With contract talks with star receiver Davante Adams currently on hold, franchise tag is looking more and more like a real option for the Green Bay Packers.

Munich – Wide receiver Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers will become a free agent next spring.

Because he is currently considered by many to be the best wide receiver in the league, the Packers are eager to keep him in Green Bay. Despite several talks, both parties were unable to agree on a contract extension before the season.

As Ian Rapoport of the “NFL Network” reports, Packers officials are therefore now seriously considering giving Adams the franchise tag. This would automatically bind the 29-year-old for another year in Green Bay, provided he signs it.

It would also give both sides more time to work on a long-term contract extension.

Adams and Packers: salary expectations diverge

One of the reasons the player and franchise have yet to agree on a long-term deal is often cited as differences in salary expectations. Adams would like to be paid according to his status and become the top earner among the receivers, as Rapoport reported before the season.

Here, DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals currently ranks first with an average of 27.5 million US dollars per year. The Packers, on the other hand, are not necessarily known for their spending spree and often follow a calm and reason-oriented line in contract matters.

Should the Packers instead franchise tag him, Adams would earn just under $20 million next season. Again, it’s still unclear whether that contract would be compatible with Green Bay’s cap situation.

According to “Spotrac”, the Packers are currently $37 million in the red for the upcoming season. So the Packers would need to clear that plus another twenty million US dollars in order for Adams to play under the franchise tag.

Aaron Rodgers also plays big role

But salary is apparently not the only thing that matters to Adams. As the offensive star recently indicated, his decision also depends on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is also the subject of rumours about a departure after the current season.

“Of course that plays a role. I’m playing with the best quarterback right now,” he told a news conference. “A lot of factors depend on it, that’s why it’s not the only point, but it does play a certain role. I’ll be monitoring the situation closely,” Adams said.

The duo is also harmonising excellently this season. So far, the veteran stands at 1362 receiving yards and ten touchdowns caught.

The Packers will therefore probably do everything they can to convince Adams to stay in Green Bay. Even if it is only via the diversions “franchise tag”.