Report: Aaron Rodgers plans to play for Packers this season

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Report: MVP Aaron Rodgers plans to play for Packers this season

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/26/21

Multiple former teammates have repeatedly insisted that disgruntled quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers would ultimately return to the Green Bay Packers despite rumors and reports that he doesn't want to play another down for the organization.

It appears they were spot on.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted Monday afternoon that Rodgers does plan to play for the Packers at least through the 2021 NFL season:

#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has indicated to people close to him that he does plan to play for GB this season, sources say. That is the expectation. Many factors at play, but with GM Brian Gutekunst saying he is “hopeful” for a positive outcome, there is a glimmer of optimism.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2021

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst also seemed optimistic about the subject when speaking with shareholders Monday:

Looking ahead, Gutekunst says he looks forward to building off a dominant 2020 season with a returning nucleus led by Aaron Rodgers. Says they’ve been working tirelessly to resolve the issues “and remain hopeful for a positive outcome.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2021

This was always the likely outcome of the story. Rodgers is signed through 2023 and turns 38 years old in December, meaning sitting out an entire season just to force his exit from the Packers would've been an unwise and potentially risky move. He may receive a pay increase and even reach an agreement that allows him to orchestrate a trade as soon as next March, but it looks like he will remain above 2020 rookie Jordan Love on the Green Bay depth chart for one more campaign.

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