Davante Adams is obviously making headlines given his contract negotiations have stalled with the team that drafted him in 2014, but he’s headed towards what likely will be a special season in Green Bay, whether it’s part of a last dance (sorry) or on his way towards a long-term contract extension. He’s on pace to cement his status as one of the best Packers receivers in franchise history as he climbs the record books this season. 

Don Hutson’s 99 career touchdowns continue to set a high bar in Packers annals, but Adams can climb all the way to second in franchise history this season if he hauls in eight touchdowns. Currently at 62 scores, Adams trails Jordy Nelson (69) and Sterling Sharpe (65) for fourth place. What’s special about Adams’ numbers is that, should he eclipse eight touchdowns in 2021 and claim sole possession of second place, he’d have achieved those numbers in only eight seasons. Nelson’s 69 scores took 10 seasons.  

After last season’s 18 scores, eight is an incredibly attainable number for Adams, who’s finished four of his last five seasons with double digit touchdowns. And, if Adams does end up getting an extension and staying in Green Bay for three or four more seasons, playing at the level he’s playing now, he could even catch Hutson with around eight scores per year. 

Adams is also closing in on second in franchise history in career receptions. Currently, Adams is fourth in Packers annals with 546 receptions. Nelson holds third at 550, and Sharpe is second with 595. Donald Driver leads the category with 743 receptions. In 2020, Adams had 115 receptions (which also set a franchise record for most receptions in a season). He’ll only need 50 catches in 2021 to claim sole possession of second in franchise history. Just like the touchdown record would be within reach with a contract extension, Adams staying in Green Bay even a few more seasons at his current production rate would easily launch him into sole possession of the receptions record. 

In a storied franchise full of receiving legends, Adams is carving out a significant place for himself. His 2020 statistics of 18 touchdowns and 1,374 receiving yards (in 14 games) help to illustrate not only who Adams is as one of the league’s best, but also what he’s still capable of. It’s fair to wonder if Adams has yet to reach his full potential, and what type of gaudy statistics he could put up in a now 17-game season. 

The First-Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl receiver was always one of the biggest players to watch in 2021, but knowing he’s on the cusp of so many franchise records makes the season feel even bigger going into a contract year. Just how high can Adams climb in Packers history books?