Projecting the Packers' 2022 receiving corps with and without Davante Adams

Whether or not Davante Adams returns to Green Bay in 2022, the Packers' receiving corps will look quite different.

While Aaron Rodgers holds the key to the Green Bay Packers' 2022 offseason, another player could dramatically impact the team's outlook. Davante Adams, a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in each of the past two seasons, has reached the expiration of his contract and will command a hefty pay increase whether he remains in Green Bay or goes elsewhere.

How the Packers choose to approach their superstar wideout will have significant ramifications on the rest of the roster. Multiple reports suggest they will apply the franchise tag to Adams later this offseason, but that doesn't necessarily mean he stays. Even if he does, the nature of his agreement could create opportunities to retain others or force their departure. Adams and his representatives know this and will use that information accordingly.

But though the Packers don't hold considerable leverage over Adams, they do have options.

Keep Adams under the tag

Of the scenarios where Adams remains with the Packers in 2022, the one where he plays the season under the franchise tag presents the most challenges. The moment the team applies the tag, the All-Pro wide receiver will have a cap hold of roughly $20.1 million. That figure hits the books regardless of whether Adams signs his tag. While the going rate for a premier wideout comes in above that number thanks to recent extensions for DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones, and others, Green Bay will have to move a lot of money around to make room for Adams' cap hit.