Packers GM Leaves Door Open for Davante Adams to Walk in FA Amid Contract Talks

The Green Bay Packers are keeping their options open regarding free-agent receiver Davante Adams.

General manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Wednesday the team could let Adams walk in free agency if the two sides can't come to an agreement. 

"Yeah, possibly," Gutekunst said. "There's a lot of things to be determined there."

The team would prefer to agree on a long-term extension, though the franchise tag is a possibility.

"If we need to use it, we certainly will," Gutekunst said of the tag. 

Adams has been one of the top receivers in the NFL in recent seasons, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021. He finished last year with 123 catches for 1,553 receiving yards—both career highs—on his way to his fifth straight Pro Bowl selection.

The Packers face challenges to retaining the 29-year-old.

Green Bay is $37.7 million over the salary cap for 2022, per Spotrac. Even using the franchise tag on the wide receiver would cost a projected $19.1 million, per Over the Cap.

Gutekunst is seemingly not worried about the cap situation, however, saying the team would be able to keep Adams, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and others.

"I feel very confident about that," he said.

The Packers have until March 8 to place the franchise tag on Adams.