. “We’ve talked a bit already,” Adams revealed. “He’s a pro’s pro—easy to talk to, knows the game inside and out. I think we’ll hit the ground running.”
Adams also praised Stafford’s understated demeanor. “He’s not a loud guy, but he leads by example,” he said. “You can tell he’s been through the wars and come out stronger. That’s the kind of QB I want to play for at this point in my career.”
The pairing promises to be a lethal combination. Adams, who notched 85 catches for 1,063 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 across his time with the Raiders and Jets, excels at precise route-running and contested catches—skills that align perfectly with Stafford’s ability to deliver pinpoint passes and 50/50 balls. “I love those jump-ball situations,” Adams said with a chuckle. “Matthew’s got the arm to put it up there, and I’m looking forward to going up and getting it.”
A Boost for the Rams’ Offense
Adams’ arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the Rams. With veteran receiver Cooper Kupp now with the Seahawks, the team needed a proven playmaker to complement Nacua, who has emerged as a star in his own right with 1,749 college yards at Washington and a stellar rookie campaign. Adams sees the potential for a dynamic trio. “Puka’s a beast,” he said. “The way he plays, it’s going to open things up for me, and I think I can do the same for him. With Matthew throwing to us, it’s going to be tough for defenses to handle.”
Adams also expressed excitement about returning to the West Coast, a factor that influenced his decision. “Being back in California feels right,” he said. “It’s where I grew up, where I started dreaming about this game. To do it with a team like the Rams, with Matthew and Sean, it’s a perfect fit.”
Chasing a Ring
At 32, Adams is at a stage in his career where legacy and championships weigh heavily. Despite his individual accolades—including six straight 1,000-yard seasons—he has yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Joining Stafford and the Rams, fresh off an NFC West title and a narrow playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, offers a golden opportunity. “I want that ring,” Adams said plainly. “Matthew’s been there, done that. He knows what it takes. I’m here to help us get back to that mountaintop.”
Fans and analysts alike have lauded the move, with many calling it one of the offseason’s best signings. Posts on X echoed Adams’ sentiments, with one user noting, “Stafford, Puka, and Adams will be fun,” and another adding, “Hard not to like this for the Rams. Davante should pair well with that passing game.” Adams himself seems to share that optimism. “This feels like a fresh start,” he said. “I’ve got a lot left in the tank, and with Matthew slinging it, I think we’re going to do some special things.”
Conclusion
Davante Adams’ comments about joining Matthew Stafford reveal a mix of reverence, excitement, and ambition. He sees Stafford as a quarterback cut from the same cloth as the greats he’s played with before—a competitor with the talent and temperament to elevate those around him. With McVay’s system, Nacua’s emergence, and Stafford’s arm, Adams believes he’s landed in the ideal spot to maximize his prime years and chase the ultimate prize. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on this new partnership, poised to light up Los Angeles and, perhaps, the entire NFL.
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