Davante Adams appreciated Rams coach Sean McVay’s recruitment

LOS ANGELES — Renowned for his physical presence on the field, wide receiver Davante Adams has now committed to the Los Angeles Rams, largely due to the persistent recruitment by head coach Sean McVay.

During his introductory news conference on Thursday, Adams, 32, revealed that McVay’s keen interest played a crucial role in his decision to sign a potentially $46 million two-year deal with the Rams. The conversations that influenced Adams occurred while he was holidaying in Japan.

“I thought McVay was on vacation with me,” Adams humorously remarked. “I spoke to him more often than I did with my wife. His level of interest was impressive.”
Adams originally met McVay back in 2019 at the Kentucky Derby. Previously, during an October game, Adams showcased his skills with five catches for 133 yards against the Rams while playing for the Green Bay Packers. Those early interactions started the idea of a future partnership.

Upon entering free agency after stints with the Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, Adams realized the depth of McVay’s admiration.

“McVay sent some highlight tapes of me,” Adams explained. “It reminded me a bit of Jon Gruden’s analyst style, breaking down each play meticulously. The first edit was about seven minutes, and the next was two more minutes of detailed review.”

Adams, an accomplished receiver with six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, concluded last season with 85 receptions, 1,063 yards, and eight touchdowns across 14 games with the Raiders and Jets. His addition will help fill the gap left by Cooper Kupp, who was let go after the Rams couldn’t secure a trade deal for the Super Bowl MVP.

Bringing in Adams could add a new dynamic to McVay’s offensive strategies, which previously leaned on Kupp and emerging star Puka Nacua to navigate short to intermediate passes. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Adams is proficient at creating space and making contested plays, particularly in the red zone where the Rams experienced struggles last season. They were ranked 25th for goal-to-go touchdown percentage and faltered in red-zone scoring during a divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Adams has high regards for McVay, stating, “He respects my football knowledge. It’s not about imposing my views, but understanding the game similarly helps.” For Adams, joining the Rams checks several boxes. The Rams are positioned as Super Bowl contenders, having posed a formidable challenge to the Eagles in the snow before falling 28-22. With seasoned quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm, known for optimizing the performance of receivers like Calvin Johnson, the fit seemed natural.

Moreover, the Rams bring Adams closer to home, allowing him to reconnect with his roots in California, having grown up in the Bay Area and attending Fresno State. Even jersey arrangements worked in his favor, with standout player Puka Nacua willingly switching to No. 12.

Reflecting on the jersey switch, Adams joked, “I didn’t prompt it. I didn’t pay for it. Nacua’s gesture stemmed from his own choice and past connection to the number.”