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As NFL rumors swirl, Aaron Rodgers still wants a trade and the Green Bay Packers are refusing to move him. As the reigning NFL MVP and one of the most storied franchises in pro sports feud, many around the league are predicting the outcome.
From Rodgers’ former teammates to Packers’ insiders, beat writers and the club’s former general manager, everyone has weighed in on how things will play out between the two sides.
Rodgers spoke publicly once, hinting at cultural issues in Green Bay. At a time when many expected the franchise to do damage control, CEO Mark Murphy suggested Rodgers was divisive and used the late Ted Thompson to take another shot at No. 12 Meanwhile, the All-Pro quarterback is receiving support from his star wide receiver and his left tackle is enjoying the drama.
As both sides remain divided and Rodgers racks up fines for skipping mandatory practices, his former teammate John Kuhn recently weighed in during an interview with the Sports Junkies.
“It’s going to be an interesting stretch here. I personally believe nothing is going to happen until training camp. But I do eventually believe, because the Packers hold some serious leverage, too, I do believe the reigning NFL MVP will play quarterback again in the NFL. And I believe the only team he can play for this year is the Green Bay Packers.”
Former Green Bay Packers FB John Kuhn on Aaron Rodgers’ holdout (H/T Yahoo Sports)
Kuhn finds a middle ground and is taking a pragmatic approach to the situation. He is keenly aware that with Green Bay denying trade inquiries and Rodgers under contract, there is nowhere else for the three-time NFL MVP to go. If he’s committed to never playing for the Packers again, that would mean sitting out the upcoming season.
For all of the issues he has with the Packers’ front office, turning down more than $30 million and a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with close friends is a lot to lose. With that said, this saga could still drag out a bit longer.
Will Aaron Rodgers report for training camp?
Read More: Aaron Rodgers trade unlikely, ‘decent chance’ he sits out 2021 NFL season
After racking up $93,000 in fines for skipping mandatory minicamp, the next date everyone is watching on the Packers’ schedule is NFL training camp. While it doesn’t begin until the middle of July, Kuhn doesn’t think we’ll see Rodgers immediately.
“I believe there is a possibility he sits out a portion of [training camp]. This is a guy that through 16 years of his career, has never missed one voluntary practice, let alone anything mandatory. This is a guy that I fully trust if he has two weeks of preparation for the opening day game down in New Orleans against Sean Payton and the Saints, he will be just fine to run this offense, lead this offense and sling it at a good clip.”
John Kuhn on whether or not Aaron Rodgers will play for Packers in 2021, (H/T Yahoo Sports)
Related: Green Bay Packers’ latest Aaron Rodgers jab confirms worst suspicions about team’s culture
For every day of training camp missed, Rodgers would be fined $50,000. Looking at the Green Bay Packers schedule, that would mean he would owe the franchise $500,000 before their first preseason game on Aug. 14.
If Rodgers is truly willing to ride this out for the entire year, he’ll lose out on more than $30 million and would be required to pay back a portion of his signing bonus. Given he’ll turn 38 in December, wasting one of his remaining seasons of elite play is a massive gamble.
There will continue to be a ton of speculation regarding Rodgers playing or retiring in 2021. Those close to him clearly expect him to suit up for the Packers.
Read More: NFL insider predicts where Aaron Rodgers will play in 2021