Because not a day can go by without an Aaron Rodgers update, there was a report Friday night that the two-time reigning NFL MVP is having a terrible time trying to figure out where he will suit up next season.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said that sources told him Rodgers is “truly torn” between staying with the Packers and leaving them. Just a day earlier, there was a report that people in the league believe Rodgers will return to Green Bay.
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So now the football world has to keep waiting for Rodgers to make up his mind.
The Sporting News offers three observations of the newest act in Rodgers’ production of “Hamlet” (credit to SN’s Vinnie Iyer):
So it seems Rodgers isn’t retiring
Rapoport tweeted “on where he wants to play in 2022” in presenting Rodgers’ seeming indecision. That’s a tell that — for now, at least — Rodgers will play an 18th NFL season. The question then becomes: Whose uniform will he be wearing? The Broncos have been the hot team the past two offseasons when it comes to Rodgers trade rumors, and former Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is now Denver’s head coach. But the Packers are bringing back longtime QBs coach Tom Clements to work with Rodgers. Decisions, decisions.
What kind of Packers team would Rodgers return to?
Green Bay had the best record in the NFC last season but lost in the divisional round and Rodgers fizzled in the game. There are questions about whether the team can keep both Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams (there are rumors the Raiders could snag Adams this offseason.) The Packers have 24 free agents this offseason (UFA and RFA), according to Spotrac. All of that is a threat to continuity.
Is Rodgers just trying to squeeze more cash out of the Packers?
Contract negotiations hinge on leverage and Rodgers has some. He can walk away or ask to be sent away. If he’s trying to add years and money back to his deal — in practical terms, he has one year remaining because his 2023 salary will void seven days before the start of the league year as part of a contract restructure — the threat of a trade request is useful.