As quarterback Aaron Rodgers evaluates his future in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers reportedly haven’t closed the door on their future Hall of Famer returning for the 2023 season.
For the third consecutive offseason, Rodgers is contemplating whether or not to continue his NFL career. While many around the league expect him to continue, in large part due to the $60 million he is owed, there is uncertainty regarding what NFL team he’ll play for in 2023.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 103.6 QB rating, 59,055 pass yards, 475 passing touchdowns
The Packers are reportedly prepared to start Love next season, believing he is on the brink of becoming an NFL star. However, the franchise is also under pressure this spring because Rodgers coming back will likely result in Love demanding a trade.
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It’s put even more focus on Rodgers’ decision. Green Bay’s general manager Brian Gutekunst considered starting Love during the 2022 season, but stuck by the Packers’ legend. Now, amid reports that the Packers want to see what its young quarterback has to offer, there is new information on the organization’s stance toward its four-time NFL MVP.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared on the Rich Eisen Show that the Packers want Rodgers back in 2023 if he is fully bought in. The specific phrasing comes days after reporting indicated Green Bay’s coaching staff and front office were displeased with Rodgers’ professionalism last season.
If one of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks determines he wants to keep playing next season, Green Bay might ask more from him than it did in previous seasons. Rodgers likely won’t be allowed to skip as many voluntary workouts and OTAs as he did last season, which proved to be a source of frustration for some within the organization.
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A return would also require a contract adjustment, which Rodgers is receptive to under the right circumstances. Green Bay is nearly $10 million over the 2023 NFL salary cap and it has several holes on the roster that must be addressed.
Another factor to keep in mind is the futures of several veterans on the roster. Rodgers wants Randall Cobb and Marcedes Lewis brought back next season, something the Packers’ front office might not be as receptive to doing. If Green Bay makes it clear that it won’t move off its plans with the roster, Rodgers could ultimately decide to seek a trade.
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