Oct 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) blocks a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders WR Davante Adams ‘not here to hang out’

Davante Adams has six total receptions in the past two games and he’s ready for more than a cameo when the Las Vegas Raiders get to Chicago on Sunday.

Acknowledging the Raiders are coming off a win, the six-time Pro Bowl selection said he doesn’t want to be placed on a shelf and would rather play a key role.

“I’m sure people are thinking, ‘They won the game, why is there an issue?’ I mean, you see why it’s an issue,” Adams said.

“Y’all should know who I am, know what I’m about at this point … when you’re a player like me, mentally, my benchmark is not wins and losses — it’s greatness. So when I go out there, I expect to be able to have that ability to put that on tape and have an influence on the game. That’s my purpose for being here. I’m not here just to hang out; I came here to win and to do it the right way.”

Adams, targeted 20 times in Week 3, said he made it clear to coaches and teammates he would “be frustrated if I’m not part of the plan.”

Head coach Josh McDaniels said he would be surprised if Adams wasn’t alarmed at a decline in looks given his talent and history of production.

Adams has 39 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. But 25 of those receptions and all three touchdowns came in the first three games.

The Raiders signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency to pair with Adams, who was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers prior to the 2022 season. That deal paired Adams with his Fresno State quarterback, Derek Carr. But Carr was released in February, forcing another reset for Adams.

Jimmy Garoppolo was injured last week and it’s possible Brian Hoyer or Aiden O’Connell could start at Chicago this week.

“I mean, I’m not naïve,” Adams said. “At the end of the day, it’s not easy throwing to somebody who gets the coverages that I get. It’s a lot of attention, a lot more than, what I’m sure Jimmy, Derek (Carr), Hoyer, whoever we got out there, Aidan, it’s a lot more complex picture that they’re looking at than the numbers that we’re studying throughout the week.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo off injury list, set to start

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is off the injury list and expected to start Monday night’s game against the visiting Green Bay Packers.

Garoppolo cleared the concussion protocol on Friday and practiced in full for the first time since being injured Sept. 24 in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Also, star receiver Davante Adams (shoulder) practiced in a limited role Saturday. He’s hopeful of playing against the Packers, the team he played for across eight seasons before being traded to the Raiders prior to the 2022 campaign.

Cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday night. He also sat out versus the Chargers.

The Raiders (1-3) are slight favorites over the Packers (2-2).

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) gains yardage against the Denver Broncos during a game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders WR Davante Adams (illness) returns to practice

Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams returned to practice Friday after an illness and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s road game against the New Orleans Saints.

Adams sat out practices on Wednesday and Thursday due to the illness but was listed as a limited participant on Friday.

Adams has caught 37 passes for 509 yards and five touchdowns in six games in his first season with the Raiders. He had 95 yards in last Sunday’s 38-20 win over the Texans to narrowly miss his third straight 100-yard outing.

The former Green Bay Packers star has three 100-yard outings this season.

Adams is one of seven Las Vegas players listed as questionable. The others are tight end Darren Waller (hamstring), safety Johnathan Abram (illness), defensive end Tashawn Bower (illness), linebacker Divine Deablo (back, ankle), and receivers Mack Hollins (heel) and DJ Turner (hamstring).

Quarterback Derek Carr (back) was a full participant for the second straight day and is set to play.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Ryan Santoso #19 misses his first field goal of the game during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jki 082022 Jags Vs Steelers Cp 90

Giants cut S Andrew Adams, bring back K Ryan Santoso

The New York Giants released safety Andrew Adams and brought back kicker Ryan Santoso on Friday.

The team also signed wide receiver Travis Toivonen ahead of Sunday’s preseason finale against the New York Jets.

Adams, 29, rejoined the Giants on July 26 after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He has 190 tackles and seven interceptions in 87 games (35 starts) with the Giants (2016-17) and Bucs.

Santoso, who turned 27 on Friday, provides insurance after Graham Gano sustained a concussion in last Sunday’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Santoso was on the Giants’ practice squad in 2020. He has made 4-of-5 field goals in seven career games with the Tennessee Titans (2019), Carolina Panthers (2021) and Detroit Lions (2021).

Toivonen, 24, spent time on New York’s practice squad last season but has not appeared in an NFL game.

NFL teams must reduce their active rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

–Field Level Media

Jun 7, 2022; Renton, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) talks about past finger injuries during a press conference following a minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Seahawks S Jamal Adams has broken left middle finger

Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams was diagnosed with a broken left middle finger, according to multiple reports on Friday.

Adams complained of soreness in multiple fingers on his left hand after Wednesday’s first training camp practice. Adams apparently got the middle finger twisted in a teammate’s facemask during the no-contact practice.

He was away from the team Thursday and reportedly got the hand examined in Dallas by the surgeon who performed surgery on his middle and ring fingers this offseason.

According to the Seattle Times, Adams is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season and might wear a hand cast during games to protect the injury. He may require surgery after the season.

During minicamp in June, Adams stated that he has dislocated both fingers at least 10 times.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection said that during the offseason, his fingers were fused at an angle in which he can no longer bend the hand into a fist.

“It’s for the love of the game,” Adams said during a press conference last month. “Been going through that for two years now. My first year when I got here, I dislocated my ring finger probably about 10 times, and the other one probably about … 12.”

Adams, 26, is entering his third season with the Seahawks. He missed nine games due to injuries in his first two campaigns.

Last season, he missed the final five games with a left shoulder injury and underwent a procedure on his the shoulder for the second straight offseason.

The LSU product spent his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets before being traded to Seattle prior to the 2020 season.

Adams, known as a strong blitzer, has 21.5 career sacks but didn’t record a single one last season in 12 appearances. He has recorded seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and 443 tackles in 70 NFL games.

Adams is entering the first season of a four-year, $70.6 million deal.

–Field Level Media

Jun 7, 2022; Renton, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) talks about past finger injuries during a press conference following a minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks S Jamal Adams to have ailing left hand examined

Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams missed practice on Thursday due to left hand issues, and coach Pete Carroll said Adams would undergo further examination.

Adams has undergone surgeries in each of the past two offseasons to repair the middle and ring fingers on the left hand. He has stated that he has dislocated each finger at least 10 times.

Adams participated in Wednesday’s initial training camp practice but didn’t feel comfortable with his hand.

“He just felt something that didn’t feel right, and so he’s got to get it checked out,” Carroll said. “He’s really concerned. He’s really upset that he has to miss anything, but he jumped right at the chance to … take care of it and see what’s going on right now.”

Carroll didn’t know the level of seriousness of the situation.

“He’s getting some opinions about it,” Carroll said, “so we’ll see what that means. I don’t know right now … but he’s looking at some stuff and trying to get things figured out.”

Adams told reporters during last month’s minicamp that he “played with one arm for damn near two years.” Adams also underwent a procedure on his left shoulder for the second straight offseason after he missed Seattle’s final five games.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection said the fingers were fused at an angle in which he can no longer bend the hand into a fist.

“It’s for the love of the game,” Adams said during a press conference last month. “Been going through that for two years now. My first year when I got here, I dislocated my ring finger probably about 10 times, and the other one probably about … 12.”

Adams, 26, is entering his third season with the Seahawks. He missed nine games due to injuries in his first two campaigns.

The LSU product spent his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets before being traded to Seattle prior to the 2020 season.

Adams, known as a strong blitzer, has 21.5 career sacks but didn’t record a single one last season in 12 appearances. He has recorded seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and 443 tackles in 70 NFL games.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a NFC Divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Packers WR Davante Adams won’t play on tag

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams is no fan of the tag game.

Adams was given the franchise designation by the Packers, blocking his path to unrestricted free agency with a one-year deal that would pay him more than $20 million for 2022.

But Adams has informed the Packers he will not play under the franchise designation, according to reports, which could force Green Bay to trade him if his contract demands cannot be met.

Negotiations with Adams have not been fruitful due to his demand to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. At issue is the deal between the Arizona Cardinals and DeAndre Hopkins, whose on-paper average salary is $27.3 million per season. The Packers believe the actual value, based on bonuses and pay structure, is around $21 million per season.

A long-term extension would appear to be a serious challenge for the Packers given the salary commitment expected to bring back MVP Aaron Rodgers for at least one more season.

Adams, 29, posted career highs of 123 receptions and 1,553 yards in 2021. He caught 11 touchdown passes.

Adams’ leverage rests in his All-Pro resume and the Packers’ minimal depth at the wide receiver position.

But if he holds out through training camp and into the regular season, Adams risks not receiving credit for a “vested” season and can be given the franchise tag again.

Le’Veon Bell refused to play in 2018 after the Pittsburgh Steelers used the franchise tag to retain him in 2017.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates with wide receiver Davante Adams (17) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter during their football game Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The touchdown Adams ahead of Jordy Nelsons for touchdown receptions from Rodgers.Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Apc Packvsbrowns 1225211374djp

Packers GM: No deadlines, working closely with Aaron Rodgers

Brian Gutekunst has a goal and his preferred outcome begins with a commitment from 2021 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to play for the Packers next season.

But the process in Green Bay might not play out on the general manager’s ideal schedule. Because Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur want to understand Rodgers’ plans before making other moves, Gutekunst said Wednesday at a scheduled press conference there are “no deadlines” where Rodgers is involved.

This means that as of Wednesday, the Packers are in much the same position they were after the loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs: waiting for the Rodgers domino to fall.

“This has been more of a conversation about where we’re headed together. This is a process we’re going through, and a process he’s going through,” Gutekunst said.

“We’ve had really good conversations with Aaron.”

The layered offseason for the Packers is fraught with variables and salary-cap concerns. Rodgers could still retire or ask for a trade, a determination he said Tuesday he hasn’t yet made. He could also return to the team, or indicate he’ll come back only if the Packers address his contract.

All of the “hypotheticals” have Gutekunst working on a matrix of if-then scenarios that would dramatically alter the direction of the Packers — at least in the short term.

Gutekunst said the Packers are also hopeful unrestricted free agent Davante Adams is with the organization going forward. When asked about using the franchise tag to retain Adams at more than $18 million for 2022, Gutekunst said he’d prefer to reach a long-term deal that works for both sides.

Getting that done might be even more improbable than keeping Rodgers content given Adams position that he wants to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals had the highest wideout salary of $27.25 million in 2021.

The Packers are well over the projected salary cap of $208 million for 2022, even after restructuring the contract of nose tackle Kenny Clark on Wednesday.

Gutekunst professed he is “very confident” the Packers are in position to “compete for championships” with Rodgers and Adams. He said retaining the high-priced playmakers would not prevent the Packers from being competitive, or kick-start a fire sale.

That includes one valuable backup on the roster — Rodgers understudy Jordan Love, a first-rounder in 2020.

“I would be very doutbful to take any of those calls,” Gutekunst said of any trade offers for Love.

Rodgers sent Green Bay and the NFL-watching world into a tizzy with an Instagram post in which he heaped gratitude on Adams and wide receiver Randall Cobb and spoke partially in past tense. But Rodgers said Tuesday in an interview with Pat McAfee that he had no final answers on his future yet.

Gutekunst continues to nurture the relationship with Rodgers, agitated by the Love draft pick and exacerbated by what Rodgers said in 2021 was disrespect from the GM.

In the most recent example of giving his quarterback a voice, he said the franchise welcomed Rodgers’ input on hiring quarterbacks coach Tom Clements for another tour of duty in Green Bay.

Asked to measure the worst possible outcome of losing Rodgers and Adams, Gutekunst said the Packers would still compete.

“We’re going to field a competitive team regardless. We’re the Green Bay Packers,” Gutekunst said. “We may have to do things different ways if those hypotheticals come into play.”

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) leaves the field after a 13-10 loss against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL divisional round football playoff game Saturday January 22, 2022, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Apc Packvs49ers 0122221161djp

Aaron Rodgers, Packers tiptoe into uncertain offseason

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could part ways in what sets up as a challenging offseason in Green Bay.

Rodgers said he will take time to have conversations with “people around here” and make a determination about his future before the start of free agency. Following a loss in the divisional playoffs Saturday night at Lambeau Field, Rodgers’ next move has never been more uncertain as he wrapped his 17th season with the Packers.

“I’m going to take some time and have conversations with the folks around here and then take some time away and make a decision – obviously before free agency,” Rodgers said Saturday postgame. “But it’s fresh right now. It’s a little shocking for sure. Definitely was hoping to have a nice week after the NFC Championship to enjoy the lead up and then start contemplating some things. I haven’t even let the moment really sink in yet.”

The Packers are projected to be $44.8 million over the 2022 salary cap and other major decisions share the front burner with the Rodgers outcome. Wide receiver Davante Adams wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver and said last year there will be no hometown discount to stay in Green Bay.

To keep Rodgers, the Packers would need to sign him to a long-term extension. His cap charge in 2022 is $46 million, negotiated intentionally by Rodgers last offseason when his disdain for the front office came to light.

But Rodgers wants more than that. He was open Saturday about not standing for a rebuilding situation, and has previously stated he wants to have input on personnel around him.

“I think this thing, it’s definitely going to look different moving forward in Green Bay,” Rodgers said. “There’s a lot of decisions, a lot of guys with opportunities, so it’ll be interesting to see what things look like moving forward. But I’m thankful for this time, this team. Super disappointed, bummed out, frustrated with how I played tonight, frustrated with how it ended, but still deeply grateful for this season and these guys.”

Rodgers said the looming questions and subsequent changes have caused him to think about whether a Super Bowl is still possible with the franchise.

“There are a lot of decisions to be made and key players, a lot of guys who played tonight,” he said. “Obviously Davante is the best receiver in the league, and he’s a free agent, knowing they can obviously tag him. Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, so many guys’ contracts are up or on the brink or salary cap stuff, so lot of decisions to be made. I don’t want to be part of a rebuild if I’m going to keep playing, so a lot of decisions in the next couple months.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 3, 2021; St. Joseph, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

S Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs keenly aware of new market value

One chief concern in Kansas City entering the 2021 season is the contract status of safety Tyrann Mathieu. Keeping him became slightly more complicated on Tuesday.

Mathieu, 29, is entering the final season of a three-year contract he signed as a free agent. He will make $14.55 million in 2021.

That’s well below the new bar for players at the position after Jamal Adams signed a four-year, $70 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks to become the NFL’s top-paid safety. He makes an average of $17.5 million per season under the terms of the contract inked Tuesday.

Mathieu said it would be hard to wear “any other uniform” after going to back-to-back Super Bowls with the Chiefs.

“The fans here are amazing. My teammates are amazing. I spoke about the relationships that I have with my coaches,” Mathieu said in the spring. “Some of these things, you can’t buy other places. I’m a guy that’s had to start over quite often, so I would like to stay here — for sure.”

The Chiefs have multiple sizable salaries on the ledger for 2022, and general manager Brett Veach tends to ramp up negotiations closer to the end of an existing contract. He’s also no stranger to the franchise tag.

“We’ve had a chance to talk to Tyrann and his representation, and I think it’s a little bit difficult with the landscape right now of having two cap-shortened offseason and where we are in regards to our offseason projections,” Veach said in an interview with Sirius/XM Radio. “But as we’ve discussed with Tyrann and his crew, it’s one of those situations that where we are now will certainly not be where we are once the season ends, and once we correct some of the things when you have extensions, conversations, trades, (players) move on — every team is certainly in a different position (with) what their books say than (what) they will be in the offseason.

“And we like to think that we’re going to find a way to get this done. And he knows we love him, and we know he wants to be here. And right now, for him, and for us, I think it’s just a timing thing. But there’s not a guy in this league I respect as much as him for the way he goes about his business. And, you know, listen, a lot of these guys, and a lot of these teams — I think we saw the franchise tag period come and go, and no one got done. And there have been a couple of deals, but a lot of these bigger deals haven’t been done for the same reason. Different players handle it in a different way. And just like you’d expect from Tyrann, just complete class. I mean, the guy is special. We love him. And we’re certainly going to work our tail off to keep him here.”

The combined salary cap figures for the Chiefs’ five highest-paid players in 2022 based on existing contracts totals $130 million, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at $35.8 million.

Defensive linemen Chris Jones ($29.4 million) and Frank Clark ($26.3 million) are next with wide receiver Tyreek Hill ($20.7 million) and offensive guard Joe Thuney ($17.8 million) ahead of Mathieu’s projected annual salary of $17.5 million.

–Field Level Media