Matthew Stafford may have lost Cooper Kupp this offseason, but he has a new weapon to utilize in Davante Adams.
After the Los Angeles Rams released Kupp, they immediately turned around and signed Adams to a two-year deal. Adams now becomes the de facto X-receiver in head coach Sean McVay’s offense and an ideal complement to Puka Nacua.
Stafford has the arm talent to maximize multiple receivers in the passing game, but he’s arguably never had a receiver like Adams who can still get open almost at will.
The two have been getting better acquainted on the field this offseason and Stafford discussed how things felt on day 1 of OTAs.
“Oh, it was good. It’s always a work in progress. We’re always talking out there, which is a lot of fun,” Stafford said. “A guy that’s a veteran player, has played a lot of football, and had a lot of success, so it’s fun just trying to communicate as much as I can with him. Obviously, he’s made some great plays today but it’s fun to work with guys that understand the game and still have a lot left in the tank. So, it was good.”
While Stafford didn’t necessarily watch a lot of film on Adams before working with him, he feels confident in what he’s seen from him from afar.
“I mean, I’ve sat and watched from the other sideline a bunch of times. I’ve played against him a bunch, so I kind of know what he’s about. Obviously, I’ve grown to have even more appreciation just being in the room with him and working with him. So, he’s got a great career going and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Stafford also expressed his desire to be the best player he can be for the team and called Adams a special player.
“It’s definitely motivating,” he said. “I want to be great for all the guys in that locker room. You get new players in, guys that you’ve got a ton of respect for and man I want to make sure that he’s getting everything he needs from me and likewise. I know he probably feels the same way. So, it’s always a process, getting to figure that kind of stuff out but just the few reps that we’ve had out here today and all that, I mean, he is a special player for a reason. He has been a really good player in this league for a long time for a reason. I’m going to do everything I can to try and help him have great success here and if we do that, then that’s going to be successful for our team. So, I’m doing everything I can to try and make sure that I’m as good as I can be for everybody in that locker room but he’s definitely one of them for sure.”
Nacua figures to remain the focal point, the Stafford-Adams combination will be worth monitoring throughout the 2025 season.
Matthew Stafford discusses Davante Adams’ impact on younger Rams teammates
Davante Adams has been around the NFL for a long time and has a lot of wisdom to share with younger players. Matthew Stafford’s already seen Adams trying to set an example for his new Rams teammates and appreciates his efforts.
“He’s definitely a veteran guy. He’s got a bunch of snaps under his belt. I’m doing everything I can to try to bring him along in our offense as fast as possible. He understands the game so that’s great. We just go out there and all work together, try to be as good as we can. It’s early, first practice out on the grass running around, so just trying to get our feet wet and continue to work hard and get better.”
It’s going to be a work in progress, but there isn’t much doubt that Adams will fit in nicely.
