Report: Rodgers wants new contract (Update: May not want to return in 2021)

[reillymcshane]

If Rodgers didn't say he wanted Gute fired, he could've easily refuted that comment. That seems to be one of the more egregious rumors flying around. He also could've done something similar to what the Packers said - yes, there are some issues we are working out, but we are talking as a team.

 

But I'm guessing that will come out in another 2 weeks or so... Seems like these dramas have a similar pattern.

 

If he hates Gute I could see him just letting this thing carry on for a while to make Gute look bad.

I'd like to point out that his unhappiness with McCarthy played out over a long time with Rodgers really not saying much about the situation. So perhaps he just thinks he'll do the same thing. Let stories leak out about how he doesn't like this or that thing, etc., etc. Either gets him traded, or Gute removed, or Rodgers more power/money/whatever he wants.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Love wouldn't be as publicly vocal about it since he doesn't have the stature but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent. He and Rodgers share the same agent so the agent would be working the extension angle and then immediately follow with the trade Jordan angle. And the Packers would accommodate. There would be no point keeping around a QB who if not traded nor allowed an opportunity to play would vow not to sign with them after his contract expires. I don't think a first rounder has ever been blocked from playing throughout the duration of their entire rookie contract. I honestly think over time there would be outcry from the player's union and other advocates pressuring the Packers to find a trade partner who will afford Love the chance to play. You may not give two craps about Jordan Love but it would be not only unfair but an incredible waste of resources for the Packers to use a 1st round pick on a player who never sees the field for them and then departs in free agency. If the reports today about the Packers offering Rodgers a massive extension are true, then they're essentially admitting their mistake in drafting Love. And then the next step is logically to trade Love and salvage something for the wasted investment.

 

I disagree. There is value in having a solid, cheap backup QB to a guy who is 38 years old and has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. If the Packers are truly in "go for it" mode before Rodgers declines or retires, a season could be destroyed should no solid backup QB option be available if Rodgers has to miss more than 1-2 games. I mean, it has happened.

[brwrsfan]

Love wouldn't be as publicly vocal about it since he doesn't have the stature but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent. He and Rodgers share the same agent so the agent would be working the extension angle and then immediately follow with the trade Jordan angle. And the Packers would accommodate. There would be no point keeping around a QB who if not traded nor allowed an opportunity to play would vow not to sign with them after his contract expires. I don't think a first rounder has ever been blocked from playing throughout the duration of their entire rookie contract. I honestly think over time there would be outcry from the player's union and other advocates pressuring the Packers to find a trade partner who will afford Love the chance to play. You may not give two craps about Jordan Love but it would be not only unfair but an incredible waste of resources for the Packers to use a 1st round pick on a player who never sees the field for them and then departs in free agency. If the reports today about the Packers offering Rodgers a massive extension are true, then they're essentially admitting their mistake in drafting Love. And then the next step is logically to trade Love and salvage something for the wasted investment.

 

I disagree. There is value in having a solid, cheap backup QB to a guy who is 38 years old and has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. If the Packers are truly in "go for it" mode before Rodgers declines or retires, a season could be destroyed should no solid backup QB option be available if Rodgers has to miss more than 1-2 games. I mean, it has happened.

 

I disagree here as well. Simply being a first round pick doesn't guarantee you get to start or give you any right to be traded. There are multiple first rounds picks who simply flame out. Rodgers sat for 3 years himself. The Patriots did it with Jimmy G (think he was second round, but still). They did eventually trade him but there's no way the Packers would feel forced to move him now - in a couple years maybe. But now...his value would never be lower. He hasn't played a single snap (not even in pre-season), he was third on the depth chart last year. Should Rodgers falter, get hurt or retire, it's his time to shine. Should Rodgers play at an MVP level for the next 3 years, then at some point, yes, the Packers would look to trade him - but only because it benefits THEM, not because they owe to him that he gets to play. He's still collecting his first round salary and earning service time for the pension, etc. Not to mention, based on practice reports....he's not ready to play anyways.

[CheezWizHed]

If Rodgers didn't say he wanted Gute fired, he could've easily refuted that comment. That seems to be one of the more egregious rumors flying around. He also could've done something similar to what the Packers said - yes, there are some issues we are working out, but we are talking as a team.

 

But I'm guessing that will come out in another 2 weeks or so... Seems like these dramas have a similar pattern.

 

If he hates Gute I could see him just letting this thing carry on for a while to make Gute look bad.

I'd like to point out that his unhappiness with McCarthy played out over a long time with Rodgers really not saying much about the situation. So perhaps he just thinks he'll do the same thing. Let stories leak out about how he doesn't like this or that thing, etc., etc. Either gets him traded, or Gute removed, or Rodgers more power/money/whatever he wants.

 

My first point was more about Rodgers responsibility "if it wasn't true". People were asking what Rodgers "should" do and what the Packers "should" do. The Packers already came out publicly to state they want Rodgers to play and other indications they want it to work. Rodgers hasn't (no, I don't count leaks through his friends to count).

 

Frankly, it might stink for Love to sit a couple years, but it did for Rodgers too. That isn't part of the equation.

 

And at the risk of beating a dead horse:

#1 way to win a SB: HOF QB on a rookie contract (Seattle)

#2 way: HOF QB on any contract.

#3 way: Veteran QB with big D + Running game

- No time in the last 20 years has a non-HOF (a subjective measure by my estimation) QB on a rookie contract, won the SB (a couple lost it). And all QBs on a rookie contract in getting to the SB (minus Tom Brady) were in their 4th or 5th year.

 

The probability of any 1st round QB being a HOF is very low. Maybe Love will be our 3rd in a row... more likely he won't be. Best chance right now is Rodgers.

 

Edit - I should clarify there are actually more #2 (HOF QB winning a SB) than #1 (HOF QB on a rookie contract), so my point was a bit muddled. I was trying to emphasize finding the HOF QB is the key.

[PeaveyFury]

but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent.

 

I'd say the only person that could say what would happen so definitively would be Love himself, or his agent. Anything beyond that is speculation.

[BillScottCanRake]

sLove wouldn't be as publicly vocal about it since he doesn't have the stature but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent. He and Rodgers share the same agent so the agent would be working the extension angle and then immediately follow with the trade Jordan angle. And the Packers would accommodate. There would be no point keeping around a QB who if not traded nor allowed an opportunity to play would vow not to sign with them after his contract expires. I don't think a first rounder has ever been blocked from playing throughout the duration of their entire rookie contract. I honestly think over time there would be outcry from the player's union and other advocates pressuring the Packers to find a trade partner who will afford Love the chance to play. You may not give two craps about Jordan Love but it would be not only unfair but an incredible waste of resources for the Packers to use a 1st round pick on a player who never sees the field for them and then departs in free agency. If the reports today about the Packers offering Rodgers a massive extension are true, then they're essentially admitting their mistake in drafting Love. And then the next step is logically to trade Love and salvage something for the wasted investment.

 

Even if the Packers extend/restructure Rodgers with the intent he play the duration of Love's rookie deal, that doesn't mean a decision needs to be made on Love at the same time.

 

Rodgers is at an age where his future is uncertain; if he weren't, this wouldn't even be an issue. Rodgers and the Packers may intend for him to play for 4 more years, but an injury or rapid decline in abilities could change things sooner rather than later, and Love could still be the guy in 2023 or 2024 in spite of the contract Rodgers signed. If Love ends up being the guy, for whatever reason, in 2023, he will have been a backup just as long as Rodgers was to Favre. Like Rodgers rookie contact, Love's salary isn't prohibitive, so they wouldn't have to move on from him for salary cap reasons.

 

After 2023, if Rodgers is still a 40TD/year guy and the Packers are still highly competitive, maybe you look to trade Love and a consider drafting another quarterback. But that decision doesn't need to be made now.

[pacopete4]

Could the Packers restructure/extend in a team-friendly way and also give Rodgers a no-trade clause or that he has control over who he is traded to? Something to make both happy here while freeing up resources to add players?

[tmwiese55]

I'd guess Love would still be here for at least this year. First, just to have a legit backup. Second, all other teams have made their QB moves so you're not going to get value. Third, no one has seen him play in a long time so that hurts value. Generally speaking, I strongly doubt they get good value back right now. Keeping him this year could allow him to show some flashes in pre season and/or if Rodgers were to miss a game or two. Think of what Rodgers did in preseason and when Favre got hurt vs Dallas. Sure, I suppose Love could do poorly and hurt his value but keeping him at least ives the chance of recouping his value next offseason. While also giving a legit backup for once.

 

ETA: Thinking about it a bit. Let's say Rodgers skips a lot of offseason stuff but Love is there. That actually could be really good for his development after such a truncated first year practive/development due to covid.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent.

 

I'd say the only person that could say what would happen so definitively would be Love himself, or his agent. Anything beyond that is speculation.

 

Thanks for pointing out that we're speculating on a message board.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

I disagree. There is value in having a solid, cheap backup QB to a guy who is 38 years old and has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. If the Packers are truly in "go for it" mode before Rodgers declines or retires, a season could be destroyed should no solid backup QB option be available if Rodgers has to miss more than 1-2 games. I mean, it has happened.

 

And when exactly has a QB drafted in the first round acceptingly sat the entirety of his rookie contract as a backup?

 

It's very apparent that this side of the coin is a complete blind spot for Packers fans in this discussion. Of course we'd all love the luxury of having Rodgers here playing at an MVP level for another 3-4 years. All whilst Jordan Love gleefully tosses the ball around on the practice fields not worrying of whether or not he'll see the field for meaningful playing time before he hits age 26. That would be great wouldn't it. It also has zero chance of happening. Love would find a way out of here long before that. And the Packers know it full well. If they do strike an accord with Rodgers to ensure he's going nowhere for at least 2-3 years, it will soon be followed by a Love trade.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I disagree. There is value in having a solid, cheap backup QB to a guy who is 38 years old and has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. If the Packers are truly in "go for it" mode before Rodgers declines or retires, a season could be destroyed should no solid backup QB option be available if Rodgers has to miss more than 1-2 games. I mean, it has happened.

 

And when exactly has a QB drafted in the first round acceptingly sat the entirety of his rookie contract as a backup?

 

He doesn't have a choice. Like I said before, Jordan Love has the least leverage of anyone in this tug-o-war.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

I disagree. There is value in having a solid, cheap backup QB to a guy who is 38 years old and has dealt with his share of injuries over the years. If the Packers are truly in "go for it" mode before Rodgers declines or retires, a season could be destroyed should no solid backup QB option be available if Rodgers has to miss more than 1-2 games. I mean, it has happened.

 

And when exactly has a QB drafted in the first round acceptingly sat the entirety of his rookie contract as a backup?

 

He doesn't have a choice.

 

Take a look around at how sports work nowadays, How many examples do we need? Again, the player's union would likely step in and put pressure on the Packers as would a whole host of others who would advocate on Love's behalf. It's a really peculiar idea to think Love would just sit back and allow himself to not play a meaningful snap until potentially he turns 26, perhaps even later. I'll further add that the somewhat widespread notion out there suggesting Love should just stay quiet and take it is pretty gross. He should fight like heck to make his way into a situation where he has chance to start.

[pacopete4]

Please point to one time that a QB on a rookie contract demanded a trade and got his way.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Take a look around at how sports work nowadays, How many examples do we need? Again, the player's union would likely step in and put pressure on the Packers as would a whole host of others who would advocate on Love's behalf. It's really odd that someone would think Love would just sit back and allow himself to not play a meaningful snap until potentially he turns 26, perhaps even later. I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think it's OK to hold that notion that Love should just stay quiet and take it.

 

Aaron Rodgers is 38 years old. Last year was the first time in several years when he didn't have some sort of nagging injury or worse that didn't at least restrict his play or cause him to miss time. I'd strongly predict that even if the Packers and Rodgers makes amends, Love is going to play meaningful snaps.

 

I'm not sure how the idea that a player on his rookie contract really has no leverage to demand playing time could come off as "really odd" or "kind of gross". You are kind of making this personal now, when it is only a difference of opinion.

[PeaveyFury]

but the demand no doubt would be made by his agent.

 

I'd say the only person that could say what would happen so definitively would be Love himself, or his agent. Anything beyond that is speculation.

 

Thanks for pointing out that we're speculating on a message board.

 

As your post was filled with absolutes, I thought it would be helpful.

[pacopete4]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think it's OK to hold that notion that Love should just stay quiet and take it.

 

This was a ridiculous ending to a post but even still, the system that is in place is for ALL players in the NFL. It doesn't bend because you are a QB. There are plenty of guys drafted who end up being backups. This notion that a 1st round QB is owed something more than what their contract states baffles me.

[PeaveyFury]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think

 

Ok, let's stop with the personal attacks, please.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think

 

Ok, let's stop with the personal attacks, please.

 

It's not personal at all. I see the same sentiment all over the web. The notion that Love should just wait in the wings and be a good soldier is not at all unique to RRB. I do think that notion is gross. I don't think the poster RRB is a gross human. I think he has a misguided thought however. It's these guys dreams to play in the NFL. They bust their tails for years to reach this level. They enter drafts early when told they're going to be 1st round picks. They're highly competitive and highly confident people. You wouldn't want them on your team if they weren't. It's absurd to suggest they should then quietly sit back and accept riding the pine for possibly up to 4-5 years when they went into the draft process thinking they'd see the field in 6-18 months at the latest.

 

And that's before even contemplating how much money it could cost Love if not given a chance to play and drive up the price of his 2nd contract.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think

 

Ok, let's stop with the personal attacks, please.

 

It's not personal at all. I see the same sentiment all over the web. The notion that Love should just wait in the wings and be a good soldier is not at all unique to RRB. I do think that's gross. I don't think the poster RRB is a gross human. I think he has a misguided thought however.

 

I wouldn't doubt for a second that Love will eventually get frustrated. I mean, Rodgers eventually did, and was ready to demand a trade after sitting for three years behind Favre. But then when Favre retired for the upteenth time, it gave the Packers the opportunity to tell Rodgers that he was their guy, and they stuck by him when Favre reneged yet again, causing a huge division amongst the fanbase.

 

But ... Rodgers still sat for three years before that happened. And he was a guy who had helium as a potential #1 overall pick going into the 2005 draft. Love never had that sort of helium. So if you are wondering if I think Love will happily sit around for another 3 years waiting for an opportunity that may never happen, I think there's a chance that he may not. But do I think that the Packers owe it to Love to trade him immediately after committing to Rodgers for the next several seasons, if that happens? Also no. The Packers probably have the 2021 and 2022 seasons, if not the 2023 season, before they even need to think about appeasing Jordan Love. I expect him to continue to develop, while serving as a young, talented backup QB during that time.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think it's OK to hold that notion that Love should just stay quiet and take it.

 

This was a ridiculous ending to a post but even still, the system that is in place is for ALL players in the NFL. It doesn't bend because you are a QB. There are plenty of guys drafted who end up being backups. This notion that a 1st round QB is owed something more than what their contract states baffles me.

 

Which 1st round QB was never afforded the opportunity to be the starting QB at any point during the full length of their rookie contract as Love would be facing if the Packers grant Rodgers his wish of a re-worked contract with guaranteed money into his 40's? I'll wait. Like I said, this is a complete blind spot for Packers fans.

[PeaveyFury]

I'll further add that's it's actually kind of gross that someone would think

 

Ok, let's stop with the personal attacks, please.

 

It's not personal at all.

 

Let me make myself more clear then- choose a different word. Calling someone's idea gross is a violation of the TOS. Don't push it any further.

[BillScottCanRake]

Which 1st round QB was never afforded the opportunity to be the starting QB at any point during the full length of their rookie contract as Love would be facing if the Packers grant Rodgers his wish of a re-worked contract with guaranteed money into his 40's? I'll wait.

 

Rich Campbell was drafted number 6 overall in 1981 and made 0 starts in 7 career games. Campbell was 31-68 for 386 yards, 3 touchdowns and 9 interceptions for a rating of 38.8. Which is slightly less than the rating someone would have going 0-1 so long as that one pass wasn't intercepted.

 

Campbells only significant game action came in 1981 when both Lynn Dickey and David Whitehurst were injured, and again in 1984 when Dickey and Randy Wright were injured. In his four years in Green Bay Campbell was never anything other than the third quarterback. His best game as a Packer was against the Bears in 1984, when he went 9-19 for 125 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT in a 20-14 win, including a 43 yarder to Phil Epps with less than a minute left in the game.

 

EDIT: By the way, the next two guys to go in that draft were Hugh Green and Ronnie Lott. Of the top 8 picks that year, Campbell was the only one who didn't make a Pro-Bowl or become a HOFer. Ouch.

[reillymcshane]

The odds are that Love (as the team's backup) will get some playing time. How much is anyone's guess, but he'll likely get some PT. It might be due to injuries. It might be just to close out games that are out of reach. It might be one of those games at the end of the year where it doesn't matter that much to the team. But he's likely to get some time and demonstrate his abilities.

 

It's not like the guy won't ever see the field this year (assuming Rodgers is back). In fact, for a lot of reasons, the team will be motivated to make sure he gets on the field.

 

No doubt he'll get antsy to play, but I wouldn't worry about that this year. Show well he handles life as the backup for a year - and then we can worry about him being unhappy and so forth.

[CheezWizHed]

Which 1st round QB was never afforded the opportunity to be the starting QB at any point during the full length of their rookie contract as Love would be facing if the Packers grant Rodgers his wish of a re-worked contract with guaranteed money into his 40's? I'll wait. Like I said, this is a complete blind spot for Packers fans.

 

Uh... how do you know he won't be afforded an option to start?

- Name me a starting QB that started every game for 4 years from years 37 onward?

- Name me a starting QB - not Tom Brady - that has been effective for 4 years past 37? (and even some of Tom's years were iffy)

 

And as happened during Favre's era... developing a back up QB and trading him after a couple years is still an option.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

So you think Love is going to be content with needing an injury to provide an opening for meaningful playing time for the duration of his rookie contract. Real question?