Aaron Rodgers’ Future Uncertainty Looms Over Green Bay Packers
The future of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay remains in doubt as the veteran quarterback continues to contemplate his future.[0] Rodgers has been out of his darkness retreat in Oregon for over a week, and rumors are swirling about whether he will retire, stay in Green Bay for the 2023 season, or officially ask for a trade.[1] While the Packers reportedly will only send him to an AFC team, Rodgers has indicated a decision about whether he still wants to play football will come soon.[2]
The Carolina Panthers have reached out to the Green Bay Packers to gauge interest in a trade involving Rodgers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.[3] The 39-year-old has expressed his desire to achieve a final ruling before the start of the free-agent period in the middle of March.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst refused to definitively say whether he wants Rodgers back as the Packers' quarterback.[0] He stated he wants what is best for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, and all options are on the table until they have the necessary conversations.[4] Gutekunst referenced the latter stages of Brett Favre's career in Green Bay, when the Packers didn't know whether the Hall of Fame quarterback would play or retire, and Rodgers watched it all.[5]
The most obvious comparison is to Brett Favre, who was also 38 when the Packers traded him to the Jets.[6] Rodgers is well aware of the strain he's putting on the Packers' future, but he has earned the benefit of patience and intends to make a decision soon.
The wait for Rodgers' decision persists in the Jets and NFL spheres, but the Packers may have already come to theirs. It appears as if the Packers are no longer going to simply kiss the ring of Aaron Rodgers and say “we need you back”, and instead, Rodgers must call and commit to the organization if he wants to be a part of it.[7] Ultimately, it will be Rodgers' decision to make, and he will go down the road that he is most excited about.[8]
0. “Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers could turn locker room upside down, NFL great suggests” Fox News, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jets-acquiring-aaron-rodgers-turn-locker-room-upside-down-nfl-great-suggests
1. “Aaron Rodgers to Dolphins odds: Miami long-shot option despite prediction by former teammate Kurt Benkert” SportsLine, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.sportsline.com/NFL/news/aaron-rodgers-to-dolphins-odds-miami-long-shot-option-despite-prediction-by-former-teammate-kurt-benkert
2. “Aaron Rodgers and Packers are in the ‘most passive aggressive relationship' as offseason drama drags on” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2023/03/01/aaron-rodgers-packers-passive-aggressive-relationship-espn-first-take-bart-scott-stephen-a-smith/69958908007/
3. “Panthers reach out to Packers about potential trade involving QB Aaron Rodgers, per report” 247Sports, 2 Mar. 2023, https://247sports.com/Article/Panthers-reach-out-to-Packers-about-potential-trade-involving-QB-Aaron-Rodgers-per-report-205615222/
4. “As Packers wait on Aaron Rodgers, their GM says all options are on the table” The Athletic, 28 Feb. 2023, https://theathletic.com/4260699/2023/02/28/packers-aaron-rodgers-decision-options
5. “Aaron Rodgers discusses his future: The decision is final” Marca, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.marca.com/en/nfl/green-bay-packers/2023/03/01/63ffa27722601d75078b4581.html
6. “Agent's Take: Aaron Rodgers' trade value and the logistics of dealing the Packers' star QB, plus his best fit” CBS Sports, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-aaron-rodgers-trade-value-and-the-logistics-of-dealing-the-packers-star-qb-plus-his-best-fit/
7. “Aaron Rodgers' future going in “clear direction” amid Green Bay Packers trade links” The Mirror, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-sports/american-sports/aaron-rodgers-packers-trade-gutekunst-29357532
8. “Aaron Rodgers says he’ll make a decision “soon enough”” NBC Sports, 1 Mar. 2023, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/01/aaron-rodgers-says-hell-make-a-decision-soon-enough/
