Packers HC Matt LaFleur not being 'overbearing' in talks with Aaron Rodgers

One thing made clear on Wednesday is that quarterback and four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers hasn't verbally closed the door on returning to the Green Bay Packers this year. 

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Rodgers played a "significant role" in the decision to bring Tom Clements out of retirement to serve as quarterbacks coach. Clements previously worked with Rodgers from the 2006 season through the 2016 campaign and has repeatedly been praised by the future Hall of Famer, including in comments the 38-year-old made in January. 

LaFleur added he and Rodgers have been in touch "consistently" since the team's playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Jan. 22 but also said he wants "to be respectful of his time and the process he has to go through" as everyone, including the Packers, waits for the signal-caller to unveil his plans for 2022. 

"I know it's a lot to take on," LaFleur said of Rodgers, according to Mike Spofford of the club's website. "He's got a lot to think about. I don't want to be overbearing and tell him every day how much we love him and how much we want him back."

LaFleur's update came a day after Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he hasn't taken calls about trade offers for Rodgers and that it's believed the quarterback will inform the club about his intentions before free agency opens at the start of the new league year on March 16.

While nothing is for sure, neither LaFleur nor Gutekunst have recently sounded like individuals about to lose an all-time great to retirement or a trade request at some point over the next two weeks.