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Davante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch from Puka Nacua #12 against the Houston Texans.
Despite rumors about Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown potentially landing with the Los Angeles Rams via trade and forming a daunting trio along with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, that may have never been the plan at all.
Specifically, the Rams had other ideas amid their rumored interest in Brown.
Nacua is extension-eligible this offseason and due for a significant raise, and retaining all three players would be costly, so the Rams were looking to shed some salary; Adams’ salary.
Rams Eyed Davante Adams Trade: Report
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field during training camp.
The Rams signed Adams in free agency during the 2025 offseason, and he led the NFL in touchdown receptions despite missing three games. He quickly became Matthew Stafford’s favorite red zone target.
However, the Rams apparently explored trading Adams this offseason.
“Per a league source, the Rams — while talking about a possible trade for Brown — were pursuing the possibility of trading Adams,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on March 15.
“The Rams presumably were hoping to get a deal done by today, when a fully-guaranteed $6 million roster bonus came due. And the payment of the bonus likely means they’ll keep Adams and his $18 million base salary.”
Adams is signed through 2026 on an expiring two-year, $44 million contract.
He finished the 2025 season with 60 receptions, 789 yards, and 14 touchdowns, adding an 11-185-1 line in the postseason.
It is unclear if an Adams-for-Brown swap is something the Eagles would be interested in, but it could soften the blow of losing the Super Bowl champion. It could also bridge the gap between what the Eagles want for Brown in a trade and what teams like the Rams are willing to offer.
The Eagles had been seeking first and second-round picks for Brown.
They have not received that to this point, though. Adams, while an older player who will turn 34 in December, is still highly effective on the field and typically durable.
Davante Adams Got Clear Message From LA
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Adams’ future with the Rams could remain an intriguing talking point, particularly in light of the team’s stance on his contract.
Rams head coach Sean McVay fielded a question about a contract adjustment for Adams. The six-time Pro Bowl has a $28 million cap hit in 2026, and another $4 million on the books for 2027 in a void year.
The Rams had no plans to adjust Adams’ current pact.
“Haven’t talked about anything like that. Feel good about where we’re at there. I think the main focus and concentration for us has been on free agency–guys that are truly free agents for us, what are the upcoming plans–because next Monday will be here before we know it. So, making sure that you get all your contingency plans in place, in addition to the draft and different ways to onboard people,” McVay told reporters on March 3.
“Expect him to be ready to roll. Expect him to even be better in Year 2, and that’s kind of where we’re at with that.”
Rams’ Plans Clearer
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on before a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Florio’s report suggests that the Rams could have been trying to maintain the flexibility to market Adams as a productive player who is on an expiring contract in trade talks. That is often easier to move than an aging veteran on a longer-term agreement.
The Rams pulled out of talks with the Eagles for Brown.
This new tidbit could be one of the steps that helps talks pick back up closer to June 1, when Philly will be able to withstand moving Brown better financially.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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