NFL executives, coaches believe Aaron Rodgers wants out of Green Bay

Following Sunday's NFC Championship Game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers categorized himself among the players who have uncertain futures with the franchise. 

On Tuesday, Rodgers admitted that he "thinks" he'll be back in Green Bay in 2021. However, he also said there are no guarantees in the NFL, causing more speculation about his future with the franchise. 

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, multiple NFL executives and coaches believe that Rodgers wants out of Green Bay. Which, at this point, isn't too surprising. 

"It's been the worst kept secret in football. I don't think they've ever really won him over," an NFL assistant coach told La Canfora. "Last year they held him back, and then they picked his replacement in the draft. This guy is nothing if not calculated. He's sending a signal to the rest of the league – Come and get me."

In an interview on Tuesday, Packers president Mark Murphy sent a message to the quarterback, saying, "Aaron Rodgers will be back. He's our leader." One NFL executive thinks Murphy shouldn't have done that. 

"How about talking to your quarterback first before you put out that statement, or just waiting to see if he says it for himself?" said one long-time NFL executive. "Totally tone deaf. That's exactly what not to do. That thing is going to go nuclear. Trust me. The quarterback wants out."

Rodgers is under contract through 2023 after signing a $134 million extension in 2018. However, the Packers traded up in the 2020 draft to select Jordan Love, who could ultimately be Rodgers' replacement. 

If Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst believes Love can step in and be successful, Rodgers might be playing elsewhere in 2021. Despite the uncertainty, though, head coach Matt LaFleur said he definitely wants Rodgers back next season.

After all, Rodgers did lead the Packers to the NFC Championship Game following a 13-3 regular season. The two-time MVP completed a career-high 70.7% of his passes for 4,299 yards and a career-high 48 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He also had 149 yards and three rushing scores.

If he, for some reason, doesn't return to the Packers in 2021, Rodgers will be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks on the market along with Detroit Lions veteran Matthew Stafford.