The San Francisco 49ers had a golden opportunity to bolster their offense by signing wide receiver Davante Adams, a Bay Area native and one of the league’s most dominant playmakers. However, their frugal approach to free agency led to a missed chance, as Adams signed a two-year, $44 million deal with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers’ decision to lowball Adams, encapsulated by their “wholesale” offer, has sparked debate about their roster-building strategy and raised questions about their ability to compete in a stacked division. This article explores the 49ers’ failed pursuit of Adams, the reasons behind their conservative stance, and the potential consequences for the 2025 season.
A Perfect Fit for San Francisco
Davante Adams, a Palo Alto native, was more than just a marquee free agent for the 49ers—he was a hometown hero with a proven track record of excellence. Over his 11-year career, Adams has earned six Pro Bowl selections and posted six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024 despite a midseason trade to the New York Jets. His familiarity with West Coast offensive schemes, honed during his time with the Green Bay Packers, made him an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s system.
According to @MikeSilver, Davante Adams felt disrespected by 49ers' free agency pitch earlier this offseason:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) April 22, 2025
"I was entertaining the Niners, but they were like, 'We're paying wholesale. We ain't paying retail.' I didn't talk to them, but that's what my agent told me — like five… pic.twitter.com/m82CtW94XP
The 49ers, coming off a challenging 2024 season, desperately needed a reliable wide receiver. With Deebo Samuel traded and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined by a serious knee injury, the team lacked a true No. 1 option in the passing game. Adams, who had consistently torched San Francisco’s defense, racking up over 100 yards in four of five regular-season matchups and scoring seven touchdowns, was a natural target. According to The Athletic’s Mike Silver, the 49ers were among the first teams to contact Adams’ agent after his release from the Jets, signaling early interest in bringing him home.
The “Wholesale” Offer That Fell Flat
Despite their initial pursuit, the 49ers’ negotiations with Adams quickly unraveled due to their unwillingness to meet his financial expectations. Adams revealed that the 49ers’ offer was significantly below market value, with his agent relaying the team’s philosophy: “We’re paying wholesale. We ain’t paying retail.” For Adams, a self-described “retail-type dude,” the lowball offer felt like a lack of respect, prompting him to look elsewhere.
The 49ers’ conservative approach was driven by their salary cap constraints and long-term financial planning. With quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming—projected to make him the highest-paid player in franchise history—San Francisco faced a cap crunch. The team was already burdened with $80 million in dead cap space, including $34 million tied to wide receivers, and had committed to veteran Demarcus Robinson as a stopgap solution. General manager John Lynch and Shanahan opted to preserve cap space and lean on their 11 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft rather than splurge on a 32-year-old receiver, even one of Adams’ caliber.
Adams, however, commanded a premium, and the Rams were willing to pay it. Their two-year, $44 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed, valued Adams at $22 million per year—a figure the 49ers were unwilling to approach. The contrast between San Francisco’s frugality and Los Angeles’s aggression underscored why Adams chose to join a division rival.
The Rams Capitalize on San Francisco’s Hesitation
After releasing Cooper Kupp, the Rams saw Adams as a transformative addition to their offense. Paired with rising star Puka Nacua, Adams gives quarterback Matthew Stafford a dynamic duo capable of exploiting defenses in the red zone and stretching the field. For Adams, the move to Los Angeles offered a return to the West Coast, a competitive roster, and the financial commitment he sought.
The Rams’ decisiveness exposed the 49ers’ hesitation as a critical misstep. By prioritizing draft capital and cap flexibility over a proven star, San Francisco allowed a player who could have elevated their offense to join a direct competitor. Adams’ presence in Los Angeles now looms as a significant threat, as the 49ers’ secondary—already a weak point in 2024—will face him twice a year in divisional matchups.
#Rams WR Davante Adams says the 49ers showed interest in free agency but weren’t willing to meet his price, telling his agent multiple times they weren’t going to “pay retail”
— LAFB Network (@LAFBNetwork) April 22, 2025
“I was entertaining the Niners, but they were like, ‘We’re paying wholesale. We ain’t paying retail.’ I… pic.twitter.com/gYv6UopUS6
Consequences for the 49ers’ 2025 Outlook
The 49ers’ decision to pass on Adams leaves their receiving corps in a precarious state. Jauan Jennings, a dependable No. 3 receiver, and rookie Ricky Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, will be tasked with filling the void left by Samuel and Aiyuk’s uncertain recovery. While Demarcus Robinson provides veteran depth, he lacks Adams’ ability to command double teams or consistently win in man coverage. Without an elite receiver, Brock Purdy’s development could be hampered, and Shanahan’s offense may struggle to replicate its past explosiveness.
The 49ers are banking on their draft-and-develop philosophy to address their roster needs. Lynch and Shanahan have a strong track record of finding gems in the draft, with players like Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner as proof of their scouting acumen. However, with multiple positions to address—including defensive line, cornerback, and offensive tackle—the 49ers face a tall order to find immediate contributors among their 11 picks.
Defensively, the 49ers now face the daunting task of containing Adams and Nacua in a revitalized Rams offense. San Francisco’s secondary, which struggled in 2024 and must replace key pieces, may be ill-equipped to handle the challenge. The balance of power in the NFC West now stands with the Rams on top and favored to win the NFC West.
A Pattern of Prudence
The 49ers’ handling of Adams reflects a broader organizational tendency to avoid high-priced free agents in favor of homegrown talent and bargain signings. While this approach has kept San Francisco competitive, it has also led to criticism for missing out on transformative players. The “wholesale” mindset, while fiscally responsible, may have cost the 49ers a chance to maintain their championship window, especially in a division as competitive as the NFC West.
Adams’ comments about the 49ers’ offer suggest a disconnect between the team’s valuation of elite talent and the realities of the free-agent market. As he noted, players of his caliber gravitate toward teams that show the most commitment, and the Rams’ willingness to “pay retail” won the day.
What Could Have Been
For 49ers fans, the failure to sign Davante Adams is a frustrating missed opportunity. A hometown star with a history of dominating their defense, Adams could have been the missing piece to restore San Francisco’s offensive identity. Instead, the 49ers’ thriftiness has left them reliant on unproven players and draft prospects, while their rivals in Los Angeles reap the benefits of their aggression.
As the 2025 season approaches, the 49ers must prove that their faith in the draft and their existing roster can overcome the loss of Adams to a division foe. If they falter, the memory of their “wholesale” offer will serve as a painful reminder of a star who got away.
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