Sean McVay’s custom highlight tapes of Davante Adams played a pivotal role in luring the wide receiver to the Los Angeles Rams. Adams, known for his physical style of play, found himself impressed by McVay’s dedication and attention to detail during their conversations.
“Honestly, the period hasn’t been too long since I’ve been a free man, and Sean wanted to make sure he kept it that way, that’s for sure,” Adams remarked at his introductory news conference Thursday.
Adams cited McVay’s attentiveness as a key factor in his decision to sign a two-year contract potentially worth up to $46 million with the Rams. Many of their discussions took place while Adams, 32, was enjoying a vacation in Japan.
The two first crossed paths at the Kentucky Derby in 2019. Just months prior, Adams had an impressive game against the Rams, recording five receptions for 133 yards as a member of the Green Bay Packers. McVay’s praise for Adams’ performance sparked the idea of a future collaboration.
It was only after Adams became a free agent for the first time, following 11 seasons with the Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, that he truly grasped McVay’s appreciation for his talent.
“He sent me a couple highlight tapes of myself,” Adams shared. “It was kind of Jon Gruden-esque a little bit. And you know how he is with ball, so he’s breaking down every single clip. The first one was like seven minutes, and then he sent another one that was like probably another two minutes where he’s just going through everything.
“I thought he took that job to be on TV for a minute when I was watching it, but, yeah, it just shows how much ball means to him, how much of a priority I was for him.”
Coming off his sixth career 1,000-yard season, Adams finished with 85 catches, 1,063 yards, and eight touchdowns in just 14 games with the Raiders and Jets. His experience and production are expected to fill the gap left by the departure of Cooper Kupp, who was released after the Rams failed to find a trade partner for the Super Bowl 56 MVP.
Adams brings a new dynamic to McVay’s offense, which has often relied on motion to give receivers a free release off the line. Unlike previous strategies, Adams, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, can create separation independently. His ability to make contested catches in the red zone is particularly valuable, as the Rams struggled in that area last season, ranking 25th in goal-to-go touchdown percentage.
“He knows my football acumen, and it’s nothing I’m going to come in, you know, put my foot down, ‘I know ball so much, do it my way,'” Adams explained regarding his discussions with McVay. “But it kind of just helps when you both see it the same way. Right now, I kind of envision it looking like that for the year.”
In Adams’ view, the Rams represent an ideal new destination. The team is capable of contending for the Super Bowl, as evidenced by their narrow 28-22 loss to the Eagles, which marked the toughest test of the postseason for the eventual champions. With a seasoned quarterback in Matthew Stafford, who previously enhanced the performance of Calvin Johnson, the Rams seem well-positioned for success.
“The Rams move feels like a very substantive one, maybe two-year deal to line up in an excellent offensive culture with Sean McVay and Matt Stafford,” sports commentator Colin Cowherd stated on “The Herd.”
Returning to California also allows Adams to be closer to family and friends, having grown up in the Bay Area and attended college at Fresno State.
Interestingly, Adams’ No. 17 jersey was available, thanks to Puka Nacua’s voluntary switch after his impressive rookie seasons.
“Before I even knew for sure if I was headed to LA, he was already talking about wearing (No.) 12,” Adams noted. “For everybody out there that want to hate me for making them buy new jerseys, I did not tell him. I didn’t pay him. I didn’t do anything. That was out of the kindness of his heart, and he wore it in college so I guess it makes sense.”
