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

[Fear The Chorizo]

I think they should fine Rodgers and cite his own recent quote about how they made that decision in effort to change the "team philosophy and do things the right way"..."it's the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way." Gute should just state that it's tough to do things the right way and improve the perceived culture problem around the building if people who are supposed to be there willfully aren't - particularly the one player who apparently isn't happy with the culture and is grousing about it in the media.

 

All WRs at minicamp today, btw...

 

I'm sure this would feel very good for him but it would accomplish nothing. At the end of the day Gute has a responsibility to look out for the best interests of the franchise, not get into an ego standoff with Rodgers which would only deepen the chasm between Rodgers and the franchise.

 

If I thought the relationship was salvageable I might agree with you....but Rodgers has proven over the years that once he has his mind set on something there is no way to mend things. Exhibit A is his own family. I think the only way Rodgers comes back a completely happy camper to the Packers is if Gute is fired, and that's not happening.

 

Trying to placate a primadona who mentally has moved on is pointless, so Gute needs to do what keeps the locker room together for the players who do want to be in Green Bay. Maybe that's holding the door open for ARod to come back, maybe that's telling him to pound sand, or most likely it's somewhere in between. Bottom line is that Gute's actions can't be made with the intent of changing #12's opinion of things, because there's no way that's happening.

[SeaBass]

As to your earlier question Peavy, you certainly suggested it.

 

There's not a single player that doesn't understand what the situation is. If you interpreted my statement as suggesting anything to the contrary, you interpreted incorrectly.

 

And still, the Packers can impose a fine to show the other players that when you don't honor the commitments agreed to in your contract, you get fined. Regardless of "what the situation is."

I never said the Packers could not, I just don't feel that imposing the fine gains them anything other than being widely seen as sticklers over a lesser issue. It brings them down to Rodgers' petty level. In my opinion they gain more by letting it go.

 

The forthcoming training camp fines are out of their hands so they don't get dirty at all from that. If he holds out into the season the money he loses is also out of their hands.

 

As of now the Packers have 1) paid his $6.8 million roster bonus, 2) have said they want him back and won't trade him, 3) acknowledged they could have handled the Love draft pick better by being more communicative, 4) declined to fine him for missing minicamp (I'm assuming anyway). There's been no retaliation on their part other than not bending to his will by trading him or firing the GM. The media is raking them over the coals but their actions so far aren't exactly antagonistic other than them not being willing to trade him and that's not exactly a crazy stance seeing that he's a reigning MVP and gives them the best chance to win a Super Bowl.

[adambr2]

I think they should fine Rodgers and cite his own recent quote about how they made that decision in effort to change the "team philosophy and do things the right way"..."it's the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way." Gute should just state that it's tough to do things the right way and improve the perceived culture problem around the building if people who are supposed to be there willfully aren't - particularly the one player who apparently isn't happy with the culture and is grousing about it in the media.

 

All WRs at minicamp today, btw...

 

I'm sure this would feel very good for him but it would accomplish nothing. At the end of the day Gute has a responsibility to look out for the best interests of the franchise, not get into an ego standoff with Rodgers which would only deepen the chasm between Rodgers and the franchise.

 

If I thought the relationship was salvageable I might agree with you....but Rodgers has proven over the years that once he has his mind set on something there is no way to mend things. Exhibit A is his own family. I think the only way Rodgers comes back a completely happy camper to the Packers is if Gute is fired, and that's not happening.

 

Trying to placate a primadona who mentally has moved on is pointless, so Gute needs to do what keeps the locker room together for the players who do want to be in Green Bay. Maybe that's holding the door open for ARod to come back, maybe that's telling him to pound sand, or most likely it's somewhere in between. Bottom line is that Gute's actions can't be made with the intent of changing #12's opinion of things, because there's no way that's happening.

 

If they thought it was beyond salvaging I think they would have at least kicked the tires on a trade by now. My money would still be on Rodgers being under center on opening day as a Packer in 2021.

[reillymcshane]

Reports from Denver said that Lock and Bridgeport were unimpressive on the first day of mini-camp (yes, it's only one day - but it's fun to speculate).

 

That leads to an interesting scenario.

 

1) Let's say Rodgers is committed to not playing for Green Bay.

2) Let's say Love looks good at camp - and the club is okay going into the season with him and Bortles.

3) And let's say Denver becomes desperate to get Rodgers - now.

4) And thus Denver offers a monster package for Rodgers. Say three 1st rounders, a couple of 2nds, 2-3 quality players. Do you do it?

 

I know there has been some speculation that the team will let Rodgers sit a year. Or perhaps try and make a deal so he plays in 2021, with a promise to trade him next off season - that sort of thing.

 

To me, a huge haul is the only way you deal Rodgers in 2021. It's got to be a monster offer. Force a team to overpay. Otherwise, you wait until 2022, and you let Rodgers sit for a season. You should still get a decent package next spring. Maybe not as much if you made the deal now - but still a decent one.

[LouisEly]

I think they should fine Rodgers and cite his own recent quote about how they made that decision in effort to change the "team philosophy and do things the right way"..."it's the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way." Gute should just state that it's tough to do things the right way and improve the perceived culture problem around the building if people who are supposed to be there willfully aren't - particularly the one player who apparently isn't happy with the culture and is grousing about it in the media.

 

All WRs at minicamp today, btw...

The Packers can accomplish both improving communication with Rodgers and fining him to show the other players it's about doing it the right way. And that way is to tell Rodgers the above privately and tactfully before levying the fine.

 

Rodgers said it's about communication, character, and culture. You communicate privately with Rodgers and tell them the fine is about the character and culture here, they will have a character and culture problem if they don't do it, and in the spirit of improved communication they are communicating this before they do it. Give Rodgers a heads-up and then give him the choice. If not a win-win, it at least avoids a lose-lose.

[PeaveyFury]

4) And thus Denver offers a monster package for Rodgers. Say three 1st rounders, a couple of 2nds, 2-3 quality players. Do you do it?

 

In a heartbeat.

[adambr2]

I'd take it immediately as well.

 

Short-term though, I would anticipate bottom 5 league QB production and 1 or 2 tough seasons. It's definitely going to hurt.

[PeaveyFury]

I'd take it immediately as well.

 

Short-term though, I would anticipate bottom 5 league QB production and 1 or 2 tough seasons. It's definitely going to hurt.

 

You may not be wrong, but I also don't think it's fair to assume that Love is going to be useless. Presumably, the Packers wouldn't be considering such a move if they didn't like what they have there.

[reillymcshane]

I'd take it immediately as well.

 

Short-term though, I would anticipate bottom 5 league QB production and 1 or 2 tough seasons. It's definitely going to hurt.

 

You may not be wrong, but I also don't think it's fair to assume that Love is going to be useless. Presumably, the Packers wouldn't be considering such a move if they didn't like what they have there.

Exactly.

 

I think you'd have to feel pretty confident about Love right now - not just in a year or two. I mean, he doesn't have to be a pro bowler - but if you feel he can be league average-ish - that's okay.

[reillymcshane]

I'm thinking the Packers will have a lot to think about once mini-camp is over. I mean, they have to be wondering if Love can handle the job this year. A few days with the full squad this week isn't a great way to make those assessments - but it's a start.

 

Rodgers appears to be digging in on his desire to leave the Packers. Last month was voluntary stuff - so I can't fault him for skipping it. Obviously, his missing out on 500k was a huge sign - but it was his choice. But now, he's actually skipping camp, and violating his contract. That's a much bigger step - even if the cost isn't that hefty (93k) - at least for him.

 

So once mini camp is over, the club has to make the assessment on Love. Is he ready? If not, what's the answer? Does that mean if we deal Rodgers, does it have to include a starting QB? I find it hard to believe the Packers would think Lock or Bridgewater was the answer for them - especially with their 'meh' performance to date - and an unimpressive mini-camp (at least, thus far). Perhaps Derek Carr is an option. Who else?

 

Personally, I just hope we can have a Kumbaya moment and things get resolved.

[adambr2]

On the last two points, I would argue -- what choice do they have? It's not like they can easily pivot to any better options. They're invested in Love, but that doesn't mean he's ready. They're going to say some nice things and all that, but I haven't seen anything from Love since he was drafted to this point in time to think that in 2021 he can come in and be even a league average QB.

 

In fact I would suggest that if they really felt he could be a league average QB right now, they'd be a lot more open to trading Rodgers now and surrounding Love with the future picks and talent as they move forward.

 

I'm not saying he will come in and be totally outclassed, but the possibility is definitely there -- the floor is really low. I'd be quite pleased with Derek Carr level of production and expect closer to Drew Lock or Daniel Jones.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Love being league average this year would be a huge plus and frankly shocking to me. I think he can be fine eventually, I don't really know, but I would fully anticipate a very ugly season if he were the starting QB.

[JosephC]

4) And thus Denver offers a monster package for Rodgers. Say three 1st rounders, a couple of 2nds, 2-3 quality players. Do you do it?

 

In a heartbeat.

 

When all this started shortly after the draft, I looked at all the roster of rumored trade partners, and the Broncos were the only team where enough names popped out at me to at least spark some interest. Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, Josey Jewell. Only really would be interested in players along with the two first rounders. Third round picks don't do squat for me when talking about trading a player of Rodgers' ability.

[reillymcshane]

4) And thus Denver offers a monster package for Rodgers. Say three 1st rounders, a couple of 2nds, 2-3 quality players. Do you do it?

 

In a heartbeat.

 

When all this started shortly after the draft, I looked at all the roster of rumored trade partners, and the Broncos were the only team where enough names popped out at me to at least spark some interest. Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, Josey Jewell. Only really would be interested in players along with the two first rounders. Third round picks don't do squat for me when talking about trading a player of Rodgers' ability.

How about:

 

DT: Dre'Mont Jones

OL: Dalton Risner

WR: Jerry Jeudy

2022 1st Round Pick

2022 2nd Round Pick

2023 1st Round Pick

2023 2nd Round Pick

 

I think we are light on the defensive line interior, so Jones works well (although, to be honest, I don't know that much about him - he just seems like a good fit). Jeudy loads up the receiver corps. And Risner slides into the starting lineup - allowing the team some serious flexibility and depth on the OL. The picks help stock the team up with young talent.

 

The only move left (outside of who plays QB) is to sign an ILB - and there are a couple of guys out there that I think could help.

 

Of course, Denver will blanche at giving up so much - but they have some good depth to absorb the loses. Plus, they're getting Rodgers.

 

As noted, the picks are great - but they aren't great. These are likely mid-20s-30 slot picks. Good, but not great.

[reillymcshane]

4) And thus Denver offers a monster package for Rodgers. Say three 1st rounders, a couple of 2nds, 2-3 quality players. Do you do it?

 

In a heartbeat.

 

When all this started shortly after the draft, I looked at all the roster of rumored trade partners, and the Broncos were the only team where enough names popped out at me to at least spark some interest. Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, Josey Jewell. Only really would be interested in players along with the two first rounders. Third round picks don't do squat for me when talking about trading a player of Rodgers' ability.

Tell me more about Jewell. And what are your thoughts on Dre'Mont Jones.

 

Just wondering...

[FVBrewerFan]

Love being league average this year would be a huge plus and frankly shocking to me. I think he can be fine eventually, I don't really know, but I would fully anticipate a very ugly season if he were the starting QB.

 

They would also have a ton of cap space starting 22-23 season, so if Love doesn't look the part they can trade for or sign a top tier QB. One lost season isn't so bad.

[adambr2]

I'm sure this would feel very good for him but it would accomplish nothing. At the end of the day Gute has a responsibility to look out for the best interests of the franchise, not get into an ego standoff with Rodgers which would only deepen the chasm between Rodgers and the franchise.

 

I'm guessing Rodgers feels very good about his trade demand/threat to retire, but so far it too has accomplished nothing.

 

Well, my interests are in the continued well-being of the Green Bay Packers. What Aaron Rodgers accomplishes or doesn't accomplish that have no bearing on a Packer football game means nothing to me.

[JohnBriggs12]

Love being league average this year would be a huge plus and frankly shocking to me. I think he can be fine eventually, I don't really know, but I would fully anticipate a very ugly season if he were the starting QB.

 

They would also have a ton of cap space starting 22-23 season, so if Love doesn't look the part they can trade for or sign a top tier QB. One lost season isn't so bad.

 

So let's say with Love and/or Bortles under center they really struggle and finish something like 6-11 and Love doesn't look the answer going forward. Now a strong case can be made that Gutekunst should be fired because he risked so much by trading up to draft him when they did. Could that get Rodgers to unretire and return for the next couple years while the weapons around him are still intact? If not, a 6-11 record would likely get them around the 10th or 11th pick in next years draft plus they could trade Rodgers before the draft to a QB needy team for a 2022 high first round pick. That would give them the draft capital needed to move up to the top 4 in the draft to select a true franchise QB.

 

Nobody has more riding on this than Gutekunst. He bet his his tenure as Packer GM on a Utah State QB who hadn't played against top competition in college much less against NFL defenses. I'm not sure his ego isn't at least on par with Rodgers.

[homer]

James Jones was on with Cowherd today and said (paraphrasing) it's not about Gute and it's not about who gets brought in the building. Its about who is let go without consultation. He thinks Rodgers will be in camp. I feel like every former teammate that's close to Rodgers has said this is fixable.

 

[SeaBass]

James Jones was on with Cowherd today and said (paraphrasing) it's not about Gute and it's not about who gets brought in the building. Its about who is let go without consultation. He thinks Rodgers will be in camp. I feel like every former teammate that's close to Rodgers has said this is fixable.

 

[sarcasm]So now Jake Kumerow can know that it wasn't just the Packers that cut him, it was Rodgers too.[/sarcasm]

 

If that's really all he wants by all means get this fixed. It's ridiculous. And I really hope it's not about Rodgers wanting veto power because that's dumb too, but I could see trying to find a different player to let go instead of Jake at that exact moment in time and both sides being ok with it.

[adambr2]

Love being league average this year would be a huge plus and frankly shocking to me. I think he can be fine eventually, I don't really know, but I would fully anticipate a very ugly season if he were the starting QB.

 

They would also have a ton of cap space starting 22-23 season, so if Love doesn't look the part they can trade for or sign a top tier QB. One lost season isn't so bad.

 

So let's say with Love and/or Bortles under center they really struggle and finish something like 6-11 and Love doesn't look the answer going forward. Now a strong case can be made that Gutekunst should be fired because he risked so much by trading up to draft him when they did. Could that get Rodgers to unretire and return for the next couple years while the weapons around him are still intact? If not, a 6-11 record would likely get them around the 10th or 11th pick in next years draft plus they could trade Rodgers before the draft to a QB needy team for a 2022 high first round pick. That would give them the draft capital needed to move up to the top 4 in the draft to select a true franchise QB.

 

Nobody has more riding on this than Gutekunst. He bet his his tenure as Packer GM on a Utah State QB who hadn't played against top competition in college much less against NFL defenses. I'm not sure his ego isn't at least on par with Rodgers.

 

I would guess Love gets at least 2 years before deciding he isn't the guy, unless he looks absolutely Dwayne Haskins or Paxton Lynch or Brett Hundley bad.

[sveumrules]

At this point I'd rather watch Jordan Love quarterback the pack to an 8-8-1 record than kowtow to Rodgers whims.

[adambr2]

James Jones was on with Cowherd today and said (paraphrasing) it's not about Gute and it's not about who gets brought in the building. Its about who is let go without consultation. He thinks Rodgers will be in camp. I feel like every former teammate that's close to Rodgers has said this is fixable.

 

 

Still unclear on what he actually wants if he's not mad at Gute. Extension? Trade Love? Do we need to send someone to his house to give him a backrub and sing "Lullaby" by Shawn Mullins to him?

[adambr2]

At this point I'd rather watch Jordan Love quarterback the pack to an 8-8-1 record than kowtow to Rodgers whims.

 

I don't necessarily disagree, but I would take the under on 8-8-1 if Love is our QB for 17 games this year.

[CheezWizHed]

The more this goes on with Rodgers, the more it seems like an excuse to skip the offseason like Favre used to do. Second verse, same as the first. A little bit louder and a little bit worse!