Now that the Green Bay Packers‘ season is formally over, there is just one query that actually issues: Will quarterback Aaron Rodgers be again in a Packers uniform subsequent 12 months?
Rodgers spent 4 quarters Saturday night time trying to evade an onslaught from the San Francisco 49ers go rush, which in the end sacked him 5 instances. Simply minutes after one other crushing playoff defeat, the 17-year NFL veteran confronted an assault of a distinct type — a barrage of questions from reporters about what his soccer future holds. Very similar to the Niners go rushers, Rodgers wasn’t very profitable at dodging them.
“I don’t wanna be part of a rebuild if I’m gonna preserve enjoying, so you realize, numerous selections within the subsequent couple months,” Rodgers said. “”I didn’t assume we’d be speaking about this after this recreation.”
Rodgers Says Packers Roster Will Weigh Closely in Resolution
The selections to which Rodgers was referring don’t belong solely to him, but additionally to the Packers entrance workplace and to the checklist of high quality gamers whose futures with the crew at the moment are up within the air.
Rodgers talked about vast receiver Davante Adams by title within the postgame presser, who grew to become a free agent the minute San Francisco kicker Robbie Gould’s 45-yard discipline purpose sailed via the uprights as time expired on Inexperienced Bay’s postseason. Rodgers referred to as Adams “the most effective receiver within the league,” which is suitable contemplating the go catcher has stated publicly that expects to be paid that method.
The QB additionally talked about tight finish Robert Tonyan and wideout Allen Lazard, each of whom will likely be searching for long-term offers this offseason. All-Professional linebacker De’Vondre Campbell can even hit the market as an unrestricted free agent in 2022.
Inexperienced Bay’s place on all of these gamers is more likely to weigh closely in conversations Rodgers stated Saturday he plans to have earlier than later with Packers normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst.
“I’m gonna take a while and have conversations with of us round right here, then take a while away and decide clearly earlier than free company or something will get occurring that entrance,” Rodgers stated. “It’s contemporary proper now, slightly stunning for certain. … I haven’t actually let the second sink in but.”
As to the reigning NFL MVP’s ideas on enjoying with a franchise apart from Inexperienced Bay transferring ahead, a composed however considerably despondent Rodgers stated the second was not proper for that dialog, it being simply minutes after a gut-wrenching 13-10 playoff defeat within the snowy chilly of historic Lambeau Area.
“It’s robust to say at this level,” Rodgers defined. “I don’t assume it’s truthful to anyone, or myself, to essentially go down these paths at this level. It’s disappointing, unhappy and contemporary.”
Rodgers’ Feedback on Packers Entrance Workplace Provide Hope For Return
One vivid spot Packers followers can latch onto was Rodgers’ trustworthy and heartfelt evaluation of how his relationship with the entrance workplace advanced over the course of this season, particularly with Gutekunst. A perceived lack of inclusion on personnel and play calling selections left Rodgers disgruntled final offseason, when he tried to drive his method out of Inexperienced Bay.
“Brian [Gutekunst] got here out and noticed me on the west coast and we had some good conversations and from the day I acquired again, I felt like there [were] earnest selections on either side to satisfy within the center and talk,” Rodgers stated. “I really feel like my opinion mattered … in order that was undoubtedly a particular a part of this season, to see that relationship develop. I believe he put collectively a very nice crew, a crew that might have received a Tremendous Bowl.”
The quarterback was additionally requested to talk to his legacy in Inexperienced Bay, even regardless of not figuring out if it’s over but.
“I’m very pleased with what I’ve been in a position to accomplish right here. Grateful, deeply grateful, for therefore a few years right here within the group and all of the unimaginable teammates and coaches I’ve had right here over time. That’s a part of the legacy, the friendships and the recollections,” Rodgers stated. “[I’m] nonetheless tremendous aggressive, nonetheless know I can play at a excessive stage. It’s gonna be a troublesome choice, numerous issues to weigh within the coming weeks.”
These selections, the quarterback acknowledged, embrace the potential for retirement from soccer altogether.
“I’ll have the conversations with Brian within the subsequent week or so and get slightly bit extra readability,” Rodgers stated. “[I’ll] take into consideration my very own future and the way for much longer I wanna preserve doing this.”
Source: Heavy