Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, Los Angeles Rams
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Davante Adams and A.J. Brown attend as Tequila Don Julio 1942 Gets Guests Ready Pa'l Show at a Private Celebration during Super Bowl Weekend on February 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Don Julio)
The Los Angeles Rams are going for it all in 2026, as their blockbuster trade for Trent McDuffie and free agency signing of Jaylen Watson show. However, there is a limit to how far even the Rams are willing to go, particularly when it comes to Davante Adams.
Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, is entering his second season with the Rams after leading the NFL in touchdown receptions during his first.
For that, and other reasons, Adams’ spot in LA appears secured for 2026.
Insider Delivers Reality Check About Potential Davante Adams Trade
Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a catch from Puka Nacua #12 against the Houston Texans.
Adams heads into 2026 in the final year of a two-year, $44 million contract that he signed with the Rams in free agency during the 2025 offseason. Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have said there are no plans to adjust Adams’ contract.
However, McVay also noted that he expects Adams to be the same impactful contributor that he always has been next season.
That appears to be more than lip service, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter denying trade rumors.
“No [the Rams are not trading Davante Adams]. They just paid him a $6 million roster bonus on Sunday,” Schefter said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 17. “You’re not paying the guy a $6 million bonus and then moving the guy the next day. So, that’s not happening anytime soon.”
Adams finished the 2026 season with 60 receptions for 789 yards and an NFL-best 14 touchdowns, despite missing three games.
He tacked on an 11-185-1 line in the postseason.
The Eagles’ asking price for Brown in a trade is high and is not expected to drop following the Denver Broncos’ trade for now-former Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle. That could close the door on any trade sending Brown to the Rams, strengthening the case to keep Adams.
Rams Trade Rumor Under Microscope
Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card.
Schefter’s comments follow a report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio regarding the Rams’ exploring trade options for Adams amid interest in Philadelphia Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown. Florio noted the $6 million bonus essentially created a deadline.
“Per a league source, the Rams — while talking about a possible trade for Brown — were pursuing the possibility of trading Adams,” 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.”
The Rams drew attention, posting a throwback clip of McVay introducing Adams during a team meeting last offseason.
However, Florio and Schefter also have a history of friction beyond Adams and the Rams.
The Rams may have explored or at least entertained the idea of trading Adams, and they could very well have moved on after pulling back from the Brown talks. What is certain is that there is not exactly any love lost between Florio and Schefter.
Rams Caught Up In Insider-vs-Insider Drama
Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams on the sideline during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The two long-time reporters recently went back and forth over the reporting of former Ohio State Buckeyes star and projected first-round draft pick Carnell Tate’s 40-yard dash time following the combine.
Schefter reported that teams had Tate’s time from five to seven hundredths of a second faster than his official marks from the combine.
Florio questioned whether Schefter was doing the bidding of Tate’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
Schefter responded by posting screenshots of supposed conversations with agents to “prove” Florio was “wrong, again.” However, none of the shots were verifiable, and Schefter’s history of similar incidents has only fueled the reactions.