Halfway Through the Season, It Seems More Likely Aaron Rodgers Could Stay in Green Bay
By GilMartin
During the recent offseason, the Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers went through a lot of turmoil and uncertainty. The reigning NFL MVP wasn’t sure if he wanted to come back to the only franchise he’s played for since being drafted in 2005, citing “philosophical differences” with the way the team was being run.
Fast forward to Week 8. The Packers are 7-1 and have a league-high seven-game winning streak. They’ve accomplished this despite a rash of injuries that would decimate many teams and leave them uncompetitive. Rodgers isn’t quite playing at the off the charts level he was a year ago, but he’s still one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
So, roughly halfway through the season, where do things stand between Rodgers and the Packers?
When he returned, Rodgers indicated he wanted “a seat at the table” when it came to major personnel decisions. One move he requested was the return of wide receiver Randall Cobb who GM Brian Gutekunst reacquired in a trade with Houston.
Through eight games, Cobb has 17 catches for 194 yards and four touchdowns. While those are hardly Pro Bowl numbers, Cobb is the team’s fourth receiver when everybody is healthy. He has also come through in the clutch, coming up with two key touchdowns against Arizona in Week 8 while 13 of his 17 catches have resulted in first downs.
The Packers have also demonstrated a willingness to go “all-in” for a championship this year in what many are comparing to “The Last Dance” season that Michael Jordan had in his final year with the Bulls what saw them win an NBA title.
The Packers have upgraded their roster even as injuries hit, trading for punter Corey Bojorquez and adding free agents like Jaylon Smith, Whitney Merciless, Rasul Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell who have all contributed to the team’s success.
Rodgers seems to be enjoying this season. Last week, when speaking on Pat McAfee’s show, Rodgers said the Packers have “a great coaching staff that I love and I’m still in Green Bay and having the time of my life.”
He also added, “Life is about perspective and I’m just daily counting the blessings that I have in life and just have so much gratitude for these moments and for the fact that I’m 37, I’m still playing, still playing at a high level and still get to have fun moments each week, including on this show.”
Then, after the Packers dramatic win in Arizona, Rodgers said, “This is why I love this squad.” He also said, “This is a scrappy team. This is a tough, physical, gritty team. I’m so proud of our guys. Without our defensive coordinator, MVS, the best receiver in the league, Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, our do it all guy, to have these guys come out and play the way they did, I’m so proud of them, I’m so proud of the line and to watch our defense finish the game they way they did, on the road, against a great football team, that’s what it’s all about.”
Then he praised the Packers fans who showed up in Arizona on Thursday night. “This is unbelievable how much Green and Gold is around here. Our fans were so loud and they showed up. We love them. I love this football team, I’m having so much fun with these guys, and I’m going to go in there and celebrate now.”
While this interview was conducted just a few minutes after a dramatic victory, Rodgers certainly didn’t sound like somebody who couldn’t wait to get out of Green Bay once the season is over.
Obviously, how the season plays out will have a big effect what Rodgers wants to do going forward. If the Packers win the Super Bowl, that may have an impact on his decision. If the team flounders down the stretch, that could discourage him from staying.
Rodgers has some significant advantages here in Green Bay. He has a coach who he enjoys working with and a talented team that has overcome significant injuries to a multitude of Pro Bowl players to keep on winning. He also has arguably the best receiver in football in Davante Adams who would love to continue to work with him if he were to stay with the Packers.
We know that money was never the issue that caused a riff between the Packers and their franchise quarterback. That is something the team can work out with him.
For now, it seems like the relationship between Rodgers and the Packers organization has improved since he opted to return to the team just before the start of training camp. What happens in the second half of the season will help determine where Rodgers plays in 2022.
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Comments (125)
HawkPacker
October 31, 2021 at 06:33 am
Gil I agree with a lot that you say.
You do mention 'What happens in the second half of the season will help determine where Rodgers plays in 2022.' My thought is if GB does falter somewhat, and there is a great chance that will happen, then him being at QB, which is the most important position on the team, may be at least partial to blame for not succeeding like we want the team to succeed.....Super Bowl Champions.
Also, AR wants a 'seat at the table' as far as who the FO keeps and who they have to let go after the season. He also is aware of the Cap situation that the packers are in so maybe he has some ideas on how to retain the necessary players with this issue. Does that mean he needs his pay reduced much like Tom Brady has done? The Packers are way over next year's Cap at this point and you have guys that need/want to get paid such as Devante Adams and himself. How do they get this accomplished?
Thanks Gil for a nice article.
PeteK
October 31, 2021 at 09:23 am
If the team didn't falter after all the injuries to very important players, I'm confident the success will only continue. If the injury bug subsides, and we get some key players back, a championship might be the final result.
scoonie_penn
October 31, 2021 at 06:57 am
It's all gum drops and lollipops right now. Let's see what happens if GB loses again in the playoffs. A Rod is fickle with a very prickly personality. That won't change.
Rebecca
October 31, 2021 at 09:28 am
“A Rod is fickle with a very prickly personality.” Mmmmm? Unless you know him personally your opinion is based on hearsay and a small sample of mediated stories. Nothing here. There is not a preponderance of supportive evidence. Case dismissed.
barutanseijin
October 31, 2021 at 10:31 am
Nonsense. There is evidence: you see his behavior during games and you can hear what he says in press conferences and interviews.
Minniman
October 31, 2021 at 01:23 pm
He may or may not be ‘prickly’ but I haven’t heard any past players say that Rodgers made them a lesser professional football player. He’s a perfectionist and a team leader and I’ve also not heard any on this site complain about the Packers finally becoming hyper-active in roster management (to address weaknesses).
Anyone else here who’s left a job when you’ve lost faith in Management’s performance?
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 05:58 pm
Anyone else here who’s left a job when you’ve lost faith in Management’s performance?
i did, the worst part was I was self-employed...
wildbill
October 31, 2021 at 07:05 pm
Lol
wildbill
October 31, 2021 at 07:05 pm
Duplicate
Minniman
October 31, 2021 at 07:41 pm
Give that man a cookie.
Rebecca
November 01, 2021 at 03:31 pm
I’ve seen Tom Brady and Peyton Manning do the same thing during games and on the sideline.
jannesbjornson
November 01, 2021 at 08:28 am
The only thing fickle that has been proven, is once again, the Fans.
geronamaker
October 31, 2021 at 07:27 am
This is the most impressed I've been with Rodgers in quite some time in a game where his stats weren't great but he made the right plays when needed. The goal line scramble alone did it for me. Where was this drive and desire in the 4th quarter NFCCG last year?
As for moving on next year, which situation presents itself where he can find himself with a better chance at a ring? If we limit ourselves to west coast teams in need of a top QB, I don't see it at all. The 49ers perhaps but they're now invested in Lance.
Around the rest of the league what team has better a chance next year than the Packers?
Fubared
October 31, 2021 at 10:38 am
Great game for him. Short rest and travel besides, playing a 7-0 team in their back yard, 3 of your top receivers are down, your best defensemen down and you eck out a win by improvising a new offensive scheme. Ya dam fine game, forget the stats, points are all that counted
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:20 am
You mean a great game for MLF - he did all that you just posted; AR implemented MLF's scheme, which is probably a lot of what MLF's offense is supposed to look like, and what we'll be seeing with Love next year. AR is gone because we can't afford him. Well, we can afford him, but we then can't afford anyone good to play with him.
EnemyTerritory
October 31, 2021 at 06:25 pm
Cleveland. Pittsburg. Both lack a QB of AR12 caliber. Both have good WR corps. Browns have the D. Both are in AFC and have cap space
Guam
October 31, 2021 at 07:42 am
The author seems to suggest that it is up to Rodgers whether he wants to stay in Green Bay or not. I think the front office and Gutekunst are going to have a lot to say about whether Rodgers stays or goes.
The author listed many reasons why Rodgers might want to stay. Here are some reasons the front office might want him to go: (1) Rodgers will be 38 in December - most (but not all) QBs are at the end of their career at that age; (2) The FO might be able to get several high draft choices for Rodgers after this year, accelerating the rebuild that must come sometime in the near future; (3) The Packers have serious cap issues in 2022 that will require several key players to be cut, why not their oldest and highest paid player; (4) Given the cap issues it will be very difficult to resign Rodgers' favorite receiver, D. Adams, which will likely lead to more Rodgers discontent; and (5) The Packer FO might just be getting tired of Rodgers antics in the same way they did with Favre's retirement antics more than a decade ago.
Not saying Rodgers will be gone next year, but there will be more decision makers than just Rodgers participating in that decision. Gute watched his mentor (T. Thompson) usher another HOF QB out the door and that didn't work out too badly; I wonder if Gutekunst will contemplate the same move.
barutanseijin
October 31, 2021 at 10:51 am
Considering the cap situation of most teams & looking at past deals for QBs his age, it’s unlikely that they get many high value picks in return.
Any team that signs him is going to need picks even more because Rodgers will be taking up a lot of their cap space; they’ll need to get production out of players on rookie contracts. I would wait the Packers out until they get desperate & willing to accept my lowball offer. Yes iwould be running the risk of someone else trumping my offer, but with the cap the way it is, there won’t be many teams that could even consider signing the guy..
Guam
October 31, 2021 at 11:27 am
I would appreciate TGR's input on this, but I don't believe the team trading for Rodgers would have that large a cap hit. Rodgers total 2022 cap hit to the Packers is around $46 million, but I think the base salary for 2022 is only around $26 million. The other $20 million in cap hit is unamortized signing bonus and that stays with the Packers even if they trade him.
A new team could have Rodgers for only $26 million next year and that is a low rate for a top end QB. Rodgers age might mitigate against a boat load of draft choices, but I don't believe his 2022 cap hit will be a significant problem.
barutanseijin
October 31, 2021 at 04:01 pm
Doesn't matter. They still have to pay him and there aren't many teams with the cap space to sign a guy like him. That limits the number of bidders and the Packers are still in the same bad cap situation.
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 06:16 pm
There will be enough teams after this season who can take in his cap hit, or at least adjust to it.
Bure9620
October 31, 2021 at 01:26 pm
It is not at all up to Rodgers. I don't think it is shocking the Packers are contenders this year, that is kind of why they pushed so much cap money out.....
flackcatcher
October 31, 2021 at 01:35 pm
Rodgers burned a lot of his bridges this off season. And trying to take down the guy who runs the football side of 1265 and has the backing of the Executive Committee was stupid beyond belief on his part. Rodger's made his choice, I see no way he could walk it back. And given the way Gute acted, Rodgers is done in Green Bay even if he reconsidered, and took a salary cut.
Archie
November 01, 2021 at 07:32 am
I agree 1,000 %!
One way or the other, Rodgers will walk at the end of this season.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2021 at 05:27 pm
I do not like the odds of executing a seamless transition from an AR-led team to one without him. Gute and LaFleur might be able to do it: LH and others have ably suggested some possible ways to do it.
Given the odds as I calculate them, I want to wait as long as possible before going into that good night.
4thand1
October 31, 2021 at 07:49 am
Rodgers is smart and says all the right things 99% of the time. Being the league MVP put him squarely in the driver's seat last spring and summer. The FO had no choice but to give in to his demands. He knew they had no chance of winning and Gute MM knew it too. They would be looking for a new job and who would hire them? There is no doubt he is having fun and he's gotten everything he's asked for. Lotta football left this year and anything can happen. The media will have a field day like last spring and all the "experts" will put in their 2 cents. A lot of them already have AR going to the Steelers because he looked at Thompson, lmao.
flackcatcher
October 31, 2021 at 01:25 pm
Nah... Rodgers was locked in with no way out of his contract. The Packers had the high ground in his contract and Rodgers knew it. The rest was nothing more than a bad pouty boy performance during the off season. No matter what happens this season, Rodgers got what he wanted, an early out from his contract. The Packers get some (but not much) Cap relief and begin either a retooling or rebuild after Rodgers is gone. And the odds that Rodger's does a Brady is slim and none, after all, he has had several chances since 2018 and as we have seen, has wanted a boost in his contract to stay. The basic point is the Cap deflation combine with Covid destroyed what little Cap flex the Packers had. Rodgers is not the only starting veteran on the chopping block after this year. The Packers do not have the money to keep these guys after this season. Sucks, but that's the way it is. (If there is a bright side for the front office, the number of productive veterans with gas left in their tank should be fairly high due to most of the teams in the league having Cap issues next year. There is no relief on the horizon till 2023 when the new TV contract kicks in)
4thand1
November 01, 2021 at 07:35 am
Yes flack, he was locked into his contract but look what transpired. Gute and MM had no choice but to give in. If he sat, sure it would look pouty, but the Packers would have lost 12+ games, and fans would have demanded the heads of the FO. For now AR is all in, the FO is all in, and the team is all in. For now it's the best case scenario. Today is a good day for Packers' fans. GOPACKGO
flackcatcher
November 01, 2021 at 12:54 pm
And Rodgers still had no choice but to play if he wanted to leave for FA. The only 'give' was the dropped year 1265 agreed to. He is auditioning for his next contract in a reduced Cap year. In reality, he had no choice but to play. As for the rest, Gutekunst made it clear he was ready for Love if Rodgers sat. Yeah, would have sucked, but Green Bay fans already knew the score on Rodgers, no surprises here. Like yourself, I consider this almost a bonus given the last two years.
TXCHEESE
October 31, 2021 at 07:56 am
Another absolutely dumb thread about Rodgers’ future. Can we please give this crap a rest till season’s end.
jh9
October 31, 2021 at 08:35 am
I agree. We’re halfway through the season with a realistic shot at going to the first Super Bowl since 2010. Is analyzing whether Aaron Rodgers will play for the Packers next year the best subject CHTV writers can come up with?
The trade deadline is Tuesday, and everyone loves playing GM. That’s why the NFL draft is so popular. Why not ask the fans who they would like to see the Packers trade for? It is the last chance for Brian Gutekunst to make one more substantial move to help the Packers not only to get into the SB, but win it.
MarkinMadison
October 31, 2021 at 09:03 am
https://dairylandexpress.com/2021/10/30/green-bay-packers-4-trade-target...
https://saintswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-trade-deadline-saints-mark-ing...
The great thing about writing an article about Rodgers wanting to stay (at this moment) is that you will never be proven wrong.
The bad thing about writing about NFL trades is that more often than not they do not happen.
If a trade is going to happen I think that TE might be the most important place to do it, but TE is also a very complicated position to play, so maybe you get more bang for your buck from a WR trade. I would think Eric Ebron would be available. Evan Engram is also at the top of the list for TE in both of the articles above, but Engram has a heavier price tag for the cap-strapped Packers, and I wonder why NYG wouldn't just want to work an extension for a guy who was a Pro Bowler last year.
Everyone is talking about Brandin Cooks, but he is a smallish receiver. Green Bay already has a couple of those on the roster that know the offense, and Green Bay likes its receivers to be able to block. Brandon Aiyuk is also discussed, but I don't know why the 49ers would let such talent walk in the second year.
jh9
October 31, 2021 at 11:33 am
Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Thanks, Mark.
With Tonyan out, trading for a TE is a possibility. Or another receiver. With Hill out, maybe another RB? Is Henry Black, Krys Barnes or Tyler Lancaster good enough? In 2019, the Packers drafted the first DB of the draft. No CB or safety was taken before Savage. Is he playing up to his draft position? Lots to discuss.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2021 at 05:57 pm
TE: yup, GB could use help there.
ILB: Yup, Barnes still sucks. Jaylon doesn't look good.
ILB: There is no depth behind Campbell.
OLB: Good there if Z is returning at any point.
DL: Can get by with this DL; it'd be nice.
CB: Might have enough. Is Jaire returning? King?
S: Nothing behind Amos and Savage. Nothing.
OL: Probably can get by. Upgrade at OG would be nice.
WR: Probably can get by.
RB: Probably can get by.
GB has about $5M in cap space. Rolling over every nickel into 2022 would make that planning easier. Yup, three or four million might easily equal another player who has to be released or not re-signed.
Rebecca
October 31, 2021 at 09:36 am
😝 More whining. Ha.
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 06:08 pm
piss off.
This is an internet fan board.
Commentary by dedicated fans may not be at the same level as conversations between NFL GMs, but calling it whining is just poor form.
Don't dig it? No problem... just piss off!!!
Rebecca
November 01, 2021 at 03:38 pm
Sorry I hit a raw nerve. Thanks for the kind words. Have a nice day!
Dr.Rodgers
October 31, 2021 at 10:28 am
no
WisconsinStrong
October 31, 2021 at 11:47 am
Gil is one of the best writers at CheeseheadTV. His articles are consistently thoughtful, detailed, and balanced, and he has a knack for capturing and articulating what so many fans have on their minds without irresponsibly prognosticating. The most important quality of his work is that he refuses to plagiarize or co-opt/bandwagon content, which a great number of online Packers commentators are unfortunately guilty of. In short, the last words that can be used to describe Gil's writing are "absolutely dumb." If we disagree, we can always follow the example of Guam's respectfully worded counter-perspective in this same thread. I for one am grateful for Gil's efforts to continuously uncover interesting topics that, as Aaron Nagler would say, enhance how we "fan."
GilMartin
October 31, 2021 at 05:52 pm
Thanks for the kind words, WisconsinStrong. I really appreciate it.
NickPerry
October 31, 2021 at 08:03 am
When this season stared, after the offseason the Packers ENDURED, I could have cared less if Rodgers came back in 2022. That was just me, my feelings, my opinion at a time. I was just so sick & tired of hearing about whether Rodgers would play of retire. Play or host Jeopardy, Play or sit out. Now don't get me wrong, I was happy he was here THIS year, but anything else... I just didn't know. What I DID look forward to this past offseason IF Rodgers did leave, was the SLEW of draft picks the Packers could possibly get, and a few younger starters too.
Today I'm not so sure much has changed. The ONLY way I would support Rodgers in 2022 is IF he took a BIG pay cut. I mean just to afford Adams AND OTHERS he would have to wouldn't he (I'm asking you TGR...)? Adams wants to be paid at a MINIMUN $27 million a season if not more, just like Hopkins was paid. To accomplish this are the Packers SURE he can be Brady 2.0 as far as effectiveness?
Right now I'm just enjoying the season. I'm looking forward to seeing Bakhtiari, Adams, MVS, Josh Meyers, and (Hopefully) Alexander back on the field. I read Za'Darius Smith was back in GB and in his words, "Feeling like a new man" and would LOVE to see him back on the field with the way P Smith and Gary have been playing. For the first time in 11 years, I'd think we actually had a defense that can HELP carry an offense if they were to struggle and only score 24.
No offense Gil and I'm not suggesting you did this, I love what you and EVERY other writer provide for us at CHTV. But I'm done dissecting or looking for a hidden meaning in what Rodgers says. I heard Pat McAfee dissecting those same words Gil mentioned and I've heard others like that TURD Mike Florio just TWIST EVERYTHING he says. Nope, I'm all in for 2021 and going to enjoy every second of it which IMO will end in February with SB victory #5 and World Championship #14. I'll start worrying about 2022 sometime in March...GO PACK GO.
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 06:11 pm
Lay it down Nick!
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:29 am
Why on earth would anyone downvote this excellent post? At least they should have the guts to explain WHY they downvoted. SMH...
Johnblood27
November 01, 2021 at 10:45 am
I guess those thumbs sure showed you!
Johnblood27
November 03, 2021 at 01:28 pm
Ow! ...and me too!
Thegreatreynoldo
November 02, 2021 at 03:43 am
I imagine it is Nick's view that AR should not be the QB in GB in 2022 unless he takes a big pay cut. I, at least, agree with the rest of his post.
I didn't downvote Nick. Whether AR returns to GB in 2022 might be a foregone conclusion (I don't know what AR and the FO are thinking), but it is a pivotal choice. And not one that should be made on emotions.
ricky
October 31, 2021 at 08:04 am
Well, if Rodgers wants to return next year, and keep Adams around, he's going to have to chip in financially to make it happen. Because "the best wide receiver in the game" is going to want to break the bank. Deservedly so. Campbell is going to want a big raise. Which raises a lot of questions- is this season an anomaly, or the beginning of a longer run of excellent play? Alexander will be on the final year of his rookie contract next season. He won't be cheap to re-sign. Same with Jenkins. Even with an expected salary cap increase, the cap will go up equally for every team, and they're going to be looking to upgrade their rosters, and many will have a lot more money available to throw around. Tough decisions coming. Russ Ball will definitely be earning his money the next few years.
Fubared
October 31, 2021 at 10:36 am
Isnt Bahtiari up for renewal also and someone else too. YOur right they cant afford all of them so Rodgers irk of losing good players wont end with the last game of the season thats for sure.
I see Adams and Bah going for mo money and why not.
barutanseijin
October 31, 2021 at 11:36 am
I don’t see Bakhtiari getting more after an ACL. Hell still be expensive, though.
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 02:44 pm
Bakh just got a big fat contract before he got injured.
canadapacker
October 31, 2021 at 05:48 pm
They just re-signed Bak - good until 2025 - so before you post please check things out
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/contracts/green-bay-packers
It may not be totally up to date as it doesnt show AR - but Adams MVS Tonyon Patrick and Campbell plus a whole bunch of the recent additions - and if the season keeps going well they will all have a big boost. So I dont know what the process is with AR's supposed getting a free agent guarantee next year - ( from the NFL's perspective) but they will be a whole bunch of finagelling to be done - but the Pats always seemed to find away = but then again they just tell guys good luck with your next team - And wasnt that TT's philosophy??
ApplesAndTons
October 31, 2021 at 08:18 pm
me too! i can see no one wanting to stay around and play for Gute and Murphy. couple of schadenfreude
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:31 am
"schadenfreude" doesn't mean what you seem to think it means.
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 02:15 pm
just takes a quick google search.....
do you know what the word means? it's german for cheeseheadTV
SanLobo
October 31, 2021 at 08:05 am
My plan is to “worry” about this come late February 2022.
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 08:45 am
I am sick of these articles. If this indeed is the last dance, they are all giving it their best shot. Football is a year-to-year game and for many key Packers, particularly so given the contract expiries approaching. So they are playing to win? That’s what they are in this for and that’s how they get paid more in future. Not shocking. Nor is it surprising that they would enjoy the swan song: a credible last chance to win it all as a group. It is clear that this is a tight unit.
Why don’t we just enjoy it too? Business will start after the season, Super Bowl victory or not. Enjoy the ride. Don’t miss it pining for an very unlikely future. Change is virtually inevitable.
Rebecca
October 31, 2021 at 09:41 am
Move along then.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2021 at 06:08 pm
My understanding is that the NFL has hired thousands of people like "FrankieFrasier" and all the others to work online from home while being single mothers and fathers with six kids under the age of 8. These people are earning fantastic sums of money for the NFL, which as is its wont, is ruthlessly exploiting these poor sods.
The result is that the cap is going to quadruple every year. So, no worries.
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 06:14 pm
love your perspective TGR!
I myself earn over $400,000 by working 2 hours a week online.
Easy peasy...
Lphill
October 31, 2021 at 09:16 am
I’m just gonna wait to hear from Adam Schefter , he’s always right isn’t he?
Since'61
October 31, 2021 at 09:27 am
First off without Schefter we probably would not have had any off-season drama. None of which has made any difference in how Rodgers has played so far this season which I posted repeatedly at the time.
As for 2022, I will worry about that when we get there. Right now I’ll be thrilled if we don’t lose any more players to injuries or Covid. GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
Lphill
October 31, 2021 at 01:32 pm
I was trying to be sarcastic.
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 06:15 pm
That always comes across well online...
try an emoji after the sarcastic comment... just sayin...
PeteK
October 31, 2021 at 09:42 am
I have also had enough of the Rogers drama, however I can see some speculation now because of what he has been saying lately. Every sports show/writers have reported on this. That said, if we could get an Alexander and Smith back even to 75% it would propel us to the SB. A run for the ages even for a historically great team like the Packers.
SwedeBayPacker
October 31, 2021 at 10:18 am
Another week, another "Rodgers might stay in Green Bay"-article on Cheeseheadtv. I believe I speak for everyone when I say this is what makes us all come back.
Spock
October 31, 2021 at 10:44 am
You forgot the sarcasm sign: "~~~~~~~~~~" :)
Fubared
October 31, 2021 at 10:33 am
I think Rodgers is enjoying this year but still feel its adios at the end of the season due to his fiancee and the West coast calling.
Colin Cowherd swears the Steelers will go after him big time and it is alluring going to a team with a decent defense and quality receivers.
We will see.The Packers sure as hell cant give him mo money and they cant keep a lot of the talent they have coming due next year, no money.
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 02:16 pm
player-owner is the best bet for the best and most confident talent. id love to see aaron bet on himself and actually get PAID for it this time
jeremyjjbrown
October 31, 2021 at 11:00 am
Thanks Gil for all your work, but this is the last "ARod, he stay or go" post I'm clicking on tilthe season is wrapped up.
Leatherhead
October 31, 2021 at 11:36 am
I still believe that The Plan had Rodgers starting this year, then getting traded after this Last Dance, and using that to help balance the ledger and put a strong team around Love. Love will start next year, and if he impresses we’ll commit the money for the fifth year option.
Part of the fun of coaching is building the team, and the Packers have a vision of the team they want to build, and IMO, they’ve done a really good job.
ApplesAndTons
November 02, 2021 at 07:49 pm
Your argument falls short when you consider the fact that you're basing it on a GM failure, i.e., if Love was as bad a pick at the time and if he looks worse when he gets his chance to start, that *bang with the pow* effect will bury Gute's credibility. Green Bay will need the same support from their entitled fans and something tells me that will be much more difficult after an 1-7 start in 2022. Credibility is on the line although the picture you paint would look great in Disneyland
HarryHodag
October 31, 2021 at 11:42 am
These kinds of articles make me grind my teeth.
1) No one who loves the Green Bay Packers wants Aaron Rodgers to leave. No one. Whether Rodgers moves on is not caused by the public's desire for him to go. He can irritate you to a point of distraction, but what he does on Sunday is unmistakably good.
2) Rodgers caused this issue not the Packers. The Packers were looking out for the long term health of the franchise, not to push Rodgers out of the nest. Rodgers took offense, both sides buckled down, then both sides realized the best place for him this year is Green Bay.
3)The Packers did as much as they could to build a winner around him, including Cobb's return and picking up some veterans who have been invaluable. They haven't sat pat.
4) But the reality is the financial Grim Reaper is about to bring his sharpened blade to the Packers roster.
Folks who don't like numbers(I also don't, but you have to realize the truth they tell) is that no matter how much we all want Aaron to stay, it simply can't be done. His cap hit next year is $46 million. That's 1/5-1/6 of the entire cap! Couple that with trying to sign Adams. The Packers already have asked a number of veterans to rearrange their contracts. Can't do that all the time. It's a little like driving a car off a cliff and saying you won't crash. If Rodgers stays many veterans that got them here will be gone. Kevin King will be gone, but not much lost there. Other than him, these are painful cuts.
Dreams of Rodgers re-doing his contract, again, are really pie in the sky. Would you give your employer a hometown discount if you could make the big dollars elsewhere? Really?
Sorry but it's time to face reality: it's likely Rodgers will be gone, one way or another. It is not out of the possibility that he could retire, but if he wants to play it's about 90% certain it won't be in Green Bay.
Leatherhead
October 31, 2021 at 01:06 pm
I’m a Hodag from a long time ago, and I think you’ve hit the target.
My understanding is that at least half of the cap problem is solved without Arod on the team. Can anybody verify this?..
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 01:53 pm
I agree with much of the post, but I love the Packers and I've wanted Rodgers gone for at least the last 5 years, because I truly believe no one player is bigger than the team.
I learned a lesson from the Favre saga. There's a limit to the BS and even if you're the most talented player on the roster, sometimes it's time to go. The team will still be there come sunrise.
Go Pack.
Johnblood27
October 31, 2021 at 06:21 pm
Thats my perspective as well Oppy.
I have been a supporter of the GBP far, far longer than any member of the current FO or roster and I will still be here when all these current guys have moved on.
Father time is undefeated.
Philarod
October 31, 2021 at 07:31 pm
I agree that no one player is bigger than the franchise, but in today's NFL, when a franchise has a player as historically great as Rodgers (note: there aren't many) they are involved somewhat in the decision making.
How much "BS" has he put the team through? Outside of this offseason drama (for much of which he was silent) where's the BS? has he ever missed a practice? Taken even a play off? Not shown leadership?
I really don't get it...and this doesn't even mention his unparalleled level of play - and countless highlight reel plays -- throughout his career.
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 10:54 pm
In my view, we don’t actually need to get to the drama and how real it was. The way the cap is and the way the general volume of player contracts are set up all point to there being no redo next year with this group. The team next year is going to be cheaper because it has to be. Enjoy this roster. Rebuilding is coming.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:42 am
Has he ever missed a practice? Hmm, how about this year's OTAs, which he also allegedly influenced five receivers to miss? Or maybe the press conference when he supposedly opened up and explained what his problems were - and totally trashed the FO? Do those count?
As to his level of play, I do see it declining - not all of those misses Thursday night were due to the receivers. His football IQ is off the charts, but his skills ARE beginning their decline. What's more, I think he knows it and is actually quite brilliantly using his public statements as a sort of marketing campaign in order to get a decent contract next year.
Is he still one of the better QBs in the league? WIthout a doubt. But will he be one of the better QBs this time next year? Better to cut a player a year too early than a year too late. Hate the coach who said that, but it IS good advice.
Bitternotsour
November 01, 2021 at 07:37 pm
well. he did get the former coach fired. i mean, that's drama - right? it all worked out in the end, but mike mccarthy deserved better than to be fragged by his own creation.
i'm happy for mike m. now too. he beat the vikings with a back-up quarterback.
Oppy
November 02, 2021 at 06:59 pm
Lots of drama which people conveniently ignore over the years.
Lots of sloppy play over the years, too. Everyone blames everyone but Rodgers when it happens.
Lots of sub-par leadership over the years as well.. Players have hinted around to it and danced around it over the years.
The guy is insanely talented. He's also got his share of difficulties.
fordguy
October 31, 2021 at 01:58 pm
Yeah I'm sure if you planned on retiring when you're 65 and your employer brought in your replacement at 61 and were told to get him trained to replace you you'd be just fine with that.
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 02:46 pm
If the 61 year old whines and complains to upper management to fire his boss, and when they fire his boss and hire a new one, the 61 decides he's going to start ignoring his new supervisors and starts publicly denouncing the company's board of directors, and his work becomes sloppy and he becomes unmanageable... and the company decides they have to take steps now to find his replacement because of the trajectory the 61 year old seems to be on..
Yeah.. I get the 61 year old isn't happy, but maybe the 61 year old needs to grow the eff up and realize his situation is the direct result of his own actions.
HarryHodag
October 31, 2021 at 03:34 pm
Fordguy: That's nearly exactly what happened to me. My replacement came onboard two years before I retired. They knew they couldn't let me go because of the age thing, so I put up with a 20-something trying to show me up everyday. It has happened. You know what I did? I shut up and did my job until I retired.
You still can't get past the 800 pound financial gorilla in the room regardless of your emotions.
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 04:17 pm
Hit the nail on the head, Harry.
Even more surprising, sometimes the guy who's planning on retiring understands that passing the torch isn't a horrible thing. Sometimes, the guy retiring takes pride in passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation..
The thing that makes this so different and difficult for pro sports players as opposed to the 60-something year old in the conventional workplace: These are men in their 30's, with 40 years left to live. They're not OLD, they're not ready to leave the workforce- but they're no longer in prime condition to play the game at the highest level and their innate competitiveness that is required for them to make it in pro sports does not make it easy for them to accept that their time in the game is passing.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2021 at 06:28 pm
I think this also hits the nail on the head.
And sometimes it is a matter of perspective. What if the current employee has had financial misfortune or has been improvident and can't afford to be retired involuntarily? And in many field, age discrimination is very real. That is a different situation from the employee who is financially comfortable, especially if that comfort comes in large part from the employer's pension fund or matching 401K contributions for many years.
What if the employee loves what he does and has things he wants to accomplish in his field (that translates to the legacy issue for pro players).
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 09:44 pm
TGR; great points for discussion.
In the mundane world; it's often possible to take a reduced roll or salary and play a supporting role if you are being priced out or if Age is a factor, and continue to do what you want to do.
In pro sports, it's a competitive field at a level that virtually nobody in our regular, mundane vocations will ever experience.. and since there are only 11 starters on offense and 11 starters on defense, plus a smattering of role players.. There's not a lot of wiggle room for taking reduced roles that gives players an opportunity to achieve legacy goals. Feelings and wants take a back seat to franchise longevity and competitiveness.
That's just how it goes. The bonus to their jobs is extremely well compensated and treated like heros and gods.
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 09:51 pm
More on Legacy goals..
My belief as to what upsets Rodgers most with the Packers (a well supported belief, I may add) is his repeatedly stated desire to 1) play into his 40's, and 2) play for a single team his entire career.
Neither of these things are necessarily in the best interests of the long term health of the Green Bay Packers. Both of these goals could be achieved easily if Rodgers would accept a diminished role and salary. Aaron Rodgers isn't going to accept a diminished role and salary. He wants to be the starting QB for a single team into his 40s. I'm guessing the Packers would end up playing a very Farvian game of "Is he retiring this year, or isn't he" eventually if we tread down that road. That could leave the Packers completely blindsided and unable to prepare to transition to the future.
It's a case of the Packers choosing to be proactive vs. reactive.
iamiz
October 31, 2021 at 12:14 pm
I agree he seems happier than perhaps I’ve ever seen him. But what happens to that joy when we can’t afford to make Adams the top paid wide receiver? Other QBs have taken pay cuts or reworked their contracts to help make things like that happen.
No, I’m going to just enjoy the heck out of this season with no thought of what happens after.
Packers0808
October 31, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Trade dead line coming up, trade Love and I would bet Rodgers will stay regardless what happens rest of season. Seems to me Rodgers is seeking no more that coming security
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 02:48 pm
Love would make zero difference to the cap and the cap is now the boulder in motion.
Packers0808
October 31, 2021 at 03:01 pm
Cap no concern depending on what someone willing to give even up trade or draft picks for next year.
Coldworld
October 31, 2021 at 10:57 pm
Rodgers needs players around him. The cap does matter next year.
Packers0808
November 01, 2021 at 09:19 am
Geez was talking about cap in only trade scenario for Love. I guess everything has to be fully expalined.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:46 am
Then you truly don't understand how the salary cap works.
Packers0808
November 01, 2021 at 06:06 pm
And either do you when someone is talking one on one!
Tedlyflyfisher
October 31, 2021 at 12:58 pm
There’s a key factor (IMHO) that isn’t talked about. Rodgers is engaged, and his fiancé is an actress on the west coast. As I read all of these stories, she is never mentioned. If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. I never even hear about her attending the games, much less living in G.B. I’d guess she wants him to be closer to the West Coast. And it’s quite likely a little town like Green Bay is not going to meet her criteria for a great place to live. If she’s pushing Rodgers to move next year, that’s gotta play in to whatever decision Rodgers makes.
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 01:56 pm
men play sports for me good.
Woman evil trickery witch. bad! make man do things me no like.
Bitternotsour
November 01, 2021 at 07:41 pm
Rodgers girlfriends seem like accessories for his vanity. If he marries this one I'll be shocked.
but yes. woman bad, man good. footbawww.
canadapacker
October 31, 2021 at 01:07 pm
Everybody is happy ( unlike what was being said after week 1). And justifiably so. But talking heads have to talk and writers have to write. And this issue will not go away - unless 2 things happen - AR gets ticked again and decides to move on. Or the team keeps on winning and AR decides to stay ( as long as they manage to resign Adams). Or maybe a 3rd thing - the team reups takes the 5th year option on Love. So that would give AR 3 more years after this year. Finally I really like this article because I said it from the start - AR just wanted some help and some input. There should have been some underling on the phone to AR when Love was being picked. That would have been politically astute move. Finally Week 5 Indie versus the Ravens - everybody was raving after the game about how great Lamar Jackson was - Well Indie should have won that game - Blocked field goal and a Game Winning field goal miss in the 4th quarter - Seems to me that Jackson and his team got outplayed until the end. And last week they got their head handed to them on a plate by Indie. So on any given Sunday - sometimes it comes down to one play. Thursday night in Phoenix - it never should have gotten that far - It was a totally majestic game without many of our star players but we couldnt convert to seal the game and was lucky that Green missed a sign. Now would we be as happy today if as most had predicted we had an L there. Probably not . So we just need to enjoy each week at a time - and hopefully the best is yet to come.
Leatherhead
October 31, 2021 at 01:13 pm
I’m hoping for the happy ending.
😎We win the Super Bowl.
😎The Hero rides off into the sunset with the girl to live happily ever after
😎. He leaves behind a bag of gold and draft choices.
ApplesAndTons
November 01, 2021 at 10:57 pm
imagine the backlash that comes the more the media keeps pumping up ML untenable winning % ..... media storm will attack him and top brass, not to mention poor, innocent Love. Lock won't save the team with the way Gute thinks about the drafts. all the 1st rounders won't help, esp with a new OC next year, and two main players skiing all year
Bure9620
October 31, 2021 at 01:56 pm
All these articles and people in the national media claiming Rodgers isn't going anywhere next year, never discuss what type of an extension he will sign? Or which contracts will be unloaded to get under the cap? What would be the trade market for Jordan Love?
They all simply say, "Rodgers is coming back" without discussing the implications of doing a new deal...I don't get it.......
Oppy
October 31, 2021 at 02:00 pm
None of them get anything right in regards to how the Green Bay Packers do business, because the Green Bay Packers treat football as a business with an interest in long term winning to sustain their existence, not as an exercise in pure marketing where winning is a tool to generate a big pile of cash for a private owner.
fordguy
October 31, 2021 at 02:04 pm
The Packers already offered him a bigger contract and he turned it down saying it's not about the money it's about the players around him.
Bure9620
October 31, 2021 at 02:10 pm
Again, in order for Rodgers to stay in GB they will have to do a new deal. They voided his final year, making his 2022 cap hit $46 Million. He isn't playing on that deal for GB next year.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 31, 2021 at 06:42 pm
I don't believe that happened. Not in a meaningful way. that's a pure media creation by writers who don't really understand the cap or contracts. Did the Pack offer to stick a year or two of $46M base salaries in 2024 and 2025? Maybe so, but I'd bet the guaranteed new money was scant.
canadapacker
October 31, 2021 at 03:33 pm
As I said above - talking heads talk - that is why they are paid to talk and speculate. Sports writers write and that is why they get paid to write. I just love those supposed insiders like - like Adam Schefter - I guess they get the big money to kiss butt of anybody around to have inside access. Today was another example of sports writer anointing teams - The Cinci Bengals have a great offense and an even greater Defense and there is a changing of the guard - and they do what - Lose to the Jets - not just any team but the Jets and their backup QB. And everybody was kissing up to the Lions coach - a coach who hasnt won a game all season long but because he is some sort of genius because of what the says to his team and the press - and the Lions were being predicted by these butt kissing NFL broadcast prognosticators to smoke the poor Eagles - what happened ??? Eagles 44- Lions 6. Case closed.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:51 am
To your point, when Kingsbury was hired by Arizona the talking/writing heads said that he would be an instant failure because his college concepts wouldn't transfer to the NFL. And there they sit, 6-2, one of the tougher teams to beat.
stockholder
October 31, 2021 at 04:16 pm
I say everything will work out. Winning takes everyone working together. Greed is their way out. Along with injuries. I believe they can afford Adams and Rodgers. So why not!! The problem is; sides were chosen. Articles that pour gas on the fire. And using the past to twist the knife in an open wound. Slamming the most talented players in Green Bay history; isn't going to make this team better. Everyone must show restraint. ( If they want the BEST for the Green Bay Packers. ) We all Love this team as stated. Their giving a 100%. From Top to Bottom.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:54 am
I believe that the sun will turn purple tomorrow, and that unicorns will come prancing down my street, manes glorious in the new sunrise.
I get it that you're a huge AR fan, but there is no way that GB can field a competitive team next year with Rodgers and AR on the team, unless you count AR, DA, AJ, and a DIII defense as a team.
Qoojo
October 31, 2021 at 04:44 pm
"Winning's the great deordorant" - Madden
barutanseijin
October 31, 2021 at 05:50 pm
How about dem Bears with another home loss. Looks like they still suck.
TheKanataThrilla
October 31, 2021 at 07:23 pm
I just think that the cap always wins. What is the point of having Rodgers if you have to get rid of everyone else that makes your team great? I would be tempted to trade and use that #1 pick you get on another QB to create instant competition. Not that I am not sold on Love, but if we could land a Sam Howell in the draft I think I would definitely pull that trigger.
WisconsinStrong
October 31, 2021 at 08:31 pm
Whatever our takes on Rodgers and the many narratives surrounding (and authored by) him, Gil's thesis still holds true: "For now, it seems like the relationship between Rodgers and the Packers organization has improved..." Of course, whether that improved relationship can be parlayed into a showing at the SB is another matter entirely. Having said that, an improved relationship sure beats a negative relationship and toxic locker room presence. So I guess that if Aaron's happy, then I'm happy. GPG!
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:56 am
I don't know that the relationship between AR and the ENTIRE team has improved, TBH - and by that I mean his relationship with the FO. He hasn't once mentioned Gutekunst's excellent work in adding FAs to cover for all the injuries. I think an explicit shout-out to Gutekunst when he was talking about Douglas would've been a better indicator that their relationship has improved.
JDH1313
October 31, 2021 at 09:47 pm
I have to disagree, Rodgers will be traded for draft capital after this year and Adams will as well, With the draft capital they get for those two alone will be a solid start to a rebuild for Jordan Loves future. I like Rodgers as much as the next fan but I also see why Gutey drafted Love as the future franchise QB.
Guam
November 01, 2021 at 07:27 am
There will be no draft capital from a trade for Adams. His contract is up at the end of this season and he will be a free agent. The best the Packers can hope for is a 2023 third round compensatory pick for Adams.
How much we might get for Rodgers is an interesting question. Many have posited multiple first and second round choices in exchange for Rodgers based on the M. Stafford deal. Stafford was five years younger than Rodgers will be when the deal is done however. How much difference will that make - IDK. The only comparable I could come up with was from a different era. The 49ers traded 37 year old Joe Montana to the Chiefs for one first round draft choice. And the 49ers had to throw in a third round draft choice and a safety (David Whitmore) to get that one first rounder. I hope someone trades the Packers a bunch of draft choices for Rodgers, but I dunno.........
Archie
November 01, 2021 at 08:02 am
If GBP chooses to tag Adams they will maintain his NFL rights. Since he wants top pay for a WR anyways, there is no downside to tagging him.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 09:58 am
Except the cap hit that tagging him will require. Which will be huge.
Oppy
November 01, 2021 at 02:51 pm
Adams has said he wants THE highest pay for a WR.
Franchise tag by definition would rob him of that dream- at least temporarily.
This is not 100% accurate, but the gist of the franchise tag is a team can basically force a player otherwise slated to be a Free Agent to stay on the squad under a 1 year contract that pays the player the average of the top 3 contracts at his position that year- or something along those lines.
EDITED: Franchise tag pay must be "no less than the average of the five highest salaries at the player's position over the last five years, or 120 percent of the player's cap number from the previous season, whichever is greater"
If the Packers attempt to tag and trade Adams, it's probably unlikely they will find a trade partner willing to give the Packers something for Adams' franchise tag contract, who will then agree to renegotiated Adams' contract to make him the highest paid WR in the league- which is what he wants.
That's pretty steep. Packers will probably end up just having to let Adams go. It might not be worth the ill-will.
jurp
November 01, 2021 at 10:00 am
Yeah, I'm with you. We got, what, a sixth rounder for Favre? I would expect that, at most, we'd get maybe one second round pick for AR, even if he's the MVP again (which he won't be). As you noted, he's too old to be more than a two-year rental to most teams - maybe someone going all-in would be willing to go as high as a first-rounder. Pittsburgh or Cleveland maybe? And if we trade him to a team he's not willing to join, he could always retire, nullifying the trade anyway.
croatpackfan
November 01, 2021 at 02:16 am
Gil I really like your articles.
But can all of you at cheesehead tv stop with Nostradamus job? As I already stated, maybe human rase will be wanished from earth up to the March next year. We are all killing ourselves with inresponsible behaviour. So, who can say if there will be football next season.
I'm with Nick. I enjoy in this season. As I can not do nothing about the issue you were writing in this article, I will not dream. I will stay awake.
I predict Jordan Love is next Packers QB. No matter do you like it or not. How long and when, we will see. I have no wish to rush or to delay that beginning.
Aaron Rodgers confirmed everything what scouts were writing about him before 2005 draft.
And this is the last article I will read here on this subject.
Bure9620
November 01, 2021 at 07:21 am
I realize it annoys many to discuss Rodgers future whom want to live in the present. I am not trying to play Nostradamus either. I am merely stating one thing we know as a certainty about Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers is not playing for the Green Bay Packers in 2022 on his current contract.
flackcatcher
November 01, 2021 at 01:05 pm
In the end Cap Man wins. Cap Man always wins. Between him and Father Time there is a strict window which a team can compete. Give Gute and Ball all the credit for keeping that window open as long as they have.
Fubared
November 02, 2021 at 05:50 pm
IMO this is already a done deal and it was struck and agreed to before the season started. Love takes over and Rodgers moves on. Love isnt going to sit on the bench for five or six years and just collect a check.
Rodgers gal is out west he could be too possibly.
I do think Denver is out of the picture as they have started rebuilding and are not a QB away from the SB.