Either Extensions are Coming, or Rodgers' Time in Green Bay is Ending After 2021

The Packers' salary cap decisions could lend insight into how much time remains in the Rodgers era.

The Packers have never really been a team to kick the salary cap can down the road; it's one of the ways they've managed to remain competitive over such an extended period of time. Under several front office administrations, they've been excellent at managing money, and knowing when to move on from players or avoid tying themselves to burdensome contracts.

The restructures over the last couple days, particularly that of Za'Darius Smith, might have some wondering whether the Packers have changed their long-time philosophy. 

Instead, I would argue this is an indication that there are extensions happening sooner than later.

The Smith restructure is the best example of that. In restructuring Smith rather than extending him, as many expected the Packers to do, the Packers significantly increased Smith's cap hit for 2022. 

Now, one would assume that this means the Packers will continue trying to work out a deal to extend Smith long-term so that his hit in 2022 is much more palatable in what will be another relatively down year for the salary cap. This would be true with other players they've restructured in recent days as well; it could be a sign that they're just working something out for this year, and they'll revisit extensions later on.

But the fact that the Packers have not yet restructured Aaron Rodgers' contract could be an indicator of a different plan. The Packers might be operating under the assumption Rodgers will not be with the team in 2022, as they can clear a significant amount of space by shedding his contract and will have a starter on a rookie contract, giving them much more cap flexibility.

The point of this article is not to debate the merits of that potential path; I think we are all well aware of the dangers of moving on from an MVP quarterback for an unknown commodity, and there's plenty of time to beat that issue to death over the course of this year if the Packers indeed do not restructure Rodgers.

Rather, I'm interested in how we can start reading between the lines in some of these contract moves that have been made the last couple days. To me, it is very telling that as of this writing on Wednesday evening, Rodgers has not yet restructured his contract. if the team was focused on clearing as much cap space as possible for this season, Rodgers would have been a prime candidate for a restructure.

Restructuring Rodgers, however, would also extend his stay with the team. If the Packers are not committed to him for the long term, they do not have much incentive to restructure when they have a relatively easy out after the 2021 season.

It's going to be fascinating to continue to watch what happens. But my prediction is thus: if the Packers do not restructure or extend Rodgers by training camp, 2021 will be his last year as a Green Bay Packer.

 

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__________________________

Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

__________________________

6 points
 

Comments (102)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Packer_Fan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 06:07 am

You gotta be crazy. The Packers have been very consistent. They said they wanted to keep P Smith and they did. They said they wanted to keep Jones and they did. They are barely under the cap and need to sign more FA's and draftees. The Packers will extend Adams if they can and then restructure Rodgers if they need to for the signings needed. Rodgers is the biggest pot to draw from.

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LambeauPlain's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:02 am

I agree with you. Click bait article and it worked!

The earlier moves were to simply meet the cap deadline. Now the goals will be to get more money under the cap to sign draft class and fill holes with talented vets cut by other teams as cap casualties ...especially at C, CB, OL, and ILB as you correctly state.

And Adams and Rodgers will gladly help the Pack restructure their deals to get big money to fine tune the roster for another run for a SB.

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PatrickGB's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:30 am

I think that it is more than click bait. Something has to give here. Rodgers has already extended last year and we have a #1 Pick as his backup. So it’s not crazy to wonder what it all means. However, my guess is that there was a time crunch to get under the cap and meant a few moves that were not ideal. I would not be surprised if Aaron Rodgers is not as willing to restructure his contract as he once was before last year’s draft.

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LambeauPlain's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:40 am

So when Rodgers and Adams restructure what will be the narrative?

Both guys are great team leaders and after Jonesy took less as a top FA to stay, and Baht, Amos, Z, Preston Smith (also a pay cut) restructured....the two leaders will not if Gutey asks them to do the same? They will get the same money.

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NickPerry's picture

March 18, 2021 at 06:44 am

Just ONCE I'd like to hear a story where Rodgers approached Gute and said, hey Gute, let me take a PAY CUT so you can go out get what we need to get over the top.

I mean the dude has made monopoly money in the NFL and a TON more in endorsements with State Farm and others. Talk about a way of making yourself one of the most beloved Packers of all time...EVER! Brady did it. Mahomes did it. It's time Rodgers SHOWED how much he wants to win other than taking about it.

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Fabio's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:06 am

Given that I support the fact that the engagement of AR is a stopper, I also think:
Rodgers would have to reduce his salary to be able to acquire players, but when Gute has acquired players in D or Offense to allow Ar to win ???
Ah I already forgot! last year he wrote Love .......
Greetings to all of Italy
I really hope they extend Rodgers
GoPackGo

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edp1959's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:18 am

How many opportunities have the Packers front office had to get over the top? You only have to look as far back as last year. Rodgers doesn't owe the Packers a damn thing. Let them get rid of him and then we can see what the 3rd string clip board holder can do.

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 06:12 pm

"How many opportunities have the Packers front office had to get over the top?"

One per year. Just like everyone else.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:40 am

The funny thing is, the players you talk about didn't really take pay cuts. They just made deals which changed the way they got paid. They made deals to take money off the cap, but they still got their money.

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:50 am

In most cases they get MORE money because they shift cash or roster bonuses they otherwise might not get into guaranteed money (signing bonuses) they get now.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:04 am

Exactly right Dobber.

In Brady's case, he has done these things forever which make him look like a huge team player. Lets not lose the sight that he is still making his money.

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wildbill's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:51 am

And his wife makes tons more money than him which enables him to take less

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:57 am

Not to mention those offshore accounts that the Krafts have been supposedly funneling money to them through.

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jannes bjornson's picture

March 18, 2021 at 02:02 pm

Now we're getting hot.

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PeteK's picture

March 19, 2021 at 09:04 am

No way, the wholesome Patriots would never cheat.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:20 am

Dang, I completely overlooked that. (pounds head on table) Well, back to work. (PowerPoint will be the death of me...)

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Rossonero's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:46 am

I've wondered about this too. Given the other examples you noted, it's not like it's out of the question for Rodgers to at least consider this option. He will continue to earn considerable endorsement dollars after he retires from the NFL. On top of that, we all know he's worried about his legacy.

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Coldworld's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:27 am

Just pointing out that there could be further moves to enable off season activity.

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blondy45's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:33 am

I agree Rossonero. At this point in Rodgers career, money should not be an issue. A true leader wants what is best for himself AND HIS TEAMMATES. IMO he should take a pay cut, get his help he needs now, and then Legacy will take care of itself!

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PeteK's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:51 am

Blondy and Ross. The MVP and not even close to the highest paid QB should take a pay cut? Read what RC and Dobber have posted. Nobody in the NFL takes pay cuts unless they're under performing.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 19, 2021 at 07:10 am

Tom Brady do!

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PeteK's picture

March 19, 2021 at 09:05 am

I'm not diminishing Brady's greatness, but at this point he cannot do what Rodgers does on the field. Compare their seasons, and look at some of those lasers Rodgers throws while on the move. I think Rodgers is worth the extra money. Put Rodgers on the Bucks and the Miami record could be threatened.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:08 am

The question is how long can the Packers keep their playoff window open. Would extending and or restructuring Rodgers and Adams contracts give them that extra window of time. I'm pretty grim on this long term. But if the Packers can keep their core players along with a strong draft then they could be back with Rodgers in the playoff hunt in short order. All depends on what they would have to jettison short term to get under the Cap. It is a tough call either way.

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Coldworld's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:29 am

Getting old and more expensive has been a great way to kill a team. Going too long on older players is a very high risk game. Better to keep some flexibility if one can.

2 points
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Big_Mel_75's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:13 am

You would have to have faith they actually would go out and sign the pieces to help you. But when your GM traded up for a QB in round 1 last year after 13-3 season and in the NFCCG.... Packers brass are ok with NFCCG and NFC North titles and nothing more... As long as they have Rodgers they think they have enough..

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:23 am

They have enough because they have a sold out stadium for years to come. Thanks, Since '61

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4thandinches's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:18 am

Have you approached your boss, volunteering to take a pay cut? I know I haven't!

And, as others have mentioned, players restructuring their deals like you mentioned means they get the same amount of money sooner because they get it at signing instead of years later. That allows them to invest it and earn more money than the would have received if they didn't restructure the deal. Many agents have spun these restructures to make it appear like the players are doing the team a favor but that's not the truth

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Archie's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:52 am

Yes, what is worth more: a dollar today or 4 years from now? Economists refer to it as the opportunity cost of capital.

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:58 am

That money 4 years from now will be lost if they get cut. It's virtual money, not real money.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:22 pm

Actually we refer to it as the present value of money. Opportunity cost is based on the rate of return for spending X amount of money versus the rate of return for not spending X amount of money. Thanks, Since '61

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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 11:35 am

Gute can't get new talent for Rodgers when he has the money and the resources.

So if Rodgers wants skill players, he has to pay for them?

Brady took pay cuts because he knew the Patriots wouldn't spend the money on foolish bad contracts.

Rodgers wanted some input in players from upper management. They told him...players play, and managers manage.

But he should take a 15 million dollar pay cut?

Remember the Nick Perry contract? Maybe Rodgers should have payed for his contract?

GET REAL!!

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BuckyBadger's picture

March 20, 2021 at 09:48 am

This is pro sports my friend. These guys all play for pay and they all try to maximize their earning power. Brady and Mahomes just pushed money out. They didn't take less like so many want to believe.

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Fabio's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:13 am

And above all I wonder when AR was involved in the choices of the Pack.
He has always been made to feel like "a player", on which to load the expectations and on which to put the problem solving.
AR may not have been excellent in some years and some games, but he has always been treated as a "normal" player who only has to think about playing for what he was paid for ..... and maybe now he will sadly continue to do so.
I also hope that the salary will be reduced to encourage the team to acquire useful players, but I doubt that it will ... also because I have doubts that BG would then acquire useful players ...
PS if Ar reduces the engagement, we should also make a statue close to Vince's

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:20 am

The fact that they haven't restructured thus far doesn't mean that they won't with Rodgers. It also doesn't mean that the plan is to get rid of him after this year either. It just means that they haven't come to an agreement at this point.

I'm willing to bet that prior to the draft last year Rodgers would have done a little bit of anything to help GB out by restructuring. But then they traded up to draft Love. You can bet he is still pissed at that move. Then it was reported in January that they approached him about restructuring his contract. Well Rodgers has a bit of leverage right now. Who wouldn't use that? His leverage is to say, "fine I will structure but you have to give me ___ amount of guarantees". Can anyone blame him for wanting to do that. I don't. The Packers probably don't want to give him the guarantees right now, until they know more about Love honestly.

Now, maybe they are still negotiating, maybe they are working on doing an extension or whatever else. We really don't know what is going to happen.

I agree that this will be a interesting story to watch.

In the mean time, the Packers got under the cap. Hopefully they can find a way to get a few new players in FA. There are a lot of really good players out there yet. And get an extension done with Adams as well.

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:35 am

I think the key idea with ARod is that the Packers know that if they see an opportunity, they can tap that resource to generate some liquid cash. But they also know that in doing that, they're limiting their options moving forward because they'll either need to extend the commitment, or guarantee more money against future caps. Because ARod has mostly been about wanting to be compensated for his status, it seems unlikely that he'll go to management and make concessions.

More than anything else, I think the Packers want to stay flexible in their options with #12. They don't want to be locked in to keeping him longer than they'd planned, and they don't want to be forced to ditch sooner than they'd like, either. Part of this is keeping his contract palatable for keeping him OR for dealing him (another team needs to take on his contract or renegotiate him up front). They're walking a pretty thin line.

15 points
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TimBackes's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:36 am

I think you're right on the money, Dobber.

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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:55 am

Mostly just paraphrasing you, Tim. ;)

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:48 am

Yeah I get that Dobber.

I think the stand off right now or was that Rodgers wants more long term guarantees where the Packers want to be more flexible. Can you really blame either side?

To me looking at it from the outside looking in, I think that is what is going on.

My assumption if they can't agree on something a little more long term, they will make a deal where they turn some of his salary for this year into signing bonus money, to take some off the cap.

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TimBackes's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:35 am

Yeah for the record I still think it's more likely they restructure/extend than not, it's still early in the offseason. But it's interesting that all these other restructures got done before we heard anything about Rodgers.

One would think Rodgers would be interested in a restructure, as it would make it less easy for the Packers to move on and thus give Rodgers a bit more security.

If I had to guess, I'd say a deal gets done sometime this offseason, if not in the next few weeks. But if not... he's gone IMO.

1 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:58 am

Yeah i think they will make some sort of a deal. Like I said to Dobber, at the very least they will do a deal turning money into signing bonus to take money off the cap.

I think its all about the language of the contract. I am willing to bet he wants more long term guarantees. No easy out clause after this year or next.

I can see that scenario working out that way. I just don't think its automatically going to happen that way if a deal doesn't get done in the next few weeks.

We shall see though. In the famous words of Nagler. Lotta game left.

3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:34 pm

An asteroid may hit the Earth and wipe out humanity next year. There is more chance of that happening than there is of GB not restructuring AR. And if the former happens the latter won't matter.

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Archie's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:11 am

Yes, we don't have enough info yet to determine what the Pack has in mind for AR long term. If they restructure him they will be on the hook for more dead cap later on if they trade him, suggesting he would likely be staying around longer than if they leave his contract as is.

It seems we are down to Rodgers (restructure) or Adams (extension) as their next move. So far they have avoided extensions but Adams could be a unique case as in they know his value, the sooner you extend him the better and it will save you big cap space in 2021. So I think Adams is next and Rodgers after that if and only if, necessary to bring in a guy like Fuller.

With DET signing Boyle and Williams, it would be nice to see the Pack sign Golladay but price may be too high. You might be able to get Fuller on a 2 year deal for $20 MM whereas Golladay may cost that for one year alone.

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

March 19, 2021 at 07:16 am

I agree, NO ONE knows for sure other than those at 1265 Lombardi... BUT as FA fly out the window just how long does Gute wait before "making a move" to get the players needed. I have news for you. This team NEEDS a veteran CB who isn't a total and complete liability in coverage or has brain fart games 6 times a year like King. All I'm saying is how long can you wait?

0 points
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Lphill's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:36 am

Let Rodgers go after this year let him pull a Tom Brady and win with a team that goes all in while the fiscal conservative Packers and Jordan Love ride off into obscurity.

-12 points
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pacman's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:49 am

Considering recent qb trilas of Hundley and Kiser, I'm not too high Love.
I don't blame them for picking Love since it did look like AR was going downhill a bit. So if it was Love that motivated him or not, I don't know. But now, I see no purpose to push for Love.

Remember last year's poll about whether you would have preferred a SB together with losing seasons or just have playoff seasons with no SB. It's a great question but I say go for it now while you have a HOF qb playing well and if we have to rebuild for a few years with losing seasons, so be it. With the cap, that's basically how it has to work. HOF qb's are no sure thing. No reason to think Love will be one.

1 points
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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:52 am

"Remember last year's poll about whether you would have preferred a SB together with losing seasons or just have playoff seasons with no SB. "

Last year? Wasn't that in Al's column 3 weeks ago?

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:48 am

Three weeks ago was before the official start of the new season, so, one can deem it as last season, I guess.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:12 am

In football speak, yes.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:53 am

The writing is on the wall. And Gute isn't going all in because of it. Thats just a fact jack. And maybe Rodgers has had enough. The out clause works both ways. The PR game is on. It's Gute vs Rodgers. And the more everyone finds FAULT with Rodgers. The more Gute will win your hearts. Management made it a one way street with #4. It will do it with #12. And it was done with Brady and New England. How good are the Patriots; you Gute Lovers? Any Divorce is ugly. My only thinking is; If Rodgers goes, Gute should too.

-7 points
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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:58 am

"My only thinking is; If Rodgers goes, Gute should too."

...then I wish you'd gotten to this six or seven incoherently rambling sentences ago.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:28 am

Cookie! Thanks, Since '61

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stockholder's picture

March 18, 2021 at 11:47 am

Like you don't

1 points
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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 01:28 pm

busted...

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 18, 2021 at 02:08 pm

Right, if Gutedkunst blows this draft, his days should be numbered.Play to Win It.

0 points
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dobber's picture

March 19, 2021 at 09:26 am

What are the criteria for a blown draft? Whose draft board are his picks going to be compared to? How are you going to evaluate how he trades capital? There's no objective way to determine this in under 2-3 years other than popular opinion.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:23 am

I see this as prudence. An extension for Z would have tied us long term at an advancing age. Contracts can be extended in future too. This buys time to see if he remains healthy and what happens with Covid and the cap. If you can buy time without over mortgaging the future, now is one time when it seems particularly acute to keep options open.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:26 am

They didn’t draft Love so he could sit on the bench for four years and then leave in FA.

We’re going to take another shot with Rodgers this year. If we come up short, I think we could see a change.

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Coldworld's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:35 am

I see him as insurance designed to give the team a fall back plan in the event Rodgers gets hurt, hangs up his boots or just physically declines. If Rodgers continues at a high level, trade and redraft is quite conceivable.

9 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:26 am

Totally agree!

Love is actually a 5 year insurance policy since he is a first rounder. And there will be ample time to develop and evaluate his talent and/or entertain offers as desperate teams always overpay for QBs.

6 points
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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 02:42 pm

The good news for Love is that, now that Boyle left, he officially won the 2nd string QB job.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:38 pm

Hell of a way to win a job.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

March 19, 2021 at 08:35 am

It will be interesting if Love gets beat out by whichever late round pick or UDFA the Packers bring in to try for the #3 spot. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:36 am

But they won't just turn it over to Love if he isn't ready. That part will be factored into any decisions made.

When Rodgers took over for Favre they had a good idea he was ready. They didn't know for sure, but they had a good idea. At this point Love has played in 0 games, and has had limited snaps in practice.
That is a big reason why I'm skeptical that they are just going to get rid of Rodgers after this year.

4 points
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Archie's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:23 am

Correct. For the Pack to trade Rodgers before 2022 season two things would have to happen:

1 - Rodgers level of play would have to decline significantly in 2021 (very unlikely); and,

2 - Love would have to blow them away in practices and the pre-season and maybe some regular season play should Rodgers lose time due to injury (also very unlikely).

So if I were a betting man, I'd bet Rodgers stays a Packer at least through the 2023 season.

If AR hasn't won a SB by then and Love has developed into the player you thought he would when you drafted him, AROD gets traded to finish his career elsewhere. If, however, Love does not develop as expected, you keep Rodgers and dump Love in a trade and redraft a QB for the future.

6 points
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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:12 am

Yup I agree with you Archie. I feel the same way.

2 points
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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:16 pm

I agree with both of you.

Lets say...just for a laugh or two, the Packers keep Rodgers, but declare that the starting QB job is open next season and they have to win the job in camp.

Is there any scenario that Love could even come close to winning the starting job? It could happen i guess, like if....
1) Rodgers turned into a raging alcoholic who drank at work.
2) Rodgers drug dealers delivered him his opioids and Fentanyl, walking right up to Rodgers demanding payment as he's under center in camp.
3) Rodgers broke his leg....wait, he'd still win, check that....
4) Rodgers broke both his legs.
5) Rodgers got busted for extorting 10 million dollars from Mark Murphy for giving him job security all these years.
6) Love laced Rodgers Gatorade with anti-freeze everyday in camp.

It could happen people.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:31 am

Yep...and in 2023 Love will STILL be under his rookie contract in year 4 of his 5 year deal.

1 points
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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:26 pm

Good Sir.....

1st round picks are all 4 year deals with a 5th year team option.

The good news for Love is, he could earn over 12 million dollars even if he never played.

A pretty good start in life at 25 years old, even if you fail.

Only in America!!

0 points
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dobber's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:02 pm

"So if I were a betting man, I'd bet Rodgers stays a Packer at least through the 2023 season."

I'd take that bet. If I'm the Packers, I need a trade of #12 to help fuel a restocking with high draft picks in return AND with cap room. They've got to find a way to get the most out of him on the field and still sell high. I think that's 2021 and maybe 2022 at most.

0 points
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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:38 pm

There is some truth in what dobber says. At this point with Rodgers after this season, he'll be 38 and kissing 39. I think if you got a high 1st round pick...top 7, you're happy with that.
(Just don't use it to draft a bench player, cough)

I remember after the Packers 2005 season, i wanted the Packers to trade Favre, it's all i talked about.

Not just because Favre and the team ***t the bed that season.
But because he still had some value in the trade market. Also because i was sick of the annual retirement talk and the rest of the diva drama with Favre.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:46 pm

I make this calculation with cars regularly. I want to get the best years out of it but sell it for a good price before the transmission blows or the engine seizes. This is tough timing. Usually I give up years of good service for a modest return.

So, that's not what I do. I drive them almost into the ground.

That's what the Packers will and should do. I rarely flatly disagree with dobber.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:55 am

RC, if my memory serves me.....

Rodgers played a little his rookie year in a blowout loss to Baltimore.
He played in relief of Favre his second year and broke his foot.

So basically, very little real action in his first two years. Yet, when the coaches were quoted on Rodgers, the phrase "he just needs to play" came out quite a bit.

Then his third year, he came on in relief against Dallas and played pretty well. For many, it was the first time they considered life after Favre. Then came the overtime INT , Favre's faux retirement, unretirement, blah blah blah. Sources in a position to know said that if Favre had sincerely wanted to come back to Green Bay, they would have made Rodgers wait another year. Would that have been in the best interests of the Packers?

Favre had gas in the tank when we parted company. So will Rodgers. Love, with a strong team around him, will be ready unless the 1265 brass has made a colossal mistake.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I'd like to ask you something. How many chances does Rodgers get before it's somebody else's turn? I mean, he won MVPs three times in the last ten years, no trips to the Super Bowl . We had the league's leading offense three times, in 2011, 2014, and 2020.

But in the playoff losses that have ended our season, beginning in 2011, We've scored 20, 31,20, 22, 20, 21, 20, and finally 26. So other than the blowout loss to Kaepernick, we're pretty much stuck at 20-22.

I'm sure that there are no shortage of explanations for this that don't involve Rodgers, but this is his record over the last 10 years. At some point, it seems like it's time to let somebody else try. With the cap space he eats up, and the picks we could get in a trade, we could put a pretty good team around Love.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:32 am

I believe you are right with Rodgers and his first few years.

But there was 1 HUGE difference between Rodgers Rookie year and Loves. Rodgers had the full offseason practices and 4 preseason games to get work in. Love didn't have any of that this year. How much do the Packers know about Love at this point? They may know some things, but they won't know how he plays games until he gets in them. He has had little practice reps and no offseason in his first year. Also who knows what this coming offseason will look like. Will they have camps?

The big difference with Favre's end and Rodgers is that Favre made it easy to make the switch and move on. Favre's indecisions on retirement and then announcing he was going to retire made it easy for them to make the switch. Rodgers isn't doing that.

If you move on from Rodgers you have to be damn sure that Love is ready and he is going to be at the very least pretty good. If you move on from Rodgers to soon, Love isn't ready, the GM just committed career suicide.

As for those loses in playoffs. How much can you pin on Rodgers? How much on other players? In those loses how many points did the defense give up?

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blondy45's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:47 pm

Super post Leatherhead. I could not agree more with your last 3 paragraphs for sure. Father time never loses, so will Rodgers......eventually. Sell while there is a MVP talent waiting for NFL have not QB owners. Someone will pay tooooooo much.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:02 pm

RC in the Packers 9 playoff losses during Rodgers career the Packers defense has allowed an average of 35.8 points per game. IMO, it's a lot to expect an offense to score 36+ points per game against the league's better defenses which we face during the playoffs.

Imagine Rodgers with the 2020 Bucs defense, or Seattle's defense in 2013-14. We'd have at least 3-4 more SBs and maybe more. Thanks, Since '61

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 18, 2021 at 09:40 pm

Yup, exactly. Its easy to blame the QB, but when you have to average 30+ points to win a game, its pretty impossible to do it game in and game out. Think about the Cardinals game a few years back. Rodgers leads them down with 2 hail mary bombs to tie it up. Only for the defense to give the game away.

Just against Tampa. If King doesn't give up the TD before half time. Who knows what happens in this game.
Not saying that the offense didn't have flaws, but if the defense plays better. We likely win more games.

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Since'61's picture

March 19, 2021 at 08:38 am

Absolutely correct RC. Lombardi's defense allowed 9.7 points per game in their 10 playoff games. Imagine Rodgers and the Packers with that type of defense. Thanks, Since '61

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blondy45's picture

March 19, 2021 at 08:45 am

I agree the playoff Packer's defense has played sub par. Even in the most recent loss to the Bucs though, the defense took the ball away from Brady THREE times (should have been 4). The QB led offense did not convert them into any points. The late 4th quarter red zone stall, has to be blamed partly on the QB. Some poor throws, also not the best play designs too. The King saga will now end. He was always a poor tackler. Hope we can do better at the 2nd CB slot this year. Go Pack Go.

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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 02:59 pm

"They didn’t draft Love so he could sit on the bench for four years and then leave in FA."

Hmmm.....did they draft him to sit on the bench for 3 years? Then earn himself a 2nd contract in his 4th year with Starting QB money?

A lot has to happen during that time...
1) Complete a pass
2) Show he has the talent to be an effective NFL starter, and all that entails.

I'm not sure why they drafted Love.

If we come up short again, could it be because we gave up 3 easy TD's with inept pass coverage?

Who knows....maybe Jordan Love can be MVP, of pre-season, like Brett Hundley was in 2015.

But first......we should may be hear some positive things Love is doing in this years training camp, because we didn't hear anything positive last training camp, quite the opposite.

If being a good starting QB in the NFL was easy, everybody would be doing it.

Just because you were picked in the first round, that alone doesn't mean you have what it takes to make you a good starting QB.
That's been proven through the decades.

For some reason....it seems to be "assumed" around here.

To be good enough to win a NFCCG and/or win a starting QB job in the NFL....one special thing has to happen....you have to PROVE it.

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Fabio's picture

March 18, 2021 at 04:03 pm

I just think that if instead of LOVE we had drafted either an ILB (Queen ?? even if she didn't have a good season this year could already be of help and we would have one less need) or a WR (there would have been so many that we could have taken and this season we wouldn't need to re-sign AJ) this season we could have been very far in building the team

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LambeauPlain's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:18 am

It was reported the Packers have already talked with the two stars AR & DA about restructuring their deals once they met the cap deadline.

Does anybody think these two team leaders would have to told Gutey to "pound sand"?

An unusually high number of good players have been cut by other teams and I am confident both players will be delighted to help get additional talent onto the roster.

I am impressed how well Gutey & Ball did the hard work before the deadline to keep most of the band together. Now he can go shopping with help from his two team leaders.

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13TimeChamps's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:39 am

In a perfect world, that's exactly what would happen. Let's hope it happens in the real world.

You would think, at this point in his (Rodger's) career, money wouldn't be the main driving force. The man has already made enough money for 10 lifetimes. Another Super Bowl to add to his legacy? Or an even fatter bank account?

I realize it's easy to come on here and tell other people what to do with their money. Personally, I hope they all get together and work it out. I would love nothing more than to see both Rodgers and Adams finish their careers in GB. And hopefully hoist at least one more Lombardi in the process.

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PatrickGB's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:44 am

I don’t expect to see a whole lot of shopping except maybe at the thrift store. But from my experience I have found some nice things at the thrift store once in a while.

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Packers0808's picture

March 18, 2021 at 11:04 am

I highly doubt Rodgers will be going anywhere unless he retires before his contract comes due, whether redone or not. My guess is working Adams thru a new deal now and then take up Rodgers! There are still some decent FAs left out there yet as of now.

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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 11:42 am

Tim Backes is spot on.

I think Rodgers just wants his money guaranteed, because that tells him, the Packers plan to keep him here.

If they don't guarantee him anything, that speaks volumes.

As far as kicking the salary cap down the road, the Packers have been learning from the Cowboys, because that is exactly what they are doing.

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Swisch's picture

March 18, 2021 at 11:44 am

What we don't know is the relationship Aaron Rodgers has with the Packers.
How does he interact with coaches and teammates?
Is he a true leader who deserves such a huge piece of the salary cap pie?
It's difficult to gauge how long Rodgers will continue as a top player, but the key is what the Packers think of him as a person.
If Rodgers is all in with the Packers, then I'm glad to take some risks that come with his aging.
If Rodgers isn't all in with the Packers, the team won't win another Super Bowl with him, anyway -- and I'd move on as soon as possible.

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stockholder's picture

March 18, 2021 at 12:07 pm

A guy who wins the MVP. Is all in. It's management that didn't get the needs right.

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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 02:30 pm

Very interesting Swish....
I have a different question....Are the Packers all in with Aaron Rodgers?

If Rodgers isn't all in with the Packers you'd move on as soon as possible?
Move on to what...a 5-11 season?

If you watch and listen to coaches press conference's, player interviews, NFL talking heads. I think then you might have a better idea of relationships and how he interacts with teammates. Not to mention what people around the league think of him.

Rodgers has been the starting QB since 2008, he's won a few games, he's won a bit of hardware i'm guessing.
It's puzzling, even a bit troubling, that you ask those questions after all this time.

But in a couple, maybe 3 more years, i have a feeling all your questions will be answered for you when you watch the Green Bay Packer Games.....Post Rodgers.

There are two things i'm damn sure of after Rogers leaves...
1) Winning...won't be a given

2) There will be a lot less job security around the Packers front office.

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Swisch's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:39 pm

So there's never been any question about whether Rodgers has been fully cooperative with his head coach?
There's been no concern at all that Rodgers may want to play hero ball rather than take the surer short passes that move the chains?
Also, would it be impossible for a star quarterback to be resistant to coaching and want to do things his way?
If those are puzzling, even a bit troubling questions, then I guess I'm living in an alternate universe.
Thing, is, it seems I've read those concerns here at CHTV. Maybe not. Either way, I'm concerned.
***
By the way, winning wasn't a given with Rodgers in the two seasons before the hiring of our current head coach. He's great, but he can't do it alone.
Nowadays, even if the Packers continue to win 13 games a season, the team still won't win a Super Bowl if Rodgers is not on board with our head coach.
If on that last drive against the Bucs that fell short on the 8-yard-line, Rodgers wasn't in sync with his head coach, that would explain a lot to me as to why the Packers didn't get the ball in the end zone. I don't know what actually happened, but I think it's a fair question.
If Rodgers throws 50 touchdown passes this season for 5,000 yards and isn't all in with his head coach, then the Packers will falter just short of the Super Bowl again.
***
I want Rodgers with the Packers. I'm a big fan, and a sincere fan. I want the best for him. He's welcome over for a scotch or a cup of tea.
I'm still going to question him, though. I'm not going to idolize him. I don't think he'd want that, anyway.
Perhaps he doesn't like the system of our head coach. He may feel constrained. He may think the Packers want him to hit singles and doubles when he's better at swinging for the fences.
It would be totally understandable for Rodgers to feel that way. He could be happier elsewhere. That's okay.
If Rodgers is all in with the current Packers, I'm all in with him.
If he's not, then it's best for all concerned that he move on.
In either case, although there are never any guarantees, I'm excited about the future of the Packers.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:16 pm

Swisch, There is only one point you need to realize about Aaron Rodgers. That is if the rest of the players on the team played as well as Rodgers plays his position on the team the Packers would be undefeated SB champions a few times over at least.

You recently read and commented on Dusty's review of the Lombardi Sweep. Did you see any of those Packer players missing their blocks or failing to run hard? Did it seem like Starr was playing alone? NO, because everyone was executing their role on all of those plays. That's the reason for their success and that's what I mean when I post that if everyone on the Packers played as well as Rodgers the Packers would be SB champs multiple times. Another point, in 10 playoff games Lombardi's defense allowed 97 points. That is 9.7 points per game. What do you think Aaron Rodgers and the Packers record would be if he played with a defense that allowed less than 10 points per game, in the playoffs no less.

You mentioned how he played in the 2 years prior to the arrival of MLF. In 2017 the Packers were 4-0 when Rodgers was lost for the season in the first quarter of the Vikings game. For me at least, that makes it tough to blame the 2017 season results on Rodgers level of play. Once Rodgers was down for the season the Packers went 3-8-1 without him. Kind of answers the questions about the coaches, the other players and Rodgers value to the team.

In 2018, Rodgers was hurt in the opener against the Bears and suffered another injury during the season. He played through both injuries in a season where the team was going nowhere and the HC was fired. If he wasn't all in he could have easily sat out at a few games that season. But he showed up every week and played with his teammates. That should answer the leadership question.

As for his relationship with MLF, Rodgers and MLF have spent a ton of time together since MLF arrived in Green Bay working on the Packers offensive scheme together. Rodgers and MLF are often shown either hugging or patting each other after a big play or TD. Team's do not go 13-3 for 2 consecutive seasons with a QB and HC who are not on the same page. Rodgers has thrown 11 interceptions in the last 3 seasons. If he wasn't all in his decision making and ball security wouldn't be that extraordinary.

If they were not on the same page at the end of the game against the Bucs, how did they make it down to the 8 yard line? More importantly if there was any miscommunication that is on the HC not the player(s). That's why coaches call timeouts or at least they should. The players should have been prepared for that situation during the week leading up to the game. Beyond that MLF has admitted that he did not clearly communicate with Rodgers for that final series of downs. The question we should be asking is why is MLF taking the ball out of the hands of his best player for any reason in that situation?

Rodgers is a smart guy. If he is not all in why wouldn't he just retire and walk away. Why is a a smart, relatively healthy guy risking long term, permanent injury for a game or a team that he is not all in with. The answer is obvious. He wants to play, he wants to compete, he wants to win and he wants to do that in Green Bay. Until he claims that has changed or until he can no longer play effectively we should hope that Rodgers remains in Green Bay because as of today there is literally no one behind him. Love has yet to put a uniform on in an NFL game never mind take a snap. For better or worse Rodgers is still our guy just as he has been since 2008.

Should he take a pay cut? Maybe. If the Packers plan to keep him but continue to put the entire team and season on his shoulders maybe he should take all the money in his contract. If the Packers add another legit NFL WR besides Adams and a defense that can make stops then Rodgers should chip in to making that happen. The ball is in Gute's court at this point.
Thanks, Since '61

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PF4L's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:15 pm

Thanks 61,

I would have replied to him again, but once you realize you're losing brain cells, you stop the bleeding.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:17 pm

I understand completely. I edited my post since your reply. Thanks, Since '61

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Fabio's picture

March 19, 2021 at 09:23 am

Perfectly agree with everything you said. Well said. You deserve 100 thumbs up

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Swisch's picture

March 18, 2021 at 08:23 pm

The main point of my comment in the article about the Lombardi Sweep is that it's teamwork that wins championships.
I opined that Bart Starr as quarterback was a key to the Lombardi championships because he was the ultimate team player.
As for Aaron Rodgers, I don't know if he is a great team player or not. I didn't say he is or that he isn't.
I do wonder about some things, as it seems other fans do. As an example: Why on first-and-goal from the 8-yard-line against the Bucs didn't we hand the ball off to Dillon on any of those plays?
Was that a decision of our head coach or of Rodgers? Was Rodgers working closely with LaFleur in those critical moments of this championship game, in the way Starr would have worked with Lombardi?
I don't know, but the answer to that kind of question can be the difference between winning legendary games and falling just short.
I like Rodgers; I root for him; I want the best for him.
To raise a concern is part of a healthy discussion, or so it seems to me.

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BAMABADGER's picture

March 18, 2021 at 03:27 pm

Plain and simple AR is no Tom Brady.

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Since'61's picture

March 18, 2021 at 07:18 pm

Give AR the Bucs defense and guess who wins the SB in 2020 and several other seasons for that matter.
Thanks, Since '61

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croatpackfan's picture

March 19, 2021 at 08:39 am

Give AR Tom Brady's paycheck and he will have Bucs D.

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Fabio's picture

March 19, 2021 at 09:29 am

I don't remember Brady playing cheap when he was in NE ... in fact the impact on the Cap was far beyond what AR was with GB (and it doesn't seem to me that he ever cut his salary ... even now the has postponed but is certain to capitalize)
Also I am sure that even AR in 7 years (the current age of TB) will not ask how much he perceives now ....
On the other hand, if we want to compare the defenses that Brady has had at his disposal compared to those that Rodgers has had in the last 10 years ... we can talk about it

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 18, 2021 at 10:20 pm

Remaining sources of generating cap space:
1. AR (? to $14M).
2. Davante ($4M to $9M).
3. Lowry ($3.3M to $4.8M).
a. Extend Amos, Turner, Z.

Absolutely, gotta have it, extra cap space necessary:

$10.3M (draft picks, PS, 52nd/53rd players, operating cushion).

Really want more space:
$4M to $10M (one UFA CB/DL, Lewis? etc.).

The math is plain. I suppose GB could revisit the Amos deal and extend him to gain a couple of million. Z and Turner as well if GB likes extending a 33-year-old guard/tackle. OTHERWISE, THE ROCKS ARE DRY. THERE IS NO PLACE TO GAIN MORE SPACE. NONE.

IMO, there is no chance, none, zero, of the Packers not grabbing some money from AR. They could grab $14M and he'd still be tradeable in 2022 or 2023.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 19, 2021 at 08:34 am

This is very interesting discussion.

Will Packers extend, restructure AR contract or will Aaron willingly take a pay cut.

How I see the situation, I believe Gutekunst and personal department has scenarios for every possibility (well not for every, but for the most of them, because you can never ever predict what life will bring on your table!).

Aaron Rodgers said more than several times that he want to build his legacy in Green Bay and help the Packers. That is nice, because he obviously loves Green Bay community and he will probably lives after his career finish in Wisconsin. But there is some presumption fans, also here, give as they are self understandable.

1. If you get more money your legacy will be larger! FALSE! Legacy does not have anything with how large is your paycheck. It has all with how you treated your nearest surrounding (in this case - organization where you are respected member, that depends a lot on your performance and which try to make your job easier, because common goal is to win ultimate prize). There is no great scientist, professor or teacher who did not left behind even better heir than scientist, professor or teacher were. If you are not great, you do not have legacy. Why are some of those old coaches names are so respected and serve as model for the future? Because they left their heirs, heirs become better than them and develop the game we all love to the next levels. We are talking about coaches trees! So, fans, what will you think of Aaron Rodgers if he would take Jordan Love under his supervision, work with him, teach him, directing him to become even better QB for the Packers that Aaron is at this moment. For me, that will be the best success any NFL QB will achieve. He will left behind team with new star thanks to him and enable Packers to stay contenders for many, many years in the row. THAT WILL BE LEGACY! An that does not have nothing to do with the possibility if he will play last years of his career somewhere else.

I know that this is the dream. QBs are the most selfish persons on the team. They are protected to the unbelievable level, still whining for some kicks or bumps. Maybe that is how it have to be. But selfish persons do not leave LEGACY behind themselves.

You are calling Kevin Kings name for the loss in this season NFCCG. By my opinion few others are more guilty than Kevin King. YEs, he played lousy, but what to tell about QB, who was unable to find available catcher at the crucial moments of the game (and there was 2 of them), but stubborn looking for player who was covered by 5 defenders. I call this high level of panic. That is not LEGACY! I will even not mention Aaron Jones with 2 fumbles in the game. But you were prepare to decapitate MVS for the fumble at much less important game. Shame on you for double criteria!

Learning from others mistake are the cheapest lessons. Learning from own mistakes are the most expensive lessons. Aaron did not learn nothing from Brett Favre mistakes and selfishness. It looks like he is repeating them.

2. It is important to win another SB and after that nothing matters! FALSE! To be contender every season brings you opportunity to win SB. Going thoughtless all-in for one year and if you miss you will loose not that year opportunity to win SB, but next 10 to 20! Last team that went on that path was Broncos and they are nothing but shadow today. Team to make a jokes of them. I believe Broncos fans enjoying that very much. Their self-defensive reply "but we win SB" only can produce more taunt, laugh and more humiliations. Who was the last all-in team that won SB? I mean before Broncos? Patriots? NO! Ravens? NO! Saints? NO! Packers? NO! Seahawks? NO! Chiefs? NO! Giants? NO! Eagles? NOOOO - they won with f*cking back up QB! So, your theory about all in is complete nonsense. It can produce just decades of misery, nothing else.

3. We are just one excellent player (WR, DL, ILB, CB, RB, OL, ST) away, sign expensive FA and we will win SB! FALSE! I will not elaborate that every team is always few excellent players away from winning all. SB winners are teams that gels and that put their personal highlights back and put team up front. That is how teams wins important games. Not by forcing the ball to the hands of the one player everybody knows you will try to do.

So, there is no (NOOOOO) one player/person more important than franchise.

Stop that. For some heartbreaking loses there is quite of a lot of responsibility of the face of the franchise.

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BuckyBadger's picture

March 20, 2021 at 09:50 am

Packers are making the mistakes that we used to see other teams do. They haven't improved the team and will be paying to get older. They will probably extend Adams who will be at the end of his prime and they will be paying at positions that need to be replaced. If they don't win next year this team will be in a very bad place. They are going all in with out having the talent to do it with. Everyone else is getting better and the Packers just got older.

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Tamal32's picture

March 24, 2021 at 01:13 pm

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