The Aaron Rodgers saga may be nearing a (temporary) conclusion, and he isn’t retiring. Green Bay’s star quarterback has “indicated to people close to him that he does plan to play” for the Packers this season, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
Rapsheet adds that it’s “the expectation.” It’s not quite definitive, but it certainly sounds like Rodgers has made up his mind that he’ll be running it back with the Pack for at least one more year. With Green Bay’s steadfast refusal to trade him, Rodgers only had two real options. Show up soon, or retire. There were reports that he would seriously consider retirement, but they never rang true.
Rodgers is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and since he’ll turn 38 in December he can’t afford to waste too many years as he chases an elusive second Super Bowl ring. Shortly before Rapoport’s report, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst spoke to the media and said the team was still “hopeful for a positive outcome” with respect to Rodgers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network tweets.
Gutekunst likely knew what was about to hit the news wire. While Packers fans (and head coach Matt LaFleur) will now be able to breathe a bit easier, the drama is far from over.
Rodgers’ status will loom large all season, and things could go south in a hurry if the Packers don’t play as well as they did last year. Either way, this will once again become a big issue next offseason at the very least. This feels like a band-aid solution, and Rodgers very well may demand another trade next year when he’ll only have two seasons left on his contract.
For what it’s worth, Packers president Mark Murphy spoke right after this report broke, and said he still didn’t know whether Rodgers would be at training camp on Wednesday. But for now, don’t expect to see 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love take the field anytime soon. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we have any more clarity on Rodgers’ plans.
They must have some sort of “wink,wink” that they’ll trade him when they’re done. Even with the contract is what it is, Rodgers went through a lot of trouble just to report. In any case, there’s zero chance that this doesn’t affect the team’s play. Why the hell wouldn’t you trade him? As a coach or player in Green Bay, who does this benefit? The GM gets to bag a few more wins and go on schedule for his rebuild, but does this help the team at all?
It benefits anyone who wants one more chance at a SB with this group. Considering how close they were last year, they have as good of a shot as just about anyone.
I should clarify. When I say “does it help the team” I meant to ask if the decision benefits the entire team or just management. Sure, the Packers will play better, but an aggravated lame duck QB is a much worse prospect overall because it undermines the rest of the roster’s respect for the administration. They’ll see this as forcing Rodgers to play for Green Bay against his will, like it or not. When it comes to picking between someone they see prove it on the field of someone who is a name in the front office, most players will likely choose the former (even if they may not agree with all that he did).
In any case, even if it reflects poorly on both Rodgers and Gutekunst, only one will be there after next year, and only one will be the guy that players must deal with contractually. Players may agree or disagree with Rodgers, but they’ve seen how Gutekunst handles dissenting players. It will not inspire confidence.
This decision benefits Gutekunst only. They could have traded Rodgers at the height of his value and gotten numerous assets. Now, his value will diminish after a year of aging and wear, plus in all likelihood a worse season. If Gutekunst was truly intent on keeping Rodgers for another year, he may as well have given him some additional weapons to go all in for a title. But he is not keeping Rodgers to win-he is keeping him to tread water until Love is ready. That is the problem. Gutekunst’s plan is more important than what is actually best for the team-which would have been to trade Rodgers, since they do not care to go all in with him to win a Super Bowl.
Even if it does affect the team’s performance a bit, they are still better off with a pissed off Rodgers then rushing Jordan Love into the fire ahead of schedule out of necessity. Rodgers is still gonna bring it, he has his trade value to maintain and legacy to boost. Another SB would be big for him.
The team isn’t going ‘PACK’ it in and play significantly worse over this.
yeah, the whole “affecting the team’s play” is just absurd. its like the lockerroom thing. teams win with headcases, and teams win with players who are unhappy.
I’m pretty shocked to see a comment like this coming from an Eagles fan. We’re you asleep the whole time Howie wrecked team morale and destroyed the team chemistry? Those things are definitely important.
It may not even need to be “wink, wink.” Packer management might be more than willing to move on from Rodgers after this season if they believe they have his successor ready to go. Be competitive this season, maybe even win the Super Bowl. Then land some choice picks/player(s) while trading Rodgers to a sorry-ass losing team. Fun for everyone!
If the Pack wins the Super Bowl (or even gets there), it’s not going to be easy for the FO to justify moving on.
This is my shocked face
I’m Ron Bergundy?
shocker
Probably the last polka
So this whole saga was much ado about nothing? lmao
As I have said for month now the packers would be wise to release Rodgers. This has gone on for way too long it was always about the money. Why bother holding onto a guy who isnt going to get you much in the way of compensation for this year. The draft has past its time to move on and cut the dead wegiht.
Malignant narcissism will allow him to believe he won.