OT: Holy Crap! Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Want to Return to GB

Submitted by I Bleed Maize N Blue on April 29th, 2021 at 4:15 PM

Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is so disgruntled with the Green Bay Packers that he has told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team, league and team sources told ESPN on Thursday.

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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021

Jmer

April 29th, 2021 at 5:04 PM ^

He's already the biggest cap hit in the NFL. Don't think this is about more money. More to do with how the Packers drafted last year and how conservative they always are in free agency. Combine this with Brady and Mahomes play on teams that are going all in to win now. 

Similar situation for Russell Wilson in Seattle. He is the second biggest cap hit in the NFL. 

ERdocLSA2004

April 29th, 2021 at 5:16 PM ^

The Pats were always conservative with free agency.  The packers were super close, looked like the best team at times last year so I’m not sure if he can really complain that much.  Agreed they didn’t draft well last year but they also had key injuries late in the season.  As you said, he’s a huge cap hit, both Brady(past and present) and mahomes were generous with their contract structures so they could retain players.  Rodgers is a drama queen, between his social media meltdown after last years draft and now this.  He’s a great qb, but he’s temperamental.  Also, Shailene Woodley?  She’s nuts.  Dude could have just about anyone he wants.  

Jmer

April 29th, 2021 at 5:28 PM ^

I agree with most everything you said. A team can win either way. Rodgers wants his cake and to eat it too. Sure, TB is going to be rather horrible in 4 years after all these contracts come due after they've kicked them down the road to get creative with cap space. But they've already won one SB and anything else is just gravy. GB doesn't operate that way.  Probably because they are the smallest market in the league while also one of the most historic brands, but they wont sacrifice their future for wins now. 

Sleepy

April 29th, 2021 at 6:07 PM ^

But they've already won one SB and anything else is just gravy. GB doesn't operate that way.

Tampa can operate this way, because Tom Brady has won seven (?!?!?) Super Bowls.

Meanwhile...

A)  Green Bay has turned 30-ish consecutive seasons of HOF-caliber QB play into two rings.

B)  Aaron Rodgers is a Jay Cutler knee injury away from never having played in a Super Bowl.

UM85

April 29th, 2021 at 6:19 PM ^

R-e-l-a-x.  Rodgers wants more years at tail end of his contract.  All he is doing is shaking the tree as part of negotiations.  Teams do not trade MVP QB's.  Rather, they trade entire draft boards just to hope to get a sniff at one.  He ain't going anywhere. 

Glennsta

April 30th, 2021 at 8:27 AM ^

I've been listening to Andrew Brandt's fascinating podcasts on the Business of Sports. He was the Packers' VP who handled the contracts from 1999 to 2008, during which time Rodgers was drafted. 

He stated that it was a very uncomfortable time as Rodgers waited 3 whole years as a back-up during which time Favre was the starter. Both Favre and Rodgers were not happy with the situation.

Here's what Brandt posted yesterday on Twitter. He doesn't expect Rodgers to be traded this year.

 https://twitter.com/AndrewBrandt/status/1387882998444474376

 

MGoChippewa

April 29th, 2021 at 4:26 PM ^

It's almost like they should have drafted him some help last year instead of using their first on a backup QB, their second on a backup RB and their third on an H-Back who nobody else was going to take before the fifth round.

jbrandimore

April 29th, 2021 at 4:26 PM ^

If my miracle he was traded to SF tonight, the big winners would be - Detroit.

SF would be the dominant team in that division, which would improve the value of the future LA Rams 1st round picks we have coming. 

Coupled with kneecapping the Packers going forward. The Lions would win the draft without picking a player!

NotADuck

April 29th, 2021 at 6:21 PM ^

Yeah but look at SF's receivers.  That would be a downgrade from his current group.  At least he has Davonte Adams now.  His best receiver in SF would be Brandon Aiyuk.  Aiyuk had a pretty good rookie season, but will he be as good as Adams?

Not to mention the RB depth chart in SF is pretty poor too.  They have Raheem Mostert and a bunch of unknowns.