The Los Angeles Rams took a major swing this offseason, signing All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $44 million deal.
So far, it’s paying off in a big way. According to The Athletic, Adams has been named the “Best Free-Agent Pickup” of the season, and the numbers, along with his impact on teammates, make it easy to see why.
“You could say Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, or even Jonathan Jones in Indianapolis. But Adams is making a big time impact in L.A. for a variety of reasons,” The Athletic wrote.
Davante Adams Named Rams’ “Best Free-Agent Pickup”
Through the early stretch of the season, the 32-year-old receiver has given veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford another dynamic option in the passing game. Adams currently boasts a career-best 15.8 yards per catch, showcasing that he’s still among the league’s most efficient and explosive playmakers.
His three touchdown receptions currently lead the Rams, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups has opened up the field for everyone else — especially superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Nacua is already certifying himself as the best receiver in the NFL this season. With Adams demanding double teams and forcing safeties to play deep, Nacua has flourished and leads the NFL with 42 receptions for 503 yards in just four games! That puts him on pace for an incredible 178-catch, 2,137-yard campaign, which would shatter league records.
For a team that was searching for a veteran presence to balance youth and experience in its receiving corps, Adams’ addition couldn’t have come at a better time. His on-field production is just one part of the story; his leadership and mentorship behind the scenes have been just as valuable.
Adams’ Mentorship Fuels Puka Nacua’s Growth
GettyRams coach Sean McVay chats with wide receiver Davante Adams (17), left, as wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during practice.
Adams’ influence extends well beyond the stat sheet. For Nacua, the experience of sharing a locker room with one of his childhood idols has been surreal.
“When I showed up for OTAs and saw Davante, it didn’t feel real, Nacua told ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “I think you could scroll back somewhere on my Twitter profile and find tweets saying, ‘Go Pack Go,’ and talking about watching No. 17.”
That admiration has quickly evolved into a mentor-mentee relationship rooted in mutual respect. Nacua has been soaking up every bit of Adams’ knowledge, from body control to reading defender leverage and understanding route adjustment.
“He explains it so well in the meeting room,” Nacua said. “It makes it fun to watch tape and think, ‘How can I add some of these things to my toolbox?’”
Rams receiver coach Eric Yarber called their meeting room “an open forum,” where Adams often leads discussions and breaks down the intricacies of route running.
And for Rams fans, nothing sounds better than knowing Nacua is learning even more about route running from one of the greatest route runners of all time in Adams.
Adams, in turn, has been impressed by Nacua’s versatility and toughness. “He’s got great feet, great hands, and an ability to run after the catch,” Adams said. “You can put him anywhere — in the slot, downfield — and he’ll make plays. He’s a complete receiver.”
Together, Adams and Nacua have become one of the NFL’s most productive receiving duos. The veteran’s arrival has not only elevated Stafford’s offense but also helped unlock Nacua’s full potential.
As The Athletic highlighted, Adams has been the most impactful free-agent addition this season, and in Los Angeles, his influence is shaping both the present and future of the Rams‘ offense.
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