So, today Adam Schefter reported Aaron Rodgers is "
so disgruntled " with the Green Bay Packers that he's told some within the organization he does not want to return to the team. The Packers flew President Mark Murphy out to Rodgers, they flew GM Brian Gutenkunst and also flew HC Matt LaFleur to talk with Rodgers. According to the report, the information was told to ESPN via "league and team sources".
That last part indicates it was not Aaron Rodgers who was the source and instead was someone within the league (e.g. James Jones?) or someone from the team (e.g. Team Pilot?). Rodgers cares about his legacy and how he's viewed so I really do not believe he'd push this out, especially the day of the draft. It's not his style, nor does he want ill will pushed onto Jordan Love. Say what you want, he has stated he's been in that position before and appreciates it.
Throughout this off-season the media inundated us with how Rodgers wanted commitment from the team in the form of an extension, not a restructure. According to the same Adam Schefter (reported April 21st, 2021), the Packers offered a contract extension.
We also heard that the Packers need to surround Rodgers with weapons. Let's not forget the offense has an All-Pro LT, All-Pro WR, and Top 5 RB to go along with the league leader in TE TD's. Oh yeah, plus the NFL MVP himself. Rodgers is a really smart guy and you damn well know he's aware of the Packers salary cap limitations. So, that whole Packers need weapons mantra doesn't jive. Especially when you consider the Packers went to the NFC Championship back-to-back years.
I've also read that the Jordan Love pick is why Rodgers wants to leave, or at the very least is a source of his being disgruntled. People are quick to point out the Packers traded up to draft Love, as if they went from 30th overall to 10th overall. The Packers moved up FOUR spots to draft Love. At the time, Rodgers was a 36 year old QB who hadn't thrown over 30 TD's since 2016. The Packers have every right to start thinking about the future. Rodgers has publicly stated he understands this and I believe him.
This leaves me wondering, what is he pissed off about? Make no question, the team doesn't send the Head Coach, the General Manager and the President of the organization to talk to someone who is happy. So, I believe he is pissed off, but what about?
I've heard Rodgers say he understood the Jordan Love pick (stating he understands the NFL is a business), however, [I've read that] he felt the team could have told him in advance -- even if it was a phone call minutes prior to the pick. While I think that could be something Rodgers is upset about, I just don't see him wanting to play for a new team because of it.
Apparently from Ian Rapoport frustration started with the Jordan Love pick and heated up with contract this offseason, team wanted simple restructure but Aaron Rodgers wanted an extension, frustration boiled over, trade calls started from other teams. Rapoport also Tweeted "
Over the last month, Aaron Rodgers had his agent Dave Dunn fly out to Green Bay for several days of meetings to work through the situation. Rodgers refused a restructure. Wanted an extension. Teams called knowing he wasn’t happy. GB rebuffed them. Offered an extension. No deal."
The only thing I can surmise from all of this would be the Packers wanted to restructure (btw, they can just do it without consent of the player) and Rodgers wanted an extension. Packers adjusted and offered a contract extension, but I'm guessing the damage was done and it was too little too late.
This just doesn't add up to what Rodgers has said publicly or during interviews or how he's acted over his career.
That said, if truly wants out then trade him and move on. Remember that 2009 season when Brett Favre statistically had one of, if not his best season? Do you also remember how far he dropped in 2010? The drop-off is sudden and fast. It can happen to anyone at nearly any time.
Detailed report from Ian Rapoport.
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