The Rams have been one of two teams showing considerable interest in A.J. Brown this offseason. Had Los Angeles managed to swing a deal for the Eagles All-Pro, another wideout trade likely would have taken place. 
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that during discussions about a Brown acquisition, the Rams were “pursuing the possibility” of a Davante Adams swap. Dealing Adams to another team would have helped make a Brown trade more feasible from a financial standpoint, similar to how the Colts’ decision to deal away Michael Pittman Jr. eased the cap implications for Alec Pierce‘s new contract. Nevertheless, Adams remains on course for a second Los Angeles campaign.
As detailed in Sam Robinson’s Rams Offseason Outlook, Adams is due a $6MM roster bonus today. Any trade in his case obviously would have been more attractive for the team prior to that payment being made. The 33-year-old is also owed a base salary of $18MM in 2026. That represents the final year of his contract. A trade would create $20MM in cap savings against $8MM in dead money, but head coach Sean McVay said last month he expected Adams to be retained for next season.
Added in free agency last spring as a Cooper Kupp replacement, the six-time Pro Bowler proved to be an effective signing for the Rams. Adams caught a league-leading 14 touchdown passes in 2025 and played a key role in helping Los Angeles reach the NFC title game. Expectations will be high in his case provided no trade winds up being worked out later in the offseason.
The Rams have Puka Nacua eligible for an extension, one which will presumably move him near the top of the receiver market. A new deal in that case, not to mention the latest adjustment to quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s pact, will add to the team’s costs on offense. Adams is set to carry a cap charge of $28MM in 2026. Especially if no Brown acquisition is made, though, keeping him could be worthwhile.
Los Angeles sent a package including the No. 29 pick in April’s draft to Kansas City for cornerback Trent McDuffie. The Rams still have a first-rounder (No. 13), but no team has been willing to meet Philadelphia’s asking price (a Day 1 selection and more) for Brown yet. With a key checkpoint on Adams’ pact now having been reached, he is increasingly likely to remain in place regardless of what happens on the Brown front.
What would Adams net as a trade? Rams should still shop him to see if someone would overpay. Not sure if anyone would but it’s worth exploring. They could draft a replacement WR with the #13 pick.
Probably in the 3rd to 4th round range because of his salary and age. Maybe a conditional pick in 2027 included if they took a 5th. Bills would have been a decent trade partner before the trade for DJ Moore. Maybe they still are. Steelers would make some sense too. Maybe ravens. I can think of several teams that should be interested.
Lol
Florio making a mountain out of a mole hill. If Rams got Brown then yeah Adams goes. If not he’s staying. Their Super Bowl odds go way down without Davante
Seems far more practical to keep Adams. Why would they trade for Brown? Nakua is the clear number 1 wideout on the Rams roster.
Even in the more pass oriented offensive scheme of Rams, Brown would likely not abide as the Rams #2 wideout.
Brown doesn’t care if he’s 1 2 or 3 long as he gets looks. Long as you throw his way 6-7 times and call up a play for him specifically 3 or something times he’s fine with whatever happens
What about if they flat out cut adams? If they get rid of him and sign puka? That’s a massive risk to sign an incredibly injury prone guy as your #1… You can see him getting paid and taking a seat.
14 million dead cap, spotrac says I think
Pittsburgh bring back Rodgers
Metcalf Rodgers Pittman probably the best trio in the AFC north
Um hmm yeah Joe Burrow, Jamaar Chase and Tee Higgins would like a word.
Fair point I actually meant Pittman Adams Metcalf as in the best trio of WRs in the division my bad
The posts on here are a trip to me due to Adams.
Not a Rams fan, but Adams had 14 TD’s. Sure, he had Stafford throwing to him, but he does deserve some cred.
He had the most TD’s per wr this past season.
I could see him going to the Ravens, as much as I like the guy that wouldn’t be good news for me
“Adams is due a $6MM roster bonus today. Any trade in his case obviously would have been more attractive for the team prior to that payment being made. The 33-year-old is also owed a base salary of $18MM in 2026. That represents the final year of his contract. A trade would create $20MM in cap savings against $8MM in dead money”
Salary caps make being a fan that much more difficult. If they want a salary cap then do it and eliminate the loopholes. All this dead money and void years require fans to become cap experts to understand potential roster moves
Do three deals ever happen in the nfl? I could see them moving Adams to say green bay or Pittsburgh while they get brown and all assets go to Philly