Sean McVay’s custom highlight tapes of Davante Adams helped lure the WR to Rams

The Persistent Pursuit: Sean McVay and Davante Adams’ Path to Partnership

Davante Adams, one of the most physically dominant wide receivers in the NFL, has long been a standout talent, but even his impressive skills couldn’t shield him from the relentless recruitment efforts of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. Adams, who recently signed a two-year contract worth up to $46 million with the Rams, revealed that McVay’s unwavering focus and personal touch were key factors in his decision to join the team. Speaking at his introductory press conference, Adams humorously remarked, "Honestly, the period hasn’t been too long since I’ve been a free man, and Sean wanted to make sure he kept it that way, that’s for sure." The coach’s persistent communication, which even followed Adams during his vacation in Japan, left a lasting impression. "I was talking to him more than I was talking to my wife," Adams admitted, highlighting McVay’s dedication.

The Foundation of a Partnership: A Friendship Forged Over Football

The seeds of this partnership were sown years ago, long before Adams became a free agent. The two first met at the Kentucky Derby in 2019, where McVay expressed admiration for Adams’ performance in a game against the Rams the previous October. Adams had torched the Rams for five receptions, 133 yards, and a touchdown, leaving a lasting impression on the coach. This initial encounter sparked a mutual respect that would eventually bloom into a professional collaboration. When Adams finally hit free agency after stints with the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, McVay seized the opportunity to bring him to Los Angeles. Adams recalled how McVay sent him detailed highlight reels of his own gameplay, complete with breakdowns that rivaled those of former coach-turned-analyst Jon Gruden. "He sent me a couple of highlight tapes of myself," Adams shared. "He was breaking down every single clip. The first one was like seven minutes, and then he sent another one that was probably another two minutes where he’s just going through everything."

A Proven Asset: What Davante Adams Brings to the Rams

Adams arrives in Los Angeles as a proven commodity, fresh off his sixth career 1,000-yard receiving season. In 14 games split between the Raiders and Jets in 2023, he amassed 85 catches, 1,063 yards, and eight touchdowns. His arrival fills a critical void left by Cooper Kupp, the Rams’ star receiver who was released after the team couldn’t find a trade partner. While Kupp’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, Adams brings a unique skill set that could redefine the Rams’ offense. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Adams is a physical receiver who can create separation on his own, a trait that contrasts with the motion-heavy schemes McVay often employed to free up Kupp and rising star Puka Nacua. Additionally, Adams’ ability to make contested catches in the red zone addresses a glaring weakness for the Rams, who struggled in goal-to-go situations last season. They ranked 25th in red-zone touchdown percentage during the regular season and converted just 2 of 5 red-zone opportunities in their playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

A Vision for Success: Adams and McVay’s Shared Football Philosophy

Adams’ excitement about joining the Rams extends beyond his personal connection with McVay; he sees a shared vision for how the game should be played. "He knows my football acumen, and it’s nothing I’m going to come in, you know, put my foot down, ‘I know ball so much, do it my way,’" Adams said of his discussions with McVay. "But it kind of just helps when you both see it the same way. Right now, I kind of envision it looking like that for the year." This alignment is crucial as the Rams aim to rebound from a season that ended with a narrow 28-22 playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles. Adams also praised the team’s leadership, particularly veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has a history of elevating the play of big-bodied receivers like Calvin Johnson. The pairing of Adams and Stafford, combined with McVay’s offensive genius, has the potential to restore the Rams as one of the NFL’s most formidable offenses.

Coming Home: Family Ties and the Appeal of Los Angeles

Adams’ decision to join the Rams wasn’t just about football; it was also deeply personal. A native of Northern California, Adams grew up in the Bay Area and attended Fresno State, making the Rams’ offer an opportunity to return to his roots. "The Rams move feels like a very substantive one, maybe two-year deal to line up in an excellent offensive culture with Sean McVay and Matt Stafford," said FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd, who also noted how the move allows Adams to be closer to family and friends. This proximity adds a layer of comfort and familiarity as Adams enters this chapter of his career.

AGesture of Team Spirit: The Jersey Number Switch

One of the most heartwarming details of Adams’ arrival in Los Angeles was the decision surrounding his jersey number. Adams has worn No. 17 for much of his career, but upon joining the Rams, he found that number was already taken by Puka Nacua, the team’s promising young receiver. In a gesture of camaraderie, Nacua voluntarily switched to No. 12, a number he had worn in college. Adams, who called the decision "out of the kindness of his heart," was touched by the move. "Before I even knew for sure if I was headed to LA, he was already talking about wearing (No.) 12," Adams revealed. "For everybody out there that wants to hate me for making them buy new jerseys, I did not tell him. I didn’t pay him. I didn’t do anything. That was out of the kindness of his heart."

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Adams and the Rams

As Adams begins this new chapter with the Rams, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. The team boasts a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl, a proven quarterback in Stafford, and a coaching staff led by one of the NFL’s most innovative minds in McVay. Adams, meanwhile, brings the production, experience, and physicality needed to elevate the offense and help the Rams reclaim their place among the league’s elite. With a shared vision, a familiar location, and a jersey number that symbolizes his seamless integration into the team, Davante Adams is poised to make an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Rams.