Jan 16, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Aaron Rodgers could be willing to take extreme measures to force the Green Bay Packers to trade him. If the reigning NFL MVP truly wants to play elsewhere, though, he might be out of luck for the 2021 NFL season.
After winning his third MVP award, the All-Pro quarterback approached the Packers about a contract extension. But general manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t want to make a long-term commitment, firmly believing Jordan Love could be ready in another year or two to become the Packers’ quarterback.
Both Gutekunst and team president Mark Murphy stated publicly that wasn’t going to happen. Both men, along with head coach Matt LaFleur, started working to convince the legendary quarterback to stick things out. But Rodgers, known for holding a grudge, still wanted out and NFL rumors have suggested he could pull a Carson Palmer.
While there have been some positive signs as of late, some around the league still believe Rodgers is determined to play elsewhere. Unfortunately for the future Hall of Famer, the Packers are showing zero receptiveness to the idea.
According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Gutekunst is still holding firm that he “will not” trade Rodgers to anyone this year. He is determined to try and make things work, especially with the team in the mix for a Super Bowl run this season.
Green Bay can’t enter Week 1 against the new Orleans Saints with Love or Blake Bortles at quarterback. While this team is talented, things change dramatically with that kind of swing in quarterback talent. Instantly, this club goes from a Super Bowl contender to one that might hold a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Gutekunst knows he can’t afford for that to happen, especially with Rodgers’ teammates and head coach backing him publicly. So, it’s not surprising that the Packers are suddenly willing to discuss a contract extension with Rodgers and showing a willingness to commit to him beyond 2021.
A new deal and a greater commitment to taking a win-now approach might be all it takes. Rodgers is critical of the Packers’ organization, but likes the coaching staff, fans and his teammates. Since Green Bay also offers him the best shot to compete for the Super Bowl, a reunion could be in everyone’s best interests.
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But if the damage is already done and nothing Green Bay does can repair the relationship, Rodgers might just stay away through training camp and into the regular season. If that happens, Gutekunst’s stance could change.
“The Packers would trade Rodgers if they believed he was truly committed to never playing for them again and wanted to get draft picks and players in return instead of forcing him to retire and receiving only the money they’d keep from him refusing to play in any of the final three years on his contract.”
The Athletic’s Green Bay Packers’ beat writer Matt Schneidman
As of now, no one is expecting Rodgers to report for mandatory minicamp and he can afford the daily fines. But in the end, it would still be a surprise if he isn’t playing for the Packers this year.