Why did the Packers trade Rodgers to the Jets?

One of the biggest stories coming out of this offseason so far has been that of Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets from the Packers. After 18 years as a Cheesehead, it wasn’t clear what Rodgers’ intentions were towards the end of last season. He had publicly discussed retirement while there were also murmurs of a trade but it was in mid-March when those became concrete. A month later news broke that his trade to the Jets had been agreed and he bid an emotional farewell to the Packers. Despite the 4x MVP being one of the greatest Packers of all time, the reaction to the deal was overwhelmingly positive from Green Bay fans. NFL lines do not look all too favorable for the Packers heading into the preseason, but why were fans so content to see the back of Rodgers?

The main reason was the deal they got for him which, all things considered, is a very good one. In return for the quarterback the Packers received the 13th and 42nd picks, a sixth-round pick and a conditional second-round selection in 2024 that will become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65 percent of the snaps this season. Rodgers is of course very likely to play that number of snaps in this coming season meaning a first-round pick is all but confirmed for 2024. The quarterback turns 40 this year and while he certainly still has considerable ability there has been some decline in the last couple of years. All in all, it seems that on paper the Packers were definitely on the right end of the deal on this occasion.

There was some bafflement from fans however when Green Bay’s draft strategy unfolded. Many had hoped that star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be on his way to becoming a Cheesehead following the trade up to the 13th pick. The Ohio State WR was top of fans' lists after declaring for the draft a year early and there was hope that quarterback Jordan Love would get a shiny new receiver for his debut season as a starter. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst stuck to his philosophy and went for defensive end Lukas Van Ness. What made this somewhat surprising is that Van Ness did not start a single game for Iowa last year, behind two fifth-year seniors. With that being said, his 14 sacks and 20.5 tackles for losses over the last two seasons prove there is clearly talent in there. It is unlikely he will become a starter in his rookie season though, especially if Rashan Gary has recovered from his ACL surgery in time for the season opener.

In fact, in the 2023 draft Gutekunst continued to do to Love what he had done to Rodgers over the years in not drafting a first-round receiver and instead picking them up in the later rounds. They picked up tight end Luke Musgrave in their 42nd pick (from the Jets) but were backed into a corner of sorts due to Robert Tonyan being lost to free agency and not re-signing Marcedes Lewis. This left them with just two experienced TE’s in the form of Tyler Davis and Josiah Deguara. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was their second pick in the second round to add some firepower and Gutekunst rounded the draft out with two receivers and another tight end.

Looking ahead, hopes for next season are not exactly high. The missed opportunity of drafting JSN cast somewhat of a cloud over the draft for Packers fans who were disappointed with their GM’s first-round selection. Although on paper the deal for Rodgers was a very good one, Cheeseheads have every right to feel aggrieved in the aftermath. 

The Packers have also provided an extension to Jordan Love at a lower cost rather than offering a fifth-year option. This paired with the lack of a first-round receiver may signify that there is somewhat of a lack of confidence in the quarterback with the organization hesitant to build around him as their franchise QB.

Not enough has been seen of Love to predict quite how he will settle in as the starting quarterback. There is of course every chance he is a revelation at Lambeau Field, but with so few snaps to his name in the league we will not truly know until a couple of games into the season. Overall, the most the Packers can likely hope for next season is a steadying of the ship, though this is likely to have been the case with or without Rodgers. It is possible they have their eyes on a rebuild starting in 2024 but there is no doubt that Love deserves a chance at taking them further.

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
-1 points
 

Comments (83)

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

June 03, 2023 at 08:43 pm

I thing AR was acting like he was a lot more than an employee, he reportedly tried to get Gut fired...the money he was making, why would he care who the GM is! And I think once you start going against management your days are numbered. One thing that all us Packers fans can hope for, is for JL to be the third great quarterback in a row!!

15 points
19
4
stockholder's picture

June 04, 2023 at 06:23 am

agent tried.

-4 points
2
6
Renllaw's picture

June 04, 2023 at 07:13 am

The agent that represents the interests of who??? Oh yeah, Aaron Rodgers.

7 points
7
0
Coldworld's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:15 am

An agent trying that with out very clearly expressed desire if his client wouldn’t be an agent for long.

6 points
6
0
Oppy's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:36 am

Others may be nice, but I'll just flat-out ask if you intentionally deflect any perceived slight against Rodgers' character, or if you're just plain stupid and really believe a player's agent would attempt to broker a deal / issue the threat to fire the GM "or else" without direction to do so from the player they represent?

5 points
7
2
Robert Derezinski's picture

June 04, 2023 at 01:41 pm

His agent asked that Gutey be fired. Yet another person not doing the research and listening to the garbage the media posts. Very sad that so many people buy into the headlines the media posts and hold it against someone.

-7 points
0
7
davekenya's picture

June 05, 2023 at 03:21 pm

Through his agent, AR said he wanted Gute fired in 2021; conveyed to Mark Murphy. Interesting that then in Murphy's best judgment it was the better move to go move forward with AR's massive new contract in 2022...knowing this strong animosity existed and, of course, not think it'd be better to have traded AR at that time.

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

June 05, 2023 at 03:30 pm

What a great point, davekenya. That whole thing smells rotten as all get out.

0 points
0
0
LeotisHarris's picture

June 03, 2023 at 08:56 pm

Oh, Ed! Your mastery of the written word always makes me swoon; from the ubiquitously sprinkled "Cheeseheads" to the slender blade of "some bafflement." I would run around a wall for you, sir.

If anyone dares to insinuate Ed Wood cannot craft a masterpiece without a link to a sports betting site, well, they'll be buying a one-way ticket to Paintown via the Knuckle Sandwich Express courtesy of Leatherhead. And, that's a promise!

3 points
12
9
Spock's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:27 am

Lol, Leotis. After Al explained that "Ed Wood" is the "fake news" click column that helps pay the bills I make sure to participate in the comments section if I can. I think you've acquired some thumbs down from people who don't know that :)

8 points
8
0
egbertsouse's picture

June 04, 2023 at 06:43 am

Ed Wood isn’t all bad. I do enjoy watching “Plan Nine from Outer Space.”

9 points
9
0
SoCalJim's picture

June 04, 2023 at 08:41 am

That movie is a classic! Thanks, Ed Wood!

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:20 am

While two wrongs can’t make a right perhaps, Plan 9 is celluloid testimony that myriad wrongs can make a great piece of entertainment.

3 points
3
0
Bure9620's picture

June 03, 2023 at 09:53 pm

Not sure what JSN has to do with this?? The Packers value Edge Rusher with a higher importance than receiver, they have not taken round 1 WR since 2002... Also Rodgers was not good last year, not even average and the stats back this up. They will be in the hunt for the NFC North, this division is not a gauntlet. I have no idea where all the Bears love is coming from and the National Media is anointing the Lions after a 9-8 season...quite strange.

16 points
18
2
Coldworld's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:19 am

A little while after reading this piece, my mind finally absorbed enough caffeine and I recalled Al cautioning us that pieces may appear attributed to Ed Wood and were a commercial necessity but accorded that byline for a reason.

4 points
4
0
joeblowinski's picture

June 03, 2023 at 10:18 pm

The reason I'm glad Rodgers is gone, is that he effectively quit on the Packers as soon as we gave him a new contract, He retired in place. How else to explain his opposite behavior in NY once he got there. He did nothing to help his young receivers last year. What's he doing this year, exactly the opposite. He betrayed the Packers and his fans by making sure we were ineffective last year by staying away when it would have meant the most. The proof of this point is how he is participating in everything in NY this off season while he did NOTHING after taking the money last season. See ya.

12 points
22
10
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

June 04, 2023 at 12:21 am

Joe, I'll go back to at least 2020. The receiver core that off-season needed serious reps. AR12 has not done that anytime since. When the last time he did before that, I do not know ...

6 points
9
3
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:26 am

It is the antithesis of leadership. This is Aaron Rodgers. Takes ZERO responsibility. I am so glad we will never have to watch Rodgers slump his shoulders and pout after a play he actually screwed up anymore. One thing we do know about Love is he very well liked and respected in that locker room by both the veterans and the younger players. He will pick guys up and motivate when needed. He strikes me as having strong leadership qualities.

3 points
11
8
gmeyers1's picture

June 04, 2023 at 06:53 am

Actually, we have no idea what goes on in the locker room, or what anybody's opinions in there are. We just get rumors & gossip and make a guess.

8 points
10
2
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:50 am

Peter Bukowski has insight on this

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

June 04, 2023 at 07:10 am

A pretty low bar to surpass after last year!

"Takes ZERO responsibility. I am so glad we will never have to watch Rodgers slump his shoulders and pout after a play he actually screwed up anymore."

His worst quality, and a big one. Great summary.

2 points
6
4
GBPackerGirl's picture

June 04, 2023 at 02:46 pm

His age, his injuries and his caught up with him. He’s going to be called Broadway Aaron now that he’s a Jet. He’s rejuvenated, because he loves the big city limelight. He’ll never get the love from the fans in New York like he got from the Packer fans in Green Bay. Lots of luck, AR!!

6 points
6
0
GBPackerGirl's picture

June 04, 2023 at 02:47 pm

I meant to say his enormous EGO!!!

2 points
2
0
RichBeckman's picture

June 05, 2023 at 11:35 am

Funny how I had no trouble filling in the missing "enormous Ego" without skipping a beat.

0 points
0
0
cheezyone's picture

June 05, 2023 at 08:44 am

Things will be good, as long as the Jets win. If they have a losing streak, the honeymoon will be over.

2 points
2
0
PhantomII's picture

June 04, 2023 at 07:58 pm

I'm just waiting for the video of AR and Sauce burning the cheesehead in the fire. Maybe even a GBP stock for stockholder to cut the chord from AR.

1 points
1
0
Patrick's picture

June 05, 2023 at 08:11 pm

Yes, I remember now he did not go to the OTA'S. And then had the gall to complain about his receivers being green. I was sure GLAD when he was gone.

1 points
1
0
haevs6's picture

June 03, 2023 at 11:06 pm

Not sure how so many can not understand AR frustration....How many years, in a row, we draft 'D' and not get O help? Tee Higgins would have been a great opposite of D Adams, who knows what we could have accomplished? You do not inform your MVP qb you are going to draft a qb, and bllndsight him? Even Alex Smith from KC, who stated EVERYONE w/in the organization told him they may draft a qb , had the courtesy to let him know the organization thoughts?? How can anyone/AR not feel slighted, as well as moving up and giving a 4th to get your replacement?? We were on the fringe of a SB, how did we do since that draft?? Windows are small, if you don't go for the ring, you are were we are right now.......I hope the best for Jordan Love, & the Pack, not his fault of the situation, but we were soooooo close and not to do whatever to put us over the top with a generational type player.

-4 points
13
17
SicSemperTyrannis's picture

June 04, 2023 at 12:26 am

harvs6 I agree, AR12 had plenty to be upset with the FO about. Not just not getting weapons, but letting great players go. It's like the FO was laughing at him trying to be a one man team.

Anyway that's all behind us now. Hopefully this is QB great #3 in a row, and a new window opens in earnest beginning 2025, and the whole organization redeems itself from only getting to 3SB in the Favre-Rodgers era.

-1 points
9
10
cdoemel's picture

June 04, 2023 at 01:43 am

Bullshit. AR is an employee. Period!! Do your job and stfu! If any of you haters think you can do a better job than the Packers FO then apply for the job. We need defense to win! Duh!! The only thing they did wrong is trust 12 to bring the best out of the WR’s they brought in. But he DID NOT!! Doubs just said! Haha. Rodgers never said a word to him! We all know Rodgers wouldn’t throw to anyone he didn’t “trust”. How’s a guy gonna learn and get better if you never throw to him? Or how is a team gonna win if you take a huge part of the field out of play because you won’t throw there worried about your personal stats? So glad he’s gone. And after Bahktiari calling his teammates disrespectful he needs to go too. This is NOT a rebuild. If it was, Bakhtiari would be gone!! Along with Jones, Jenkins, Kenny, Jaire, Preston and a bunch of others. Aaron Rodgers, and David Bakhtiari got too big for their britches. They are both rich and successful BECAUSE of the Green Bay Packers. Glad to see the the self-centered prima donnas gone.

-3 points
9
12
HDbikerguy's picture

June 05, 2023 at 12:10 pm

What great players were let go.... that were STILL great.... not one....

0 points
0
0
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:36 am

No. That is a tired old meme. We did not lose those playoff games because "Rodgers has no weapons" We lost those game in the trenches. The O-line was beaten badly against SF. Also, Rodgers played terrible hero ball and refused to throw to receivers coming open in the play design. Rodgers runs his own offense and that is somehow on the WRs......The last play is a microcosm....Allen Lazard WIDE open downfield and Rodgers forces it to a double covered Adams. Is he really an all time great QB if he cannot even lead a single TD drive for 3 quarters at home???

16 points
21
5
TPCheese's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:40 am

Exactly. One game from the SB and the top four picks in the draft go toward three bench players. Love, who has provided zero value for his first three years in the league. Dillon, a RB that they didn't even need because they could have just resigned Jamal Williams who was better than Dillon anyway. Then there's Deguara who has also done next to nothing in the past three years.

I don't know how anyone can take Gute seriously when his words don't match his actions.
"Love fell to us." Does he think we're all blind? He traded up with a 4th Rd pick to get Love.
"We're in win now mode." Lol, right. Because punting a 1st and 4th rd pick three years into the future while adding no value to the on-field production just screams "win now mode."
"We are not in a rebuild." If anyone believes this they need to have their head checked. The Packers have a first year starter at QB and a WR group that has a total of 1,118 CAREER receiving yards COMBINED. That's less than Davante had just last year without Rodgers.

The defense has 8 first round picks this season. The offense has just one, Jordan Love. Letting the WR room get to where it is now is a disservice to Love and does not put him in the best position to succeed. Instead of having a veteran WR that he can lean on he has a bunch of rookies and second year guys that are still figuring things out themselves. "tHiS Is NoT a rEbUiLd!"

-4 points
6
10
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:00 am

We have arguably the best young WR in the entire league, a budding star who was as good as anyone the second half of the season last year. Doubs out performed all other day 3 WRs plus many drafted ahead of him. They have a rookie WR in the 2nd and 2 high draft pick TEs.....Aaron Jones and Dillon are pass catchers as well. This pass catching group is more than capable they just need a QB that will throw them the ball when open which Rodgers does not.

6 points
10
4
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:30 am

Okay let's see how the delicate genius performs in NYC with.....Lazard...Cobb and many of the same WRs plus Garret Wilson.

For those whom incessantly defend Rodgers, tell me exactly how they Packers should have handled the situation? Not drafted Jordan Love? drafted WRs? Fired Gutekunst per his demand to Mark Murphy? Signed his over the hill buddy at his request? Oh they did. Aaron Rodgers believes he was bigger than the front office. He believes he can ignore coaches. No Thanks. Not for a QB who consistently shrinks in big moments in the playoffs. He is not even the best QB of his era. Not even close to Tom Brady.

6 points
10
4
oceanstrength's picture

June 04, 2023 at 02:36 pm

Its simple, you have similar opinions about these matters that AR does. Most view him as a entitled person who has grown more and more focused on his own interest than on the team. You see others more at fault than Rodgers. But QB is the guy that takes you to the top. AR lost the biggest games. I put that mostly on him. Ask yourself how many times you could be told you are the greatest player who ever lived before you would become arrogant and entitled.

6 points
8
2
GBPackerGirl's picture

June 04, 2023 at 02:51 pm

We should have had more Super Bowl rings. Your response is one more reason why I don’t like Gutekunst, Never have from day one and never will.

-7 points
2
9
jannes bjornson's picture

June 04, 2023 at 07:26 pm

The guy lacks vision for acquiring talent and is always behind the curve. Indeed, cost the Pack another SB.

-4 points
1
5
HDbikerguy's picture

June 05, 2023 at 12:14 pm

Are you aware that, statistically speaking, Gute has a higher hit rate than most other GMs.... and mostly picking late....

1 points
1
0
PhantomII's picture

June 05, 2023 at 03:27 pm

That frustration does not match mine seeing multiple open WR’s to get a fresh set of downs ignored for the glory aka low percentage bomb into double coverage after running the play clock to zero after another burned time out or delay of game penalty.

0 points
0
0
Ferrari-Driver's picture

June 04, 2023 at 12:52 am

"It is possible they have their eyes on a rebuild starting in 2024..."

I don't see that at all. We have one of the younger rosters in the league while the Packers will always be looking to upgrade the talent in the draft and free agency, there are a goodly number talented and up and coming players on this team. Every year the Packers turn over about 10 players from the previous year's roster and this has been going on for years. Doing that certainly does not indicate a rebuild.

Ed, perhaps you could expound on your quote a bit.

9 points
11
2
Spock's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:39 am

Well, I'll post a comment to "Ed Wood" to help pay the CHTV bills. I personally had no problem with the FO draft strategy and had no big 1st round crush on a WR. I liked the final group of players after learning about them post draft.

9 points
10
1
stockholder's picture

June 04, 2023 at 06:54 am

I guess we can't move on yet.
There was plenty of Blame everywhere.
And how much was Rodgers suppose to take?
It takes two. All sides are happy now.
Go compare notes with Bahk.
When they want you,They want you.
When they don't they Don't.
The waiting is over.
Everyone has rights.
The honorable thing to do is not step on them.
Gutey found out what Rodgers was worth.
The Jets paid it. Move on.
The only point I want to make.
Is gutey isn't the owner of the Packers.

-4 points
7
11
Bitternotsour's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:08 am

I'm thinking the new account haevs6 is maybe a better vehicle for you these days.

Stockholder, she's gone. She's in NY now. She has new fans. It's hard when mommy and daddy split up, but we all have to move on. I assure you, it's not your fault that she left.

-1 points
5
6
10ve 💚's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:45 pm

"The only point I want to make.
Is gutey isn't the owner of the Packers."

How do you know that stockholder? Do you have access to the list of stockholders of the Packers?

Maybe Gute did buy a share, in which case he would be an owner of the Packers, just like you and me.

2 points
2
0
SoCalJim's picture

June 04, 2023 at 08:28 am

Rodgers, who?

I really like the Packers’ roster. The 2023 team will be a lot of fun to watch, and maybe they’ll make us forget all the guys that are no longer here.

Go Pack Go!

12 points
14
2
GregC's picture

June 04, 2023 at 08:39 am

I'm wondering if maybe this article was written with artificial intelligence or something. It has a canned quality. Referring to Packer players as Cheeseheads is just plain weird. There are other odd statements too. Not worth replying to. Time to move on.

12 points
12
0
CheesedDeadHead's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:07 am

"artificial intelligence"

I never refer to it as artificial intelligence, as there is rarely any of the latter while a whole heap of the former. AI is for me. ChatGPT sounds pretty cool as it really doesn't say anything about anything. If you went with it's true qualities it would be called "shit on a stick"...

5 points
7
2
Coldworld's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:07 am

If you can’t come to terms with losing Rodgers, then I suppose you might as well fixate on JSN.

I will say only that as time goes on, I find the first looking ever more necessary and increasingly obviously a year and tens of millions in cap too late. I’d thought that would have to wait till the season to become clear, but it just seems like a weight has been lifted. Now we get to see how LaFleur and Rodgers can do visibly free of each other.

As to JSN, we dodged a bullet on that one in my opinion. Whether I’m right or I’m wrong only time will tell, but JSN is at best a slower Adams. If the Packers are right about Reed running 4.37, then we may have got more for far less.

Let’s see what Rodgers, Cobb and Lazard do in NY. Let’s see what LaFleur and Love can do here. Let’s also remember that we dodged another 60million cap milestone and strengthened our pass rush potentially. That’s no small part of success. Maybe more of a factor than JSN’s potential versus that of Reed.

15 points
15
0
Bure9620's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:15 am

Agreed. Unless JSN is a dynamic player, possible number 1 WR, he is not a first rounder. Watson is now that guy. I am interested to see the Watson Doubs duo and the target distribution. I think we see more 12 personnel. Sprinkle in the 3 rookie pass catchers, they have more than enough.

6 points
6
0
NickPerry's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:31 am

No offense Ed, I was somewhat disappointed when the Packers passed on JSN but it quickly went away when I looked at the draft as a whole, especially the first 3 rounds. You get Musgrave and Kraft with Reed sandwiched in-between was a PEFECT way to address the Packers needs. When you consider that Edge was a pretty high priority as well I'd say Gute knocked it out of the Pack.

Can we also please for the love of God just STOP with the Vann Ness wasn't a starter. On any other college campus he would have been. At Iowa they allow the seniors to start. ITS TRADITION! If we talk about not starting can we AT LEAST point out the kid was on the field when the game was on the line, when they needed a stop on 3rd down, or the defense needed a big play. During those times Vann Ness WAS on the field and oh, he PRODUCED!

15 points
15
0
cheezyone's picture

June 05, 2023 at 09:12 am

Totally agree, NP. I too wanted JSN, but I also figured the FO would place priority on Edge rusher. Overall, I am very impressed with the 22 and 23 drafts.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

June 04, 2023 at 09:54 am

Totally a Chat GPT article. Moving on... Thanks, Since '61

11 points
11
0
croatpackfan's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:09 am

Very interesting comment Since. And high quality description of it. I can not agreed more. Thank you!

3 points
3
0
oceanstrength's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:00 am

Ok, so answer the question...

1 points
1
0
Cheeseheadinseattle's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:11 am

Lots of speculation on what the Packer offense will look like this season. If LaFleur's offense functions as designed, Love should be able to at least be adequate. I'm more concerned about the defense. With the level of talent available, they underperformed last year and didn't hold the primary culprit (Joe Barry) responsible. If Gutekunst is so good, why didn't he get rid of Barry when LaFleur didn't? Barring injury, Rodgers will lead the Jets to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Green Bay still has Barry, whose incredible arrogance ("I never thought my job was at risk") will prevent his poor coaching from improving.

3 points
5
2
PhantomII's picture

June 04, 2023 at 08:18 pm

I'm still counting on our ST Coach/ Assistant HC to be keeping the DC on a short leash, and be there to reign him in if need be.

0 points
0
0
Cheeseheadinseattle's picture

June 05, 2023 at 09:32 am

I agree that should help, but why not replace him with Rich Bisaccia now? If you have to keep your DC on a short leash, why do you need him?

-1 points
0
1
PhantomII's picture

June 06, 2023 at 10:21 am

If a coach is under contract in GB, they would still have to pay him even if not on the staff and would have to PAY for another DC. Follow the money. Sadly the truth.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:18 am

Sorry Ed. "The main reason" fans were so ready to see his back was because he was a little BEEEOTCH who didn't deserve to remain on this Packers football team!!!

Vince Lombardi would have shipped his sorry ass out of Green Bay on Draft Night 1, 2021, after the stunt he pulled.

No player is bigger than the team.

Anyone who watched our last Playoff loss only had to watch Aaron Rodgers throw our opportunities to advance out the window by targeting NO OTHER PACKER WR for an ENTIRE 3 QUARTERS than a double and triple covered Davante Adams, with plenty of wide open WRs all over the place.

GET OUT! Done!!! But, nooooooooooooo.... Mark Murphy has to sign that POS to a batshit crazy extension that will negatively impact our player acquisition/retention opportunities for another 2 years!!! The reality is that we won't be able to be players in FA until the 2025 season.

I wanted Aaron Rodgers gone because he wouldn't ever have passed the Lombardi test of CHARACTER. I would have traded him away for a bag of Taco Flavored Doritos, and been quite happy to simply move on. It was never about the riches we could have and should have had by trading him away in 2021 or 2022. It was all about him not having the CHARACTER to lead this Packers team.

I don't even consider him "one of the greatest Packer players ever." I'm sorry. When a player puts himself and his interests above that of the team, he's no longer a true Green Bay Packer. Rodgers did that to himself. He wasn't trying to win a Super Bowl Championship in 2021, nor in 2022, nor in 2023. He always called out his first goal to start any season in that stretch was to "win the MVP." Whenever he would say that in a presser, I'd be like, "AAAAND....???" He never even mentioned winning the Super Bowl as his number 1 goal for the Packers, nor as a goal.

Sorry, I'm not that big of a fan of Rodgers for these reasons. My soul won't allow that. That's my very last vent on the prick.

ONWARD!

3 points
11
8
Robert Derezinski's picture

June 04, 2023 at 02:02 pm

You haven't studied Vince's coaching style. He certainly would have allowed AR to stay and play. He also would have communicated with him, unlike the current administration. Bart Starr got chewed out by Vince before he was a starter during a practice. Bart went into Vince's office after practice and told Vince, chew me out in private all you want, but never, ever do that again in front of the team. Bart said Vince never ever did it again. If AR did that, the media, and people like you would say cut him
The media constantly made AR out to be a bad guy, which is totally untrue. They ridiculed him for being the smartest guy in the room. They should have embraced his knowledge, they should have sought his input, instead they ignored his ability. So of course he's not going to jump at the chance after that many years of being slighted. The Jets on the other hand, recognize what they have, an extremely intelligent football mind, a guy that wants to win, so they listen to him, and look what they are receiving.
They are getting what GB failed to get, the most out of a rare commodity.

-2 points
3
5
Swisch's picture

June 04, 2023 at 04:00 pm

It's a good story about Starr asking Lombardi to confine his loud corrections to the privacy of the head coach's office, but I think it worked for Starr because he was always respectful to Lombardi.
According to center Bill Curry, Starr also would correct Lombardi in front of the team if he thought the head coach was being unfair -- although Starr didn't like to talk about it.
Starr had backbone with Lombardi, but he did it with a certain deference that is proper from a player to a coach. I doubt Rodgers was always that way with his coaches.
It can be a subtle distinction between confidence and arrogance, assertiveness and dominance.
My hunch is that Starr had the courtesy, discipline, and humility to stay on the right side of that line, while Rodgers did not.
***
It seems a good head coach will trust his quarterback to be involved in decisions to the extent that the quarterback knows his place as a player.
A good head coach will welcome the ideas of his quarterback, but only if he is confident that he's making sincere suggestions, not inappropriate edicts.
A head coach has to see the quarterback as genuine collaborator on his behalf, not as a threat to overrule and usurp him.
The awesome relationship between Lombardi and Starr was mutual respect growing into a camaraderie of love -- and culminated in the epic of the Ice Bowl, with the Packers less than a yard from the goal line, and just one play remaining in the closing seconds to either win or lose the NFL Championship Game (for an unprecedented three championships in a row).
Starr trotted across the literally frozen tundra to the sideline to confer with Lombardi, saying that the prior two handoffs at the goal line had failed because the field was too slippery for the running back to get traction and gain momentum.
Starr said that from his position standing behind the center to receive the snap, he could maneuver his way into the end zone.
Lombardi responded, "Run it and let's get the hell out of here."
According to Starr, the abrupt agreement of Lombardi had him laughing on the way back to the huddle, so much so that he had to hide it from his teammates before executing the winning score.
It's the stuff of which legends are made, a great cooperation of mutual consideration between two great men in a common quest for glory. It's the difference between achieving a goal or falling just short. It's why fantasy football is nowhere close to the real thing.
The current Packers of LaFleur and Love and all of the rest of our players can learn at least one key lesson from Lombardi and Starr and the players of the 1960s: Winning in life is about people much more than statistics, about relationships of sacrifice and camaraderie much more than systems and schemes.
As the gruff Lombardi stated unapologetically, if a little abashedly, the phenomenon of his Packers was based on a dynamic of love.

1 points
3
2
Swisch's picture

June 04, 2023 at 04:10 pm

P.S. I just watched this weekend from the NFL Network a two-part biography of Vince Lombardi, which is entertaining and inspiring viewing to help fans get through the offseason.
It's part of the series, "A Football Life," and is excellent. Also highly recommended is the episode on Mike Holmgren.
Also wonderful are documentaries about the seasons in which the Lombardi Packers won the first two Super Bowls -- as part of a series: "America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions."
I'm hoping my friends here at CHTV may be able to find these for viewing on television or online.
A tip is that my cable company allows me to set my DVR to record anything aired about the Packers.

3 points
4
1
greengold's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:03 pm

Well said, Swisch.

1 points
2
1
greengold's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:06 pm

You, Robert, are sadly mistaken. Enjoy your Jets.

1 points
2
1
oceanstrength's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:29 am

Since you didnt, I guess I have to answer the question for you. They traded Rodgers for four basic reasons: because he he could no longer win the big game. He was just too high maintenance. They had a lot invested in Jordan Love. And he was 40 years old.
Just like Favre, no team has time to wait for someone who is indecisive. The process was thoroughly worked through. Rodgers was given everything they could give him, but ultimately, (also just like Favre) when it counted most he could not do it. Nothing showed this better than the Detroit finale last year. But there had been a long long line of them. You can blame other factor's if you like, but QB has always been the most important factor in the game, and is now more than ever. Just like former Packer assistant Andy Ried said after the Super Bowl win. "MVP, that says it all."
How will it go for Rodgers in NY? Probably a lot like Favre in MN, He'll lose another big game and retire.

10 points
12
2
Oppy's picture

June 04, 2023 at 10:38 am

That's a lot of words in this article. Let me some it up:

Rodgers was a bigger problem than he's worth and the Packers finally decided at this point in Rodgers' career the downside outweighs the upside.

12 points
14
2
TKWorldWide's picture

June 04, 2023 at 04:31 pm

Succinct.

(I’d elaborate, but…) 😉

7 points
7
0
NJMagic's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:35 am

1) I don't think the fans were upset on missing out on JSN. He wasn't a slam dunk top flight WR, just the best in the group.

2) We we're clearly never going to win it with Rodgers. He just was unable to get over the hump. You expect to play good defenses in the NFC, I would think it was shocking to see him fade multiple times in those games.

3) I was always amused by the "We'll never forget you Brent" signs. I wonder what these next versions will be?

6 points
8
2
TKWorldWide's picture

June 05, 2023 at 08:50 am

Recent history has clearly shown how rare it is to win a SB with a highly paid QB.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

June 04, 2023 at 11:51 am

"There was some bafflement from fans however when Green Bay’s draft strategy unfolded. Many had hoped that star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be on his way to becoming a Cheesehead following the trade up to the 13th pick. The Ohio State WR was top of fans' lists after declaring for the draft a year early and there was hope that quarterback Jordan Love would get a shiny new receiver for his debut season as a starter."

Mr Wood, you lost me completely after this what you wrote (or Chat GPT). I can understand your crush in Aaron Choker Rodgers, but after the draft, because of the noise about JSN, I checked some film analyses of him (and some film analyses of Reed, too). What I learned from those analyses is that I would take Reed over JSN every f*cking time. To be announced as top draft receiver means nothing. There are so many players agents games behind draft status of players that those noises are rarely true assessment of players value.

Also, crying so hard from you about round one receivers, I would like to at least justify that with data about how many 1st round WR were actualy successful in NFL. Not to mention that, at the moment the best WR in NFL is actualy 2nd round choice that was pick from ... can you help me, I can not remember who pick him, ah, yes, Packers (Davante Adams).

Many which are in love with ACR and constantly claiming what he, by himself trying to convince himself and others, claims that he is "arguably" the best QB ever played the game is ridiculous. To be the best ever, or GOAT, you'll need to have more than one SB on your account. This is so disrespectful of his predecessor and all great QBs that was playing or still are playing football. And what about Mahomes, Mannings, Brady, those QBs has st least one SB belt more than he has.

Second, for you is better to have TE who were the worst blocker on the offense (Tonyan) or TE who runs 40 for about 80 seconds (Lewis). Lewis was nice in line TE blocker, but his capabilities in receiving game was not existing. So, if you need additional blocker put 6th OLiner on the OL and you will get faster player if you need that one to catch short passes. BTW, as far as I know, Randall Cobb (who is nice person) and Mercedes Lewis (who is nice person, too) are still FA. So, letting them go Packers shows same what other 30 franchizes think about them. Here I do not count Bears, because I can bet that if Bears are not in NFL, no franchize will pick Tonyan (who is also nice person) to occupy the spot on the roster.

So, your claims that Packers would be better if they kept ACR, Tonyan, Lewis, Lazard, Cobb and drafted JSN is, sorry, so ridiculous that I'm stunned.

I call you to reconsider your position about this issue.

I wish you the best. And I'm the one who would trade egoistic, selfproclamator the moment news broke to the public that he do not want to play for Packers any more. And I would do it during the 1st round of 2021 draft to the worst franchize in NFL for their 1st round picks in that draft and next 2 drafts in the future.

That was the biggest mistake FO made, IMHO.

Thank you.

3 points
5
2
Qoojo's picture

June 04, 2023 at 12:42 pm

This article beats two dead horses: AR and 1st round WR. Yay. Maybe we can have more of these for the next couple of months, especially the dead zone month of july. Just can't get enough of these. Everyone of these contains a unique poignant viewpoint to the point of being snowflakes.

6 points
6
0
HarryHodag's picture

June 04, 2023 at 04:46 pm

Who is Aaron Rodgers?

9 points
9
0
SoCalJim's picture

June 04, 2023 at 06:29 pm

<scratching my head> I dunno…

3 points
3
0
Paul Konieczny's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:12 pm

He wanted to play for the Jets?

4 points
4
0
10ve 💚's picture

June 04, 2023 at 05:41 pm

Totally crappy article.

My respect for the author disappeared when he mentioned that Luke Van Ness never started a game in college, and indicated this as a bad thing. As an author, he should know better.

6 points
7
1
JerseyAl's picture

June 05, 2023 at 08:01 am

As I've explained before, "Ed Wood" is not a real person. We occasionally run paid posts that help pay the bills. They will always be from Ed Wood.

1 points
1
0
T7Steve's picture

June 05, 2023 at 09:12 am

Al, how did it get a -1 thumb? I thought you only liked it or didn't click?

1 points
1
0
davekenya's picture

June 05, 2023 at 03:43 pm

Perhaps Ed Wood's cousin 'Payne Bills' could be the future author??

1 points
1
0
ReaganRulz's picture

June 05, 2023 at 07:02 am

You make is sound like drafting JSN in the first round would make him our hero. He’s unproven as an NFL prospect at this point just like all of the players who got drafted. All 7 rounds + UDFAs have to be evaluated as a whole in which the Packers had a solid draft overall!!

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

June 05, 2023 at 11:57 am

Ed Wood is fine by me. I suggest the columns be entitled "Morning Wood", by Ed Wood.

Why did the Packers trade Rodgers? The long term plan was to squeeze what we could out of Rodgers, obtain and prepare his successor until he was ready and then trade him. Because that's how you make the organization stronger. It was a good plan and here we are with a young, well developed QB instead of a 40 year old at the head of the offense.

It was time. This is part of a plan that is years in the making and reflects the inevitable decline of a QB over 35. I think it's an extraordinary hand-off from Rodgers to Love. The organization has put a veteran line and veteran backs around him, as well as a good young group of receiving targets. This was a plan. That's why it happened. And I think it's going to succeed.

2 points
2
0
T7Steve's picture

June 05, 2023 at 12:04 pm

I think so too.

1 points
1
0