No choice but to trust in Brian Gutekunst

The future of the Green Bay Packers is very much up in the air. We all have our opinions, but all we can do now is trust in GM Brian Gutekunst.

The future of the Green Bay Packers is very much up in the air at this moment in time.

And everyone seems to have the right idea of what should and shouldn't happen between Wednesday, March 2, and the beginning of training camp at the end of the summer.

Let's take a look at just a couple of topics that Packers fans are riled up about.

Let's skip right over the Aaron Rodgers drama. Because, let's be honest, we've all heard enough about Rodgers, and I think we're just ready for his dang decision.

Right now, Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams is the hot button controversial topic amongst Packers fans. 

In a classic debate of "should he stay or should he go?" It seems everyone has their own opinions.

Should the Packers front office use the franchise tag before the March 8 deadline is up? That would keep Adams, who has arguably been the best wide receiver in the NFL for the past couple seasons, around for at least one more year. But $19.1 million is a steep asking price for one year. If that happened, it certainly would entice Rodgers to stay for at least another year.

But I've read many of your comments on this site, and many lean toward seeing 29-year old Adams pack his things and leave, if it's going to take that much money to keep him. And, after Rodgers and Adams struggled to deliver in the playoffs for a second-straight season after earning the No. 1-seed, the frustration is certainly justifiable.

Keeping him would also take a massive overhaul of the rest of the team, between roster cuts and contract restructures. Players like Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith and Billy Turner would likely be players that the front office would look at cutting in order to make room for Adams' cap hit.

There's also a large group of players whose futures will also need to be explored, potentially outside of the organization in Titletown. The Packers entered the offseason roughly $50 million in the red.

Never fear, General Manager Brian Gutekunst has already been on the job.

Gutekunst and the front office have already restructured the contracts of David Bakhtiari, Aaron Jones and Kenny Clark to cut that $50 million number back to around $30 million.

This is only the beginning.

What does the future of players like Marcedes Lewis, Dean Lowry, Randall Cobb or Allen Lazard look like? Does the front office make a push to re-sign players like Rasul Douglas and De'Vondre Campbell? What position is the highest priority of need heading into the draft?

Here's the deal: We can sit here collectively and argue with each other about what the best moves are, who the Packers should cut and keep and what the draft should look like for our favorite team until the cows come home.

But, ultimately, we don't hold the keys to the car. That belongs to Gutekunst and the head honchos in the front office.

Gutekunst has made moves before that seemed impossible before they happened (i.e. pulling off cap space Houdini-like moves in the offseason of 2021 to make *one final run* last fall). Can he do it again? Only time will tell.

Until then, all we can do it put our blind faith and confidence in Gutekunst and his team.. and hope it works out for the best.

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Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.

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PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

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5 points
 

Comments (94)

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

March 02, 2022 at 12:26 pm

So here's the deal. Look behind what is all of the things that happened since 2020 draft. They drafted Love, signaling moving on from Rodgers. Sometimes that's OK, but it angered Rodgers. Rodgers complains the next year... Then there is an about face with the organization to go all in last year. And it looks like this year too. I sense that the board of directors told Murphy, Gute and Lafleur to keep Rodgers and keep him happy. For all we can complain, he is the best chance of winning a Super bowl. Sometimes big egos get in the way and the board of directors set the proper direction by forcing an attitude change with Murphy, Gute and Lafleur. I am thankful as an owner that the BOD did this. Nothing else makes sense of how things transpired.

-12 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

March 02, 2022 at 12:26 pm

So here's the deal. Look behind what is all of the things that happened since 2020 draft. They drafted Love, signaling moving on from Rodgers. Sometimes that's OK, but it angered Rodgers. Rodgers complains the next year... Then there is an about face with the organization to go all in last year. And it looks like this year too. I sense that the board of directors told Murphy, Gute and Lafleur to keep Rodgers and keep him happy. For all we can complain, he is the best chance of winning a Super bowl. Sometimes big egos get in the way and the board of directors set the proper direction by forcing an attitude change with Murphy, Gute and Lafleur. I am thankful as an owner that the BOD did this. Nothing else makes sense of how things transpired.

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Coldworld's picture

March 02, 2022 at 01:06 pm

Murphy controls who is nominated to the Board, reappointment and to the executive committee. The Board no longer controls Murphy, they are all beholden to him.

4 points
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murf7777's picture

March 03, 2022 at 06:46 am

@CW…..I don’t believe Murphy has any say on who is nominated to the 7 member Executive committee. I understand it as the Packers shareholders vote to elect Green Bay’s board of directors and a seven-member executive committee that represents the team at league meetings, but they have no real say in team decisions, football or otherwise. The team is run by their President Murphy and the committee has no say in day to day decisions of the football team.

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Leatherhead's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:57 am

Murf, that is my understanding as well.

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 08:38 am

Mark Murphy is a permanent member of the committee as President & CEO. Nominations to both the Board and the executive committee are prepared and recommended by Packer employees working for Murphy for consideration by a sub committee of the Board. That committee then submits a list to Murphy who chooses names off it. These then go to the full Board for final approval. The final list is then submitted for approval by the shareholders. However that is a rubber stamp. When did one get rejected last?

Murphy has been President & CEO since 2007. In that 15 years he’s been able to effectively control who joins the Board and who is appointed to executive roles (very similar process). It’s always good to know how any organization one is invested in really works.

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Leatherhead's picture

March 03, 2022 at 10:56 am

So you are saying the the Full Board determines who will be on the Executive Board? That’s what I thought.

But Murphy controls the list. And who controls Murphy? The people who hired him? Wouldn’t that be the Executive Board? When does Murphy’s contract expire? He turns 67 in a few months…..is there a mandatory retirement age of 70?

You also said Murphy was a permanent member of the Executive Board. True, depending on what the definition of “permanent” is. The President is on the Executive Board. When he’s not the President anymore, is he still on tha Executive Board?

You paint a picture of Murphy controlling the Executive Board. I don’t think so.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 12:51 pm

When your appearance and continuation in office depends on the person whom you are there to scrutinize, there is a considerable potential for conflict of interest. After a decade and a half, the Board is so shaped by Murphy that it would not, in any other organization, be considered a sound governance structure.

The CEO and a couple of other officers are on the executive executive committee by virtue of their positions. As long as they remain in office they are therefore on the committee. If they leave office, they could remain if they are nominated.

Denial is fine, but that’s how this works. I’m not the first to point out this conflict. It is actually a technique used in the past to ensure the “right” people got sinecures political and business.

2 points
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murf7777's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:56 pm

"Nominations to both the Board and the executive committee are prepared and recommended by Packer employees working for Murphy for consideration by a sub committee of the Board."

First off, it's not technically a sub-committee, it is an Executive committee whom has powers to govern the corporation, NOT Murphy or the BOD has such powers according to their website. The BOD elects the Executive committee. Also, the term sub normally means a committee who provides advice to a governing body to take into consideration, in this case, it's the 7-member Executive committee.

According to the Packer website, the Board elects the seven member committee who manages the corporation. "The committee directs corporate management, approves major capital expenditures, establishes broad policy and monitors management's performance in conducting the business and affairs of the corporation." Being the committee has the power, even thou Murphy is one of them, he could be fired by the committee and thus doesn't have the power you state. He also has no control over who is on the committee. They are elected by the BOD.

"It’s always good to know how any organization one is invested in really works."

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 05:09 pm

The executive committee is not the same as the sub committee I referenced. If I thought the Packers website description laid it all out, I’d have simply linked there. I can in fact read.

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Guam's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:28 pm

Can you verify with someone on the Board that this happened? Because I know a Board member (although not an Executive Committee member) and this issue never got to the full Board.

2 points
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Lphill's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:34 pm

Rodgers told you he was unhappy with the Love pick?

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Roadrunner23's picture

March 03, 2022 at 10:15 am

The BOD doesn’t do squat!

They haven’t since before the days of Ron Wolf & Bob Harlan who told them to keep out of football decisions, period!

2 points
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jhtobias's picture

March 02, 2022 at 12:37 pm

Yes Rodgers is the best chance at a super bowl no one will argue this. What I will argue is that chance does not equal success hence last 2 years.

Rodgers reminds me of the boy who cried wolf eventually people will stop listening and the world won't stop without him.

16 points
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Lphill's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:35 pm

What has he directly cried about?

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jurp's picture

March 02, 2022 at 04:24 pm

*WHOOOOOSH*

That's the sound of an analogy zooming over your head.

1 points
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Fubared's picture

March 02, 2022 at 10:58 pm

My take is I agree with Cowherd. Its a different Rodgers in the playoffs then reg season. He is not the same guy. His ego is all about passer rating not winning playoff games. Otherwise why did he not throw the ball to the other receivers who were open but threw the ball away if adams was covered. FEAR OF TOSSING A PICK AND BEING BLAMED FOR THE LOSS

2 points
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stockholder's picture

March 02, 2022 at 12:50 pm

No . It's not the beginning But the ending. If you think otherwise. Lambeau Field is Planet of the Apes. Adams has lost a step. The 30 mil. price tag is killing the future. A future that was suppose to have LOVE AS THE QB. And the positive thinking has Gutey walking on water. Trust him? . After Rodgers wanted him fired. Those closed doors, have me believing what goes on is a Doomsday Scenario. I see Debt And the FO leaving. Suckers Beware. IT's always been about taking the money and run. Adams is about to break a World Record, if he gets it. Because I don't believe he's the best WR in the NFL without Rodgers.

7 points
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dobber's picture

March 02, 2022 at 12:53 pm

"Lambeau Field is Planet of the Apes. Adams has lost a step."

Does he have a couple Spaceballs coming out of his nose?

1 points
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stockholder's picture

March 02, 2022 at 01:02 pm

Brain Fluid?

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

March 02, 2022 at 01:39 pm

I'm almost certain that you would be happy if Brian Gutekunst drafted Hate instead of Love as Packers future QB.

I realy do not understand so much hate for person who did nothing to embarass franchise you are suppose to Love, did not play enough to be properly evaluated, but when he played he shows glimpses of his talent. Talent good enough that Packers get some calls from other franchise for trade for Jordan Love. If he is a bust you are so anxious to believe, why in the world any franchise would offer trade for him?

Also, in his 1st NFL game he played much better under completely unfavorable conditions for him than Aaron Rodgers played in his 1st official game this season. In the season finale he outplayed your beloved Diva by leading offense to 17 points and almost won the game for Packers, while Diva scored only 13. And, in that game he played with 2nd and 3rd stringers on the offense. So, taking all in consideration, it looks to me that your emotional connection to Diva blindfolded you.

I also bet that Packers will be in the playoff with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but prepare yourself for another dissapointing end. I will be here (I hope) to listen new excuses you'll try to find for another playoff loss.

While Packers have very good record playing w/o Davante Adams, Davante Adams has also very good data playing w/o Aaron Rodgers. He was and he still is top 3 WR in today's NFL. You may put lot of Davante catches on Aaron Rodgers, but Davante save the records for Diva many times by catching uncatchable balls everybody saw as missed ones.

I'm clearly for reconstruction, I'm not putting any bets on any player, but I truly believe that pushing Packers debts to the future will bury franchise deep in irrelevance in NFL for many years. I believe that SB and Diva's one more year is not adequate replacement for that irrelevance.

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

March 02, 2022 at 02:28 pm

"I really do not understand so much hate for person who did nothing to embarrass franchise you are suppose to Love"

You constantly call a lack of belief in his ability hate. Nobody hates Love. Stop confusing the hate of the what (QB), when (1st rd) of the selection with hating the player.

I said I'm accepting of whichever direction the Fo goes with Rodgers, let him play his last year but make it his last year, or trade him, let him retire and play Love. Just do any of the mentioned while doing as little damage to the future because the future isn't with Rodgers, it may not be with Love, but an intact salary cap future is needed to secure a future.

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 02, 2022 at 02:35 pm

If he comes back, they are going to have to address his $46 million cap hit. Even if the contract is for a year, we are likely paying him for 4 as far as the cap goes, unless he accepts a massively under value contract. As it stands, I think his actual pay this year is scheduled to be $33 odd million.

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

March 02, 2022 at 04:04 pm

"Even if the contract is for a year, we are likely paying him for 4 as far as the cap goes, unless he accepts a massively undervalue contract."

And why I lean more toward moving on, as I don't see a fourth attempt being any more a charmful ending than the last three seasons.

9 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 02, 2022 at 05:16 pm

As scheduled, AR's max cash is $27.49M for 2022.

7 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:14 pm

I stand corrected. My main point in referencing it was that it’s significant, but a lot less than the cap hit.

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Bure9620's picture

March 02, 2022 at 09:21 pm

Could not agree more, I'm losing confidence in Gute. Good talent evaluator but that is about it....Not moving on, not letting Jordan Hate start will be pushing the next window of potential success far out after the Rodgers era....

0 points
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Handsback's picture

March 03, 2022 at 08:22 am

I would give you 100 thumbs up for that!

-1 points
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Oppy's picture

March 02, 2022 at 05:17 pm

Adams skills make Adams great.

There's a reason he was still productive when Brett Hundley was under center.

He's a top tier WR. He has great hands, incredible catch radius, vertical, body control, route running, and his release is literally unique in the league.

None of those things change based on who throws the ball.

3 points
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murf7777's picture

March 03, 2022 at 06:52 am

Oppy…I agree his talent in top 3 in the league. My concern is when will that drop off and where should GB spend their money. Signing him to a record 4 yr WR contract is a big mistake in my mind. If we are keeping Rodgers it will be more important to keep our defense in tact then sign Adams.

1 points
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Oppy's picture

March 03, 2022 at 11:40 pm

murf,

Let me be clear- I want nothing to do with the Packers making Adams the highest paid WR in the league. I don't think any single WR is worth that type of money.

I'm speaking purely about Adams' skill- the previous poster is arguing Adams isn't a great WR. I vehemently disagree with that sentiment. He's a fantastically talented elite WR. I just don't think any single WR is worth the kind of money that can could be used for two different top 12 type WRs.

0 points
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Swisch's picture

March 03, 2022 at 11:12 am

As long as Gute doesn't hand over a set of the keys to the car to Aaron Rodgers.
I wouldn't mind Rodgers driving the car once in a while if he was more mature on and off the field, but it seems he hasn't grown much over the years, and is possibly regressing in some ways.
At his best, Rodgers could indeed add some good ideas to the Packers as an advisor. However, he has to realize that while his general manager and head coach could benefit from his experience, it doesn't mean that they're necessarily going to do a lot of what he suggests. They have different roles that require wider perspectives, and Rodgers needs to let them do their jobs without manipulating public opinion against them.
Also, Rodgers at this point doesn't seem to have all that good of judgement when it comes to personnel and coaching decisions. He would be better off if he mostly focused on making himself a better quarterback. That's a huge challenge for anyone at that momentous position of leadership and various skills of craftsmanship.
***
Today, Colin Cowherd compared Rodgers unfavorably to Matthew Stafford. He seemed to say that Stafford handled his difficult years with a dysfunctional team in the Lions with class and integrity and good nature -- earning the respect of team management enough that they accommodated Stafford after 13 seasons when he politely requested an opportunity to go to a better team.
Then, after being traded to the Rams, Stafford came through to lead them to a Super Bowl in his first season.
By contrast, Cowherd seems to be saying, Rodgers has brought to himself a lot of attention but hasn't produced all that much when it matters most: in the playoffs.
***
In any case, this prolonged decision process by Rodgers -- in not telling the team whether he wants to stay or go -- seems to confirm previous evidence that he is largely a spoiled brat without regret or an intention to reform.
Since Rodgers doesn't seem to get this, Gute would do well to let him go, even if that means allowing him to retire without compensation to the Packers. It would be miserable as a fan to continue with this version of Rodgers in all of his arrogance.
***
If Gute does keep Rodgers, he has to make it clear that he holds the set of keys to the Packers.
If Rodgers wants to drive the car once in a while, he has to start by knowing his proper role in supporting the general manager and head coach in their roles outside of and above him. Then, he has to earn each turn at the steering wheel by being a true leader for the players, and a genuine ambassador to the fans.
I'm still a tiny bit open to Rodgers coming back, but not in the way he has been in the recent past. I doubt he can change all that much in a week or two, but maybe there's more that is good going behind the scenes than it seems.
Actually, it's how Gute handles this situation with Rodgers that will mostly determine how much I trust him as our general manager for the Packers.

7 points
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Lphill's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:37 pm

So you judge Rodgers based on here say .

-2 points
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jurp's picture

March 02, 2022 at 04:28 pm

No, I judge Rodgers based on hearsay. Just sayin'.

2 points
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Swisch's picture

March 03, 2022 at 11:35 am

I earnestly try to be fair with Rodgers in his best interest, as well as everyone else who cares about the Packers -- which includes taking into account what I hear Rodgers say, as well as what he doesn't say.
If at any time anyone here at CHTV disagrees with me in my opinions, or thinks I'm missing something or overreaching in my analysis, I'm truly glad to hear it.
As fans, we can better our understanding of the Packers with the help of each other.

2 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:51 pm

For years I have heard fans complain our GMs don't pay attention to the here & now. They only think about the future. Well, if Gutey brings back AR/DA, all he's thinking about is our immediate future.

If he brings them back, all we'll hear for many months is what a mistake it was, and only if/when we win the Super Bowl will they admit they were wrong, but still point to the cap and say it wasn't worth it, so Gutey can't really win.

If he trades AR/DA, the other half of the fanbase will be crying until Love wins a Super Bowl, or we get another franchise QB, no matter who it is.

The old adage, "You can't please all of the people all of the time." was never more accurate than when you talk about the GM of an NFL team.

9 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 02, 2022 at 04:06 pm

Which is why results count for GMs as much as players. It’s about winning not about popularity. The lasting kind only comes with success.

3 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

March 02, 2022 at 05:28 pm

Well, Gutey can't help AR missed a wide open Lazard. Gutey put a Super Bowl contender on the field and they blew it all by themselves. Looks like Gutey is planning on putting another Super Bowl contender on the field this year. If he trades AR and lets DA walk, we likely aren't winning the North, let alone the Super Bowl, so what are you saying?

We all want our cake and eat it too, but then we want to bitch about how the chef bakes it?

If it's all about Championships, the only way to vie for a Championship this year is with AR at QB. (At least that's how the FO sees it.)

Maybe AR takes the ball out of Gutey's hands and asks for a trade? That would surely let him off the hook.

4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 03, 2022 at 02:01 pm

Results? How many GMs have a better winning percentage than Gutekunst? Did you know he has a better winning percentage than Ron Wolf?

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:37 pm

Winning percentage is not a bad indicator for a GM, though it’s not the one most often used and seldom the measure used to define Wolf or TT.

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 03, 2022 at 04:21 pm

So Gutekunst would be a better GM if the punt wasn’t blocked?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 05:13 pm

Lol, if that’s what you take from that go ahead. I am and have been a vocal Gute backer, if you have read, I’ve been suggesting the currently mooted direction is both a radical departure and not likely one he would have proposed. Should it come to pass and he goes along with it, it will nevertheless be defining for him.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

March 03, 2022 at 06:17 pm

I disagree (only slightly). Gutekunst has been more cold blooded when it comes to player movement and team makeup. He has been dealing with an ever smaller Cap number since he was hired as GM. My gut sense is with the number of contracts due, and with Rodgers and Adams pretty much out the door he decided to take one final swing for the fences. No matter what happens this upcoming season, the front office will be forced to do a tear down and rebuild. The big number is the Cap for 2023, and no one knows what that is. Gutekunst's actions are not radical, but an understanding of the state of his football team.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 04, 2022 at 08:27 am

I'm glad it made you laugh. You know what makes me laugh? The notion that these Executive Board members....all of them, highly educated and successful people....would serve as puppets to an out of control Murphy who is destroying the franchise.

Without a single shred of evidence. Pardon me while I get my tinfoil hat.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 04, 2022 at 08:46 am

I admire your faith in humanity and the well connected. Sadly, that doesn’t make it justified. Doff your cap, respect your “betters” and trust. Inquiry be damned, screw the facts. It keeps the status quo. The essential serf mentality.

-1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

March 04, 2022 at 03:03 pm

So where’s your evidence that what you choose to believe is true.?

0 points
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stockholder's picture

March 02, 2022 at 05:07 pm

Do you believe Davante Adams can run 4.5 ? Can Adams match any of his combine numbers? Is he a 30 mil. band-Aid?

3 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

March 02, 2022 at 05:56 pm

Jerry Rice 40 = 4.7
Larry Fitzgerald 40 = 4.63

What was your point again?

3 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 03, 2022 at 12:02 pm

What makes Adams sublime is his quickness and footwork after the snap for tremendous releases to get open and has enough speed to maintain separation. Then he catches his targets and gets YAC.

2 points
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dblbogey's picture

March 02, 2022 at 10:16 pm

Franchise him for 19 million. Too bad if he can't live on that along with the $80 million he's already pocketed. Too bad if that makes him sad. Don't extend him at age 30.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 03, 2022 at 01:30 am

Adams has earned $62M, give or take a few hundred thousand dollars. I dont' think that difference changes your point. He has made a lot of money already.

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 03, 2022 at 05:18 am

Well stated Bird!

You hit it on the head!

0 points
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hawk1982's picture

March 02, 2022 at 03:53 pm

IMO, I'd let Adam's go, the pack proved they can win without him. His price will be too high and we won't be able to sign our other FA's like Campbell, Smith etc who are a big crucial part to our defense!

11 points
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PatrickGB's picture

March 03, 2022 at 09:02 am

I agree. But for all I know Rodgers decision may be based on the retention of certain players. Adams may be one of them. Gutie may face a tough choice on that one. I hope that isn’t the case.

0 points
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jurp's picture

March 02, 2022 at 04:32 pm

I'm sure you're all tired of my rants about Gute possibly bringing back the 80s, so I'll just say this:

If Gutekunst continues to extend players' contracts into the mid-20s, by 2025 we may have a team with 20% of the salary cap going to players who are ghosts and no longer on the team. Couple that to the salaries necessary for the QB and a couple of other All-Pro-level players, and we may have a team where 48 players account for 48% of the cap. Picture postcard example of how to NOT run a business.

4 points
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dblbogey's picture

March 02, 2022 at 10:19 pm

But if we suck, we'll get a high draft pick. Some of these cap problems will be helped by a large rise in the cap next year. All of the cap problems go away if we trade Rodgers for some sweet draft picks.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 02, 2022 at 11:50 pm

More likely 2024/25.

1 points
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Fubared's picture

March 02, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Many of us are thining the same thing thats for sure. It may be why Gutt hasnt heard from anyone about Rodgers, no one wanst to pay that kind of money for a couple of years work.

2 points
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Bure9620's picture

March 02, 2022 at 08:40 pm

Serious question, does anyone have an issue with MLF saying and admitting Player/GM had a "Significant" role in hiring Clements?? Clements is a solid coach but that is YOUR staff dude.. He works for you....Not Rodgers... I guess we all have to now just "wait" and not "bother" him until he makes a decision and goes through his "process"

His process of what? Enimas, oil farts and vomiting? Allowing him to center himself and make a decision?
They are pandering to this idiot and this does not bode well. Whatever Gute gets from Rodgers now he has willingly invited into the organization......

6 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

March 02, 2022 at 09:26 pm

Once Getsy left I imagine the conversation went something like this:

MaLF to Rodgers: "Dude, Getsy is heading to the %'in bares, what are we going to do for a QB Coach?"

Rodgers: "Eyebrows, calm down. I have Tom Clements on speed-dial if you need a QB Coach."

MaLF: "Is he any good? I don't even know him. What's he like? Is he cool? Do you think we'd work well together? Can you text me his number? Is it hot in here?"

Rodgers: "Clements is better than Getsy. He'll make sure I don't miss Lazard next January. Calm down Eyebrows, I text you his number, but let me call him first, just to warn him you might be hyperventilating when you call."

;P

3 points
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jurp's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:03 am

I had to log in just to upvote this. Thanks for the laugh.

My only quibble is Rodgers' last line - Clements is better than Getsy only because AR's coffee was always warmer when Clements brought it. No one in the world can make AR not miss Lazard.

1 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

March 03, 2022 at 10:26 am

While I was trying to be funny, if you recall the days when Tom Clements was QB Coach, AR routinely hit 7 - 9 different WRs/RBs a game. He spread the ball around a lot more than he has the last few years. IDK if that is because of personnel or by choice.

It seems back then we set up more plays to take advantage of defenses too.

None of us knows if Clements will keep our MVP QB on track for another MVP, but I wouldn't bet against him if AR is in fact our QB this year.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

March 03, 2022 at 12:15 pm

In those days we had other receivers, instead of a glorified TE in Lazard and Mr. Go Long, in MVS.

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:18 pm

We hadn’t heard of trust issues back then

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Oppy's picture

March 03, 2022 at 11:48 pm

Another fun fact about Tom Clements:

in 2015, Mike McCarthy gave up his play calling duties to Tom Clements.

The offense, and Rodgers, was horrible. So bad in fact, the MM took back play calling duties from Clements.

This is when Rodgers started becoming really defiant. He was so far off the leash, that MM did the unthinkable: He took away Rodgers' ability to audible at the LOS. The only options Rodgers had was to run the play as called, or flip the play to the alternate run/pass play (a built in feature of every MM play in his book.)

Rodgers was pouty and miserable, and the offense came back into shape again. And, after two or three weeks, MM gave Rodgers his freedom back again, but he didn't give up his playcalling duties ever again.

And, as I like to say, Rodgers being served a big ass piece of humble pie by MM... never forgave him for it, either.

Make no mistakes, Clements ended up being a Rodgers lap dog in the end.

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Oppy's picture

March 04, 2022 at 03:02 pm

To the dislike: that’s what happened. I know, I didn’t like it either. It was the start of “Aaron Rodgers: The problem”.

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Fubared's picture

March 02, 2022 at 10:52 pm

I wonder if Rodgers the diva boy is upset about Gutt announcing that he has received no offers for him. Sports analyst are questioning why Gutt would say that and possibly piss off Rodgers and his ego?
Maybe he is trying to leverage the money they plan to pay him by telling him were the only game in town pal its us or retirement, no one else wants you. Very Interesting

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 03, 2022 at 01:38 am

I don't believe Gute.

I think he didn't want to answer all the obvious follow-up questions he would have received had he said GB had received inquiries. From whom? How much was offered? Did you talk to Murphy, LaFleur, Exec Committee, AR? Has GB given AR permission to talk contract with any other team?

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croatpackfan's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:14 am

While I believe the reason what you say is probably true, I still have opinion that there will be some teams who will bite the possibility, but not at the level Packers expect. I doubt any of the owners and/or GMs wants to have situation Packers past 2 seasons ago, when Diva spit on complete organization and President, GM as well as on HC. I can imagine that many teams are reluctant because of that.

I also have no doubts that some of the teams, like Jets, Giants, Commanders, Panthers, Denver, even Saints would benefit of AR on the team regarding missive improvement in their record. But those teams (excluding Denver) are not the teams at level AR wants to play. So, good organized franchises are not interesting in that kind of personality and they are leaning more in steady improvement.

After all, I may be wrong. But that is how I see the situation...

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dobber's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:29 am

I agree with this 100%. He's not shifting off the party line and creating a spectacle.

When should you never take a statement from management at face value? When you see their lips moving.

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SanLobo's picture

March 04, 2022 at 11:37 am

Deleted

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 03, 2022 at 05:21 am

Good points Payne! Very good!

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dobber's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:27 am

I think the question that was asked was, "has anyone approached you at the Combine meetings?"--to which his answer could be truthful, but misleading at the same time.

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 08:44 am

Anything that isn’t a black and white proposal for a trade in some documented not transient form is plausibly deniable if one wants to.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:32 pm

As a post script, if indeed this is true, it suggests soundings have been made by at least one team:

“Although Commanders G.M. Martin Mayhew said Wednesday that they called all teams that may have a quarterback available, John Keim of ESPN.com reported on Tuesday that the Commanders called every team.”

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/03/03/if-washington-called-ev...

If they called about Mahommes, which is how this became news, one would think that a call was made and pertained in some way to Rodgers.

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PatrickGB's picture

March 03, 2022 at 09:08 am

After getting rebuffed last year the teams who may be interested are probably wary. Rodgers is getting older, has got a reputation (true or not) and has a huge price tag. Many of those teams who were once interested have moved on with their own plans and/or have their own cap issues. Also, some teams know that Rodgers is not interested in joining a team on the rebuild.

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LambeauPlain's picture

March 03, 2022 at 09:51 am

There is a difference between receiving a firm negotiated offer from a suitor vs a phone call expressing interest in Rodgers. It has been reported several teams have inquired about Rodgers.

Gutey has reworked contracts that would have been done even if Rodgers had said he was retiring or wanted a trade. Rodgers has said neither. Until he does and wants to be traded, Gutey has not received a trade offer.

"Hi Brian. We would like Rodgers in Denver. What will it take?'

"Appreciate the INTEREST. We are not there yet because we want to keep Rodgers in Green Bay. If that changes, I will let you know." (NO OFFER received).

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 04, 2022 at 08:46 am

Lambeau,
I agree huge difference between receiving a phone call inquiring about Rodgers versus a bona fide offer.

I see this all the time in my business. Phone calls are BS and example of a team not serious. A team that is 100% serious send in the written offer demonstrating your commitment and starting the negotiations. This is how to successfully beat out other competitors.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 04, 2022 at 08:46 am

Lambeau,
I agree huge difference between receiving a phone call inquiring about Rodgers versus a bona fide offer.

I see this all the time in my business. Phone calls are BS and example of a team not serious. A team that is 100% serious send in the written offer demonstrating your commitment and starting the negotiations. This is how to successfully beat out other competitors.

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Bure9620's picture

March 03, 2022 at 05:17 am

Matt Lafleur on Aaron Rodgers: "I told him, I don't wanna be overbearing and tell him every day how much we love him and how much we want him back. So you just wanna be respectful of his space and allow him to think through everything clearly without being annoying, I guess."

WTF

5 points
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jurp's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:08 am

This is a real quote? SMH. The lunatics really ARE running the asylum. Can you imagine Belicheck saying this? John Harbaugh? Mike Timlin? LOMBARDI?

Maybe we should ask Aaron what his favorite colors are and change the green-and-gold to them? Maybe he likes Comic Sans better than Packers Font and change the numbers and lettering, too? I was being bitterly sarcastic the other day when I suggested that the team might be renamed the Green Bay Rodgers in the near future - looks like I was closer to the truth than I realized.

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dobber's picture

March 03, 2022 at 07:33 am

We're unhappy because the HC essentially says he has more important things to do than preen the ego of his QB? -- Which is true, of course.

Why should this bother us?

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:11 pm

That’s one way of reading it. The other is more redolent of a lovesick teen who is trying to fight the desire to kneel at the feet of his Juliet.

I suspect that the answer is somewhere in between, but that’s not the kind of statement I feel was necessary, or at least as worded.

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Bure9620's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:20 pm

Not how I read it at all...

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LambeauPlain's picture

March 03, 2022 at 10:02 am

Is Matt now negotiating player salaries?

Until Rodgers makes up mind and has a contract to play from Gutey, what possible value is there for the coach to constantly nag him about coming back? I do not understand your angst toward Matt. He would be out of his lane.

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Coldworld's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:12 pm

Ball negotiates salaries.

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Roadrunner23's picture

March 03, 2022 at 08:25 am

Gutes got this!

You have to admit, he's built a heck of a team these past couple of years, they just didn't finish.

Why?

1. A bad Special Teams Coaching Hire: Sometimes teams get too caught up in the "promoting from within" mindset and it burned the Packers Big Time! Hiring the assistant (Mo Drayton) to a failed Special Teams coach in Shawn Mennenga was just stupid! Sometimes coaches and management can't see the forest for the trees!

2. Bad Luck Bahktiari: First the Packers make Bahktiari the highest paid Tackle in the NFL after many great any almost injury free seasons. Several weeks later (and just before the playoffs) he tears an ACL in a non-contact drill. Then he comes back just before another playoff run but decides he just can't play! Damn, talk about bad luck!

3. Players not stepping up: Jones fumbling twice in the Championship game and then gets injured, Dillon getting injured in this years divisional round, Mercedes Lewis fumble, killing a drive and any momentum, Special Teams gaffs, Rodgers playing conservative. As Lomabrdi would say "what the Hell is going on out there!".

None of this falls on Gutekunst, he built a GREAT team, they just couldn't get the job done in crunch time!

We as fans pay way too much attention to salarys, salary cap';s etc... Russ Ball & Brian Gutekunst are professionals, they know what they are doing for the present team needs and the future of the Green Bay Packers.

Will they have to "Rob Peter to pay Paul"?
Short term yes!
Will the team suffer down the road because of this? Maybe for a couple of seasons.
Will it be worth it if they can win the NFC North and a Super Bowl this year or next? Hell Yes!

There may be a huge asteroid with the Earth in it's sights that is going to destroy the Earth in 2025! Win Now!

In Gutey we trust!

Go Pack Go!

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PatrickGB's picture

March 03, 2022 at 09:10 am

Well said!

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croatpackfan's picture

March 03, 2022 at 10:47 am

You forgot # Top reason. Diva QB delivered only 1 TD and 2 FG positions, from one team score. Against same opponent what Staford did?

That is the main reason!

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Bearmeat's picture

March 03, 2022 at 01:34 pm

Oh, I have plenty of choice. I can choose whether or not to get overly emotionally involved with a team who has already blown their chances and will only get worse. Especially when they have a guy running the show who isn't the "owner" or the GM or the head coach.

I will avoid buying all Packers stuff, going to Packers sites, reading about the Packers... in general not thinking about the Packers between games.

If HE comes back, and it's looking very much like he will, I'll watch the games. But because Gute will have given up control of the franchise to their old/choker QB, and passing up a generational haul of picks, that will be the extent of my involvement with the 2022 Packers - at least before they choke in January - and they will.

At that point, I'll be back in full force to tell the Rodgers apologists "I toldjaso"

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Swisch's picture

March 03, 2022 at 03:41 pm

It'll be really hard for me to enjoy the Packers next season if the same old arrogant Aaron Rodgers is our quarterback.
Unless he changes, Rodgers has become almost insufferable. Week after week of reports about whether he is happy is almost unendurable.
I'd like to see Gute salvage some semblance of dignity by saying politely and respectfully and even kindly that it's time to move on from our self-absorbed and melodramatic QB.
All the best to Rodgers in another place far removed from us.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

March 04, 2022 at 01:30 am

Completely agree, Swisch. A smug Rodgers after every regular-season win -- and then a choking Rodgers in the playoffs -- followed by the less than contrite Rodgers and his woke nonsense. Who wants to see that again?

I'm for the curiosity of what this team can be without this diva. Will we win the North? With added first-round picks can we finally have a dominant defense and maybe luck into another great QB if Love isn't the guy? I think the season will be more fun because of all the questions.

If we retain Rodgers and Adams, which, unfortunately, looks to be the direction the FO is taking, there is likely only one question -- will the team fail again in the playoffs? The regular season has become no more than running through the motions.

Time to move on.

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Swisch's picture

March 04, 2022 at 10:52 am

I agree, it would be a lot more enjoyable to watch the Packers next season without Rodgers.
It's risky, but we do have a lot of talent. I could sincerely see 10 wins as a reasonable goal, which could put us in the playoffs.
I think MVS might thrive with more opportunities, and that others among our wide receivers could step up to be solid contributors.
The more I look around at other quarterbacks around the NFL, and coming up from college, the more hope I have for Jordan Love.
For example, it seems the shine is already wearing off Murray in Arizona, and there may not be any QBs taken in the top ten of the draft.
What Love has already shown in his limited opportunities is a good arm and good legs, plus a good measure of character.
He fights through adversity on the field and keeps competing, He fights through adversity off the field by keeping calm and quiet and going about his business.
So, rather than the old melodrama of Rodgers with its tiresome antics and sorry endings, let's bring on the promise of a new era.

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Qoojo's picture

March 03, 2022 at 08:03 pm

It's a broken record skipping. AR invites laziness. For instance, the KC game where even MLF said he wasn't prepared for all the blitzes against his QB getting his first start, which is incredulous. AR affords the coaches and FO a lot of relaxing time. I think AR is used to playing regular season fodder teams, and gets lazy as well.

But eventually, AR and the team hits a team in the playoffs where things stop working, and not having been tested and paying attention to details most games of the season, it eventually costs them. Most of the regular season they get positive reinforcement of still winning, and then in a 1 loss elimination tournament, they eventually go "Oh yea..."

If AR doesn't come back, they will need to luck to see the playoffs. With AR back, I've seen this movie before, I know how it ends.

"But $19.1 million is a steep asking price for one year"

For the best WR in the NFL?

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