Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the verge of winning his fourth NFL MVP with his team the No. 1 seed in the NFC. With things going almost perfectly on the field, there also seems to be improvement with the situation in the front office.
That wasn’t the case this past offseason. Rodgers demanded a trade and seriously considered retirement if the franchise wouldn’t move him. Once it became clear a deal wasn’t going to happen, Rodgers and the Packers agreed to a short-term resolution before the 2021 season.
But the All-Pro quarterback’s return in July came with headlines. The restructured contract he signed allowed him to be traded in 2022 and his first press conference back was filled with shots at the front office. It led many to believe this would be his last season in Green Bay.
- Aaron Rodgers stats: 3,977 passing yards, 38 total touchdowns, 67.7 QBR, 68.5% completion rate, 111.1 passer rating
Things looked even bleaker after Week 1. In a season-opening blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints, Rodgers threw two interceptions and some questioned his commitment to football. But ever since that Week 1 loss, everything has changed.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Rodgers’ relationship with the Packers’ front office has improved. After expressing frustrations about general manager Brian Gutekunst not giving his future Hall of Fame quarterback the same level of roster input Tom Brady holds in Tampa Bay, there are now conversations between Rodgers and Gutekunst.
“Things have improved, he’s had regular conversations with the front office. Green Bay wants him to stay. It’s their top priority this offseason”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with Green Bay Packers (H/T Daire Carragher)
While the Packers didn’t make an in-season trade, many of their moves paid off in the regular season. Rasul Douglas, signed off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad, has five interceptions and is excelling in coverage. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, signed this offseason, is playing at an elite level in 2021.
The Packers also keep developing quality starts on the offensive line despite countless injuries, helping maintain one of the best pass-protecting lines in the NFL.
- Aaron Rodgers contract: $27.07 million cap hit (2021), $46.144 million cap hit (2022)
Rodgers has also said this is the most fun he has had with teammates and coaches in years. It’s reflected in his performance with a 35:2 TD:INT ratio, 115.3 passer rating and 69.48% completion rate since that first loss.
The Packers will have to navigate the salary cap in 2022, with the franchise expected to be $40 million over the NFL mark. But a new contract extension for Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams could keep this team’s Super Bowl window open and it’s evident everyone in Green Bay wants that.
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