Thursday was a monumental occasion for Los Angeles Rams fans, marking free-agent signing Davante Adams' introductory press conference. The multi-time All-Pro wide receiver signed a two-year, $46 million contract to join the Rams shortly after free agency opened, and the fanbase couldn't wait to hear his thoughts about moving to L.A.
Rams News: Davante Adams Didn't Ask Puka Nacua to Change Jersey Numbers
The six-time Pro Bowl WR's arrival has already impacted the Rams, including how it led to fellow wideout Puka Nacua changing from No. 17 — the number Adams has worn throughout his career — to No. 12. While some fans assumed that the team's recent arrival asked Nacua to swap digits, it turns out that wasn't the case.
"Before I even knew for sure I was headed to L.A., (Nacua) was already talk about wearing 12," Adams said, according to LA Daily News' Adam Grosbard. "For everybody out there that wants to hate me for making them buy a new jersey, I did not tell him or pay him or do anything."
Davante Adams said he did not negotiate with Puka Nacua for #17: "Before I even knew for sure if I was headed to LA he was already talking about wearing 12. For everybody out there that want to hate me for making them buy a new jersey I did not tell him or pay him or do anything"
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) March 13, 2025
Even though Adams' arrival potentially played a minor role in the number change, Nacua swapping to No. 12 isn't exactly out of left field. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound playmaker briefly sported the number during his time with the Washington Huskies before switching over full time when he transferred to BYU.
No matter which numbers they're wearing, Adams and Nacua have the potential to do some damage on the gridiron.
Anyone familiar with the NFL knows exactly what Adams is capable of. The ex-Fresno State Bulldog ranks fourth among active players with 11,844 receiving yards since the start of 2014, while also ranking second in reception (957) and receiving touchdowns (103). He's also averaging 72.2 yards per game (10th).
Although his 2024 performance was far from perfect, Adams still managed to muster an 85-,1063-8 stat line in 14 appearances between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. Considering how both teams' offenses finished with bottom-half Pro Football Focus offense grades, the 32-year-old playmaker's performance is fairly impressive, all things considered.
Meanwhile, Nacua burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023, racking up an eye-popping 1,486 yards and six TDs on 105 catches en route to Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. He was on pace to surpass those numbers in Year 2, however, injuries limited the former 2023 fifth-rounder to just 11 appearances, holding him to a 79-990-3 stat line.
With Adams and the recently released Cooper Kupp as the Rams' WR2, it's going to be interesting to see what Nacua and his new teammate can accomplish. The dynamic duo has the upside to terrorize even the best secondaries in the NFL, meaning it's up to them to stay healthy enough to realize their potential.
The Adams-Nacua team-up is already having a positive effect on the franchise's outlook. The Rams will head into the end of the first week of NFL free agency with the ninth-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+2100) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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