Rodgers Vs Gutekunst: The Unexplored Perspective

The real issue here doesn’t have anything to do with Jake Kumerow, Shailene Woodley, or even Jeopardy - it’s about two men with different jobs to do.

Aaron Rodgers isn’t a terrible, unreasonable crybaby and Brian Gutekunst isn’t some iron-fisted control freak.

These are two men at the top of their profession who are working towards a common team goal, but who have different personal objectives.

Let’s explore this whole fiasco logically, based on what we actually know and see what conclusions we can make.

When I say “what we actually know,” I mean we’re gonna look at what these two men have said publicly.

We’re not gonna buy into the clickbait third-hand reports about old assistant coaches and practice squad receivers. We’re not gonna jump conclusions about what family planning or post-football jobs might bring. We’re not gonna pretend that whatever pieces of the puzzle have been dripped out by various media members paint a full picture.

Here's what we know for sure:

  1. Brian Gutekunst said he doesn’t want to trade Aaron Rodgers

  2. Brian Gutekunst has said he sees Aaron Rodgers as the Packers QB for the foreseeable future

  3. Aaron Rodgers has stated he loves the franchise and wants to be a Packer for life 

  4. Aaron Rodgers has stated he wants to play for a long time

  5. Aaron Rodgers has 3 years left on his 4 year extension

  6. Aaron Rodgers’s current contract has a convenient out for the team after this year

  7. Brian Gutekunst offered Rodgers contract restructures and extensions

  8. Aaron Rodgers declined the contract restructures and extensions

Let’s start at the top with Brian Gutekunst.

His stance in this whole situation seems pretty clear. He has a great quarterback (who happens to be the reigning MVP) under contract and plans on keeping him on the team until his play declines. That’s the nature of managing a professional football team.

Aaron Rodgers’s perspective is a little tougher.

He said he loves the team and wants to be a Packer for life.

If that’s true and he wants to have a legacy playing his whole career for the same franchise, then why would he turn down a contract extension?

Let’s explore that a little more.

Well, a logical guess would be that the contract extension that the Packers offered wouldn’t guarantee that he gets to be a Packer for life (which is what he said he wanted).

Contracts can be structured in a number of ways. Just look at his current contract: sure, he’s signed for three more years, but the team can realistically cut him after just one.

So if they offered him a 5 year extension, but it was structured in a way that allowed the team to get out of it at any point, it wouldn’t give Rodgers the commitment he wants. Heck, they could offer him a 20 year extension, but if it was structured in a way that allowed the team to move on at any point, it still wouldn’t give Rodgers the commitment he’s looking for.

So it looks like he’s upset because he isn’t getting what he wants.

I don’t think that makes him selfish or childish in this situation, as some have said.

In a word, I think Aaron Rodgers is scared.

I’m not talking monster-in-the-closet scared. I mean living in fear and uncertainty. He doesn’t want to play year to year, wondering if a bad season or an unexpected injury will be the breaking point and his contract will be severed, leaving him an old free agent, cut off from the team he had given everything to.

At that point, he doesn’t care if he gets to go to a team of his own choosing. It’s too late. 

That’s the situation Rodgers wants to avoid. The only way to avoid it is to get a commitment from the team.

So how do you make that commitment?

The only way to do that is with a contract with so much guaranteed money that the Packers can’t let him go. It’s not about the money, though, it’s about the certainty the money brings. Aaron Rodgers is rich, he doesn’t want some mega deal because he’s low on cash and it’s not a case of Rodgers asking for a ridiculous amount of power on a big ego trip.

I just think he wants a contract that makes him feel like he can play as long as he wants to and not get shoved out the door before he’s ready to go.

That may seem unreasonable to some, but remember that this is one of the most talented and competitive people in the history of the world.

He loves this game and he loves being on the Packers and he doesn’t want anyone to take that away until he’s ready. He wants to keep his dream job until he retires.

That’s a stance he’s had for years, well before he signed his latest extension. So why is all this coming up now?

Like I said before, the Packers could easily move on from him after this year. Now is his final chance to push for the commitment he wants with any sort of leverage.

This is his only chance.

If he comes back and plays in 2021, the Packers can play wait-and-see for the rest of his contract and Rodgers would lose any leverage. Any contract he signs after that can also be short term without guaranteed commitments because he’ll be 40 by then.

This is the only year where it would be hard for the Packers to move on. That means this is the time he will ever have any leverage.

That’s why it’s coming up now.

Because it has to be now.

If it doesn’t happen now, the Packers will be able to move on whenever they want.

I know some people react to this by saying “Well, just keep playing like an MVP and it won’t be an issue.”

That might be valid from a fan’s perspective, but it’s probably not Aaron Rodgers’s perspective.

His perspective is that he wants to play his whole career for the Packers and he wants the Packers to want him the same way he wants to be there - until he’s done playing, not just until the Packers are done with him.

But the only way to make that kind of commitment is to give him a contract with so many guarantees that the Packers can’t afford to move on from him until it’s done.

So, why doesn’t Brian Gutekunst just do that? Just give Rodgers the commitment that he wants - it’s not his money, right? Throw all the free cap space they have at Rodgers and this would all be resolved, right?

Well, that kind of a commitment paints the team into a corner. Sure, Brian Gutekunst wants Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback for the foreseeable future, but he also wants to make sure the Packers are competitive long term.

To do that, Gutekunst needs to manage the team and the cap so that one player isn’t locking them into a path. Managing a team well requires flexibility.

Locking into a commitment with the highest-paid player on the team with no way out would hinder that.

Brian Gutekunst knows that when you let a professional athlete, a superior competitor, decide when to walk away, they will inevitably walk away too late.

Remember what Drew Brees looked like in his final season? Remember a rag-armed Payton Manning on his farewell tour? How about a battered Brett Favre playing out his painful last games? 

Brian Gutekunst remembers that and he doesn’t want his team stuck in that predicament. Aaron Rodgers says he wants to play until he’s 45. That’s 8 more seasons.

If Brian Gutekunst gave Rodgers a fully-guaranteed 8 year contract to give him the secure feeling he wants, then the team has zero flexibility for 8 years. 

And a lot can change in 8 years. Eight years ago, no one thought the salary cap would go down. Eight years ago, no one thought the Packers under Rodgers wouldn’t have won another Super Bowl. Heck, it was just 6 years ago that Davante Adams was dropping so many passes that we thought Jeff Janis would take his roster spot!

We don’t know what will happen.

And neither does Brian Gutekunst.

That’s why this isn’t a case of Gutekunst being stubborn or controlling, this is Gutekunst trying to navigate an uncertain future in a very difficult job by creating and managing the flexibility that will allow the Packers organization to adapt to any unforeseen challenges.

Gutekunst wants that flexibility so the Packers can be successful no matter what injuries or obstacles come up.

Rodgers wants the commitment so that they can’t move on from him until he’s ready - until he feels he’s cemented his legacy and played all that he can.

Two men who both love the Packers and want them to succeed, but with different personal objectives.

That’s what makes this so challenging - it’s not about dollars or even ego, it’s about two men who want the same thing… but have different plans on how to get there.

Same goal. Competing objectives

Ideally, the two of them could sit down and talk about their competing objectives and work through the best way to make their goal (the Packers being successful) happen.

The problem is that, while they share the same goal, their objectives can’t co-exist.

That’s what I see when I block out the media nonsense and question what is actually happening.

What if it’s not two hot-heads getting stubborn over having power or banging their egos together ? What if it’s two men in a difficult situation who both feel bad because they know the challenges the other is facing and know that their personal objectives run perpendicular to each other?

Where would that leave us?

Well, if these two men absolutely stick to their guns, nothing will happen.

The Packers won’t trade him and Rodgers won’t report.

Total stalemate. Everyone loses. Gutekunst loses, Rodgers loses, the Packers lose, every fan of football loses.

Situations this tough aren’t easy to resolve.

But if one of them takes a step, maybe even a leap of faith, well, then we can make progress.

Then we’ll have something to talk about.

Let’s hope one of them takes a step.

 

 

 

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__________________________

Bruce Irons has played, coached, and studied football for decades. Best-selling author of books such as A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Draft, A Fan's Guide To Understanding The NFL Salary Cap, and A Fan's Guide To NFL Free Agency Hits And Misses, Bruce contributes to CheeseHeadTV and PackersForTheWin.com.

Follow Bruce Irons on Twitter at @BruceIronsNFL.

__________________________

NFL Categories: 
45 points
 

Comments (108)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Coldworld's picture

May 04, 2021 at 07:24 pm

Very fair take. It avoids the issue of the draft media bomb, which was foolish, but sums up the inherent conflict validly.

29 points
29
0
Guam's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Agree with your take CW with one addition - the Packer brass reportedly have traveled to California to meet with Rodgers several times over the past few months. That sounds like the "first step" the author was suggesting (we don't know what they offered, but you don't make several trips with nothing new to offer.....), yet the draft media bomb occurred despite these meetings. Is Rodgers willing to take a step or is this an indication of his intransigence?

9 points
9
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BJP's picture

May 05, 2021 at 05:15 am

Lip service is not a first step.

-5 points
1
6
Guam's picture

May 05, 2021 at 07:35 am

How do you know it was lip service and not a legitimate contract extension? Gute has stated publicly that the Packers have made several contract offers. They may not have been what Rodgers wanted, but that doesn't make them lip service.

3 points
4
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2021 at 05:51 am

I don't know what the offer was, so I don't know if it was lip service. I suspect that GB knew this was serious so one would expect it was a legitimate deal, but IDK if they initially underestimated it.

My answer is IDK.

0 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

May 08, 2021 at 01:03 am

Shefter admitted he had no source for this media bomb. Dan patrick show the other day. Just shit that hes " heard" over the last few months.

1 points
1
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ScottW's picture

May 04, 2021 at 07:29 pm

Great article. Really enjoyed the perspective from both sides of this issue. Speaking as a fan who loves the Packers, I hope these two gentlemen can work it out.

25 points
25
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Savage57's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:40 am

I agree.

Were I Gute, I'd try to get AR and his agent to agree to a contract extension with benchmarked guarantees.

That way the risk and reward is shared by team and player alike.

And Jordan Love? If AR keeps playing the way he is and Love is nothing more than a backup the duration of his time with the Packers it was draft reach that cost the Packers a pick and about $12M.

And it's not like they never blew a 1st or paid a bunch of money for nothing before, so everyone needs to move off that as their point of contention.

4 points
4
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 07:39 pm

I understand Gutes perspective but cant with Rodgers. You are to play QB to the best of your ability. The end always comes for every player and the team reserves the right to decide when that time comes. How is this even an issue? What if every player wanted to pull this card?

20 points
30
10
packer108's picture

May 04, 2021 at 07:44 pm

Trade him! You cannot allow the inmates to run the asylum. He's made almost $240 million from GB. Any team would be insane to guarantee very far into the future with a QB in their late 30s. What if he gets an Alex Smith injury in the first year? The team is screwed for years. As Bill Walsh always said, better to get rid of a player a year early then a year late. Aaron remembers 2020, but his stats were very mediocre in 2018 and 2019 and he had some injuries. Players play, coaches coach and GM's run the team. Trade him and lets see how Love plays

16 points
30
14
tm_inter's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:45 am

News reports said that Rodgers doesn't want to play for the Packers any more, even though he is under contract for three more years. He wants to be traded.

The Packers can't allow themselves to be held at ransom by one player. Trading Rodgers is inevitable. What's so bad about that? Afraid that the team will not do well? When the Packers decided to part with Brett Favre and start Rodgers in 2008 the best Rodgers could do was a 6-10 result. I don't think the Packers will do worse than that in 2021, and will probably be in the playoffs again next year just like in 2009.

3 points
5
2
jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 04, 2021 at 07:46 pm

Good perspective.

"The Packers won’t trade him and Rodgers won’t report."

100% on the no trade but not on the no report. The Packers can fine Rodgers a massive amounts of money for not reporting. And if it gets to the regular season they can take back surprisingly significant signing bonus percentages. The closer it gets to the regular season the more likely Rodgers is going to be motivated to deal. Once training camp starts he's really going to loose leverage. Right now a media storm is just an annoyance, but during training camp and the regular season this impacts his teammates as well. I expect a few more media bombs to drop randomly and then for Rodgers to get a deal with more garunteed money in late June or July.

1 points
6
5
jhtobias's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:03 pm

I just feel that one way or another this needs to end for the good of the organization. I'm not sure if the locker room can be saved either way at this point, but the longer this charade keeps going the worse it is going to get. Believe me this is no different than any of are jobs. If you see the top producer in your company make demands or threaten to leave if their not meant two things happen . 1, you see the employee get everything he wants and the other employee's look around and say forget that I'm looking elsewhere because my value is outweighed by another employee and he isn't even my boss. 2. You tell that employee yes you are the top producer compensated like the top producer, but remember we need to look out for everyone in the organization. I bet 99 percent of the time the other employee's will respect this much more than the first scenario.

Point being not sure how you can bring Rodgers back we have to assume everything is true since he wont speak nor deny anything , Either way he is so angry and vindictive that if he comes back it ain't gonna work, and if he get's everything he wants whatever that is everyone else loses respect.

So please murphy make a decision don't trade him fine he can retire hold out whatever but nothing stops him from coming back and then you deal with a double angry Rodgers . trade him except what has happened and fleece the most assets possible. Truth be told we haven't won or been to a super bowl with Rodgers since 2010 , but this relationship is over .

3 points
7
4
pack1487's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:48 pm

I work in sales and top salespeople get rewarded and listened to much more frequently due to the revenue they produce for the company.

If they complain, people listen and things will usually happen. It won't happen all the time because sometimes what they're looking for is just not feasible or once they calm down, they realize they were being a little unreasonable. But they are listened to and feel heard.

They get offers to jump to competitors all the time but most top salespeople, at least in my company stay because they do feel valued and are treated very well.

If my company starts treating and listening to bottom level producers as much as our top producers, we'll all be out of jobs in no time. So yes, it may be unfair to some but they've earned that right and it's understood by all.

Andrew Brandt's article on SI was well written and perfectly put in that the front office has done a poor job communicating and there's not one person in the front office that Aaron can vent to. To me, that's insane and I completely understand the frustration on Aaron's part.

8 points
11
3
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:14 pm

I agree as I am in sales but LF is a direct link to the front office. LF is who Rodgers should talk and vent too. Rodgers shouldn't end run around his boss. There are layers and systems put in place for reasons. There also shouldn't be preferential treatment even though we all know it exists behind closed doors. Rodgers is not the easiest guy to deal with and IMO has created much of the problems. I find it very difficult to believe if Rodgers asked for a meeting that Murphy, Ball, and Gutey wouldn't drop everything to meet with him. Someone...anyone find one situation where Rodgers asked for a meeting and the FO didnt jump thru hoops. I would bet my left family jewel that he never asked and therefore it never happened. Unfortunately the FO cannot share all this because of PR's much like Gutey saying communications could have been better, but by who? The Packers cannot fall on their sword and have to appear apologetic and accept some responsibility. At the end of the day Terry Bradshaw says it like it is.

5 points
7
2
pack1487's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:42 pm

There should be preferential treatment to an extent because ego is a human trait and when you reach the top, you expect certain things. Also, LF is there to coach, not be the middle man between Rodgers and the FO in regards to contact disputes and out of everybody, I think he has handled this mess the best.

Communication should be better by both sides but especially the front office and I hope Gutey actually meant it when he said that and changes his approach. When the Bears notify Andy Dalton about moving up to draft his replacement, it really isn't much to ask the Packers FO to do the same or more for a QB that has given you his all after all these years.

5 points
5
0
stockholder's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:45 pm

Rodgers isn't low on cash. Even Warren Buffett would give him money. The issue this off season was the cap. And when Gute tried to get Rodgers to give Back. He violated Rodgers. Used Love in his argument. Threaten him and then went with the can down the road. When your mad you grasp at straws. And Rodgers still felt the sting of his friends leaving. He No longer was treated with respect. And wants out. What people aren't seeing is why Gute drafted Love in the first place. If he wasn't looking for a fight, he would have never drafted him.

-25 points
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27
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:16 pm

Wow...from way out in left field...lay off the alcohol!

8 points
8
0
Johnblood27's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:34 am

My money is on gummies...

0 points
0
0
nstewart1's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:17 pm

I doubt "giving back" was ever an issue, if anything it was changing the accounting.

6 points
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HankScorpio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 06:40 am

Exactly. People that don't understand the cap ought to avoid mentioning it. The Packers wanted to change the payment schedule by giving the same money earlier. That's it. It matters for the cap accounting. It pushes dollars paid in 2021 to 2022 and 2023 cap.

This whole thing is turning into Festivus. Among the grievances being aired are money, the makeup of the coaching staff and the makeup of the roster. This is about Rodgers wanting to be more than just a QB employee that is expected to earn his hefty salary each year and can be held accountable if he fails.

3 points
3
0
ShooterMcGee's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:53 pm

Has anyone ever considered that Rodgers is simply a big game choker. Aside from the 2010 season he has played horribly in NFC championship games. 2014 he threw 2 picks against Seattle and had to settle for FGs instead of TDs. This past year 2 picks against TB and chose not to run for it on 3rd down in the final minutes. Let's also not forget numerous disappointments against the 49ers. Then after a 15-1 season he played like garbage against the Giants. 3 time MVP my butt!

-2 points
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12
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:17 pm

Shooter and the off target to Adam's at the end in the end zone.

4 points
4
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cashmoney04201980's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:16 pm

Or the bigger reason for the losses could be in part to the fact that In Rodgers career the Packers defense in the playoffs have given up an average of 36 points per game. The most in nfl history for a qb that has started at least 5 playoff games. Not saying Rodgers is perfect but without him this team would be a 5-6 win team.

9 points
12
3
croatpackfan's picture

May 05, 2021 at 03:38 am

I wrote several times that in very important moments Aaron Rodgers starts to panicking. That is the best reason why he isn't see wide open people and trying impossible throws to his best WR. It is pure panic.

I mention Colts game - remember how ghostly alone was Tonian in the end zone, but AR throw the ball to Davante on the other side of the field where was more than 12 players concentrated. Same in NFCCG, same in many other occasions when it become very important moments.

He will never ever deliver another SB, despite he is one of the best in game (or even the best one), but not at crunch time. I also was refusing narrative that he is not the guy for come back from deficit. But by time, now I believe he is just that. He is playing almost perfectly when Packers build big lead, but very rare when he need to catch the deficit. Look at many Packers loses. The most of them came when Packers were trying to catch the opponent which are inlead at crunch time!

As I understand that most of the info leaked in the public are rubbish, click bates for naïve, I still can not swallow arrogance AR showed. He was nothing when he was brought to the team. He was just prospect with high upside at QB. His intelligence and willing to work, together with work of his coaches and despite his relation with BF brought him to the level he was able to start to play in NFL. Even when he started there was a lot of to learn and adapt to NFL. Now, claiming that Packers organization owe him anything is really really arrogant. Facts for my claim:
1. w/o Packers he probably never reach the level at he is now;
2. when he deserved Packers paid him the largest contract at the time (2010/2011);
3. when that contract expired, Packers paid him second time the highest contract at the time;
4. before the end of the last contract Packers signed new one when he was again paid the most in NFL at the time (2018);
5. the last contract came after no so good season, with possibility that this is the beginning of his playing ability decline, but Packers showed commitment to him, gave him another 5 years to pay in GB and respected his wish to fire Mike McCarthy (a guy he was visiting at home, almost as his son at the time!).

Also, he publicly stated that he love Green Bay as place (town), he love Wisconsin people and cheeseheads, he love Packers.

NOW I'M ASKING ALL OF YOU. IF YOU LOVE YOUR FRIEND, WIFE, PARENTS, BROTHER(S) & SISTER(S) WOULD YOU BE SO SELFISH THAT YOU'LL DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO JEOPARDIZE THEIR FUTUTRE ONE DAY WHEN YOU'LL HAVE TO GO FROM THEM?

IS THAT LOVE?

There was a lot of comments with reasoning for and against AR or Packers FO, MM, MLF and so, as well as articles on the same manner.

I learned in my life that the best policy is telling the truth about everything and everybody or to keep your mouth shut, if you are afraid for any reason to say truth.

Games like those leaking and "I'm unsatisfied that info were leaked" statements shows me Aaron Rodgers may be the best he playing this game ever, but he is really low in being person. All what he is doing pointing in one conclusion: he is egoist!

9 points
14
5
Minniman's picture

May 05, 2021 at 01:33 pm

Croat, re your point that you think that Rodgers is a big game choker, I think that it’s more the point that he tries some of the same low percentage heroics that he can get away with during the regular season against lesser teams. Most teams late in the post season aren’t vastly inferior (especially on defense). You will remember too that Adams had a costly 3rd down drop on a sitter in the NFCCG…….. MLF possibly has the most to disprove on that front.

Great other points though - Rodgers has been paid the largest contracts (at the time of signing).

Looking at this year, the team have gone out of their way to keep talent around him (assuming AR plays for the Packers this coming year, the team looks the best it has in half a decade)……… including his good buddy at LT (and an ensemble around him too) that are designed to keep AR upright and preserve his career.

I personally think that there’s 3-4 more good ‘elite’ years in Rodgers for the Packers. He still has that great arm and is sneakily more mobile than given credit (see the Chicago juke and TD run and his elusiveness when scrambling)……. But I’m glad that that isn’t an expectation from him (like with Wilson and Lamar).

1 points
1
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 05, 2021 at 01:29 pm

I don't think so.

He played horribly in the 2010 NFC Championship game too, his passer rating was 55. But he was lights out in the Super Bowl and his rating was 111.

2 points
2
0
BrettGB's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:54 pm

Very well said, and fair. I think you've hit the nail on the head based on what we do know. Hopefully we'll know more before too long.

6 points
7.5
1.5
beerandbrats's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:56 pm

Good write up! June 1st is the next milestone. Time to cross our fingers and hope for the best. Go Pack! Stay AR!

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/04/30/a-post-june-1-aaron-rod...

3 points
3
0
Roadrunner23's picture

May 04, 2021 at 08:57 pm

Very well thought out and written Bruce and quite refreshing after all the national media hype.
Let’s hope clearer heads will prevail at some point, if not? Thanks for the memories A Rodgers cuz the Packers will remain our team through thick and thin.
You Mr Rodgers are just a beautiful part of Packers history.
Go Pack!

26 points
26
0
BuckyBadger's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:04 pm

They invited this mess the very moment they drafted Love. Why make that move for a QB that was inaccurate in college (especially vs man coverage) and lead FBS in INTs? It wasn't like he was a can't miss prospect. Many thought he was a day two pick. Not the type of prospect your risk making this kind of mess for.

-15 points
4
19
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:24 pm

Crazy!

3 points
3
0
PeteK's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:56 pm

You make the move because Rodgers was 37 and when an opportunity arrises to get a replacement with time to develop you take it. You actually make pts that should have appeased Rogers because Love would not present a threat in the near future.

14 points
14
0
nstewart1's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:20 pm

All things considered, a pretty good summary. The point that should be mentioned is that Rogers got a ton of money up-front, and is hardly due yet more money. He will just have to live with the knowledge that if he doesn't produce, he may lose his job next year - just like everyone else on the team.

19 points
19
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:27 pm

Yes and isnt that the way it should be? Isnt that how each and every one of us has to operate and perform every day? Why should Rodgers be treated differently?

6 points
8
2
pack1487's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:20 pm

Because he's the star QB and player on the team. If you're the best at what you do, you get things other players don't.

This is evident by the fact GM, President, and Coach flew out to see him over the past few months. Do you think they'd do that for JK Scott so enough about treating everybody the same. That's not how the world works especially a world where winning is everything.

-1 points
8
9
Thegravedigger's picture

May 08, 2021 at 01:16 am

Because hes aaron fuckin rodgers. We aare not special. He is. He creates billions in revenue. I work in a warehouse. Are you a once in a lifetime talent? You fucking people forget all the good hes brought to packer nation real quick

-1 points
0
1
Swisch's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:26 pm

I'm a big fan of Aaron Rodgers, but there's no way I'm giving him a contract of more than two or three years.
With him being over 37 and making more than $37 million, I'm reluctant to go beyond this season.
This year could be one more run for the Super Bowl. Both sides agree this is the last year for Rodgers. After this season -- win, lose, or in between -- both sides walk away with good feelings toward each other.
I was sad about losing Clay Matthews, but players get older; if they're not willing to take enough of a pay cut, then they're free to leave, and we wish them the best.
If Rodgers yearns for long-term security, then let's try to trade him to a team that will give it to him (preferably in the AFC). I hope it works out great for all concerned.
We just can't keep a quarterback in his late thirties taking up one-fifth of the salary cap, or anywhere near that.
In any case, Jordan Love is not going to want to sit past this season. It may be good to trade him or Rodgers right away, depending on where this goes.
It's been a great run with Aaron Rodgers, but he can't stay as the quarterback of the Packers forever. It seems better to end it a little too early rather than to risk it lingering on a little too long.

17 points
18
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:45 pm

Swish well thought as usual but why would you ever want to trade away our future? Love is the future! So hard for so many of us to let go!

7 points
9
2
Swisch's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:17 pm

Knock, if somehow we go with Rodgers for two or three more seasons, then we could draft another quarterback in the future.
It would seem unfair to make Love sit for more than another season or two.
I'll add that If the Packers think they really have something special in Love, it's even harder to keep Rodgers.
Also, a lot depends on what is going on behind the scenes. After what apparently happened on draft day -- Rodgers throwing a tantrum -- it's even harder to keep him..
Then there are all the other variables that we don't know about fully, or at all, over the years in the relationship between Rodgers and the Packers.
However, I'm open to the possibility that behind the scenes things are better than it seems, or that there could be a dramatic improvement.
Even then, though, there is still the matter of an aging quarterback making such a huge share of the salary cap.
I'm trying to be fair to all involved, and to be open to unexpected understandings of the situation. My head is starting to hurt.
At this point, my best sense of things is that the Packers should trade Rodgers as soon as possible, and fare thee well to all concerned.

2 points
3
1
greengold's picture

May 04, 2021 at 11:34 pm

We just finished a draft, and the value of top draft choices is very high. Jordan Love fell to 26 last year. JAX, NYJ & SF all could have taken Jordan Love, failed to, had horrible seasons, and all 3 teams chose QBs THIS year 1-2-3.

1. JAX 3000 pts.
2. NYJ 2600 pts.
3. SF 2200 pts.

29. GB 640

See the value attached to what occurred last year? Being we often find ourselves near the very bottom of a majority of our recent drafts, how many R1s would it cost GB to get into that rare air again to draft a Top QB?

Did Brian Gutekunst see the value to this Green Bay Packers team, in need of a top QB prospect to develop for the future? You bet he did.

Did he act responsibly for the Packers, trading just a single R4 to move up 5 draft slots to take a Top rated QB with the strongest arm in the 2020 draft class, to help secure what their scouts considered the future franchise QB? Most definitely.

Brian Gutekunst was doing his job.

Our starting QB who just signed an extension got his nose pushed out of joint and refuses to do his job.

What would Vince Lombardi do? The man with his name on the Trophy? Has everyone forgotten his words on leadership? They weren’t just words. They were so effective and prudent that they became the hallmarks of sound business principles, industry and government leadership, worldwide. They became maxims.

I ask you, friends, WTF are we talking about here?

11 points
13
2
beerandbrats's picture

May 05, 2021 at 09:06 am

Well said Greengold! The Pack did well to pick up JL last year because everybody needed a QB this year (and next year doesn't have much to offer).

3 points
3
0
cashmoney04201980's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:25 pm

Rodgers would sign if he got a 3 year commitment that wouldn’t give the Packers an out every year. As many have said. If you want the best chance to win a championship in the next 3 years the organization should just give Rodgers a 3 year deal if your hell bent on saying no then you get as much as you can for him now because his value will never be higher and roll the dice with love. But I think a lot of us have been spoiled by 30 years of great quarterback play. Nobody has any idea what love can do. And to be honest the only two qbs Gutey has gushed over haven’t panned out. Kizer & Locke. Just saying I’m in for winning championships. They would know in Loves 1st full season after sitting for 4 if he has it. Win now and have the kid learn from one of the greatest.

2 points
4
2
cashmoney04201980's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:25 pm

Rodgers would sign if he got a 3 year commitment that wouldn’t give the Packers an out every year. As many have said. If you want the best chance to win a championship in the next 3 years the organization should just give Rodgers a 3 year deal if your hell bent on saying no then you get as much as you can for him now because his value will never be higher and roll the dice with love. But I think a lot of us have been spoiled by 30 years of great quarterback play. Nobody has any idea what love can do. And to be honest the only two qbs Gutey has gushed over haven’t panned out. Kizer & Locke. Just saying I’m in for winning championships. They would know in Loves 1st full season after sitting for 4 if he has it. Win now and have the kid learn from one of the greatest.

0 points
1
1
Thegravedigger's picture

May 08, 2021 at 01:20 am

Howd that work out for the colts with peyton? Howbout the fuckin old bastard tom brady? Rodgers was the mvp. He still is. Hes 37. Not 42. Like tom brady. Who just won a superbowl. For another team.

0 points
0
0
Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 04, 2021 at 09:39 pm

Every person associated with the Packers has a job to do. The players are expected to show up in condition and play to the best of their ability. The coaches are expected to teach players, prepare game plans, and coach the players to the best of their ability; The General Manager is expected to provide the best players he can to satisfy the talent the coaches need to win now and yet ensure they are prepared for the out years. Thus, I do not like to see any player operate outside of his responsibility and force management to violate their objective which is "what is best for the team". I old enough to remember when Sterling Sharpe waited until one week prior to the start of the season and said, if his contract isn't reworked to make him the highest paid player wide receiver in the league, he wasn't going to play. The Packers did acquiesce and did just what he wanted. That is a bad precedent to establish for any football team or any organization for that matter. Aaron is the best quarterback this fan has ever seen take the field and I sure hope he shows up for work in accordance with the four year contract he signed only a year previously.

12 points
12
0
PeteK's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:07 pm

Rodgers signed this contract and took 57 mill signing bonus. Did the Packers take money back the 3 yrs he was developing and sitting the bench.

7 points
8
1
cashmoney04201980's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:34 pm

Well he didn’t get 57 million as a signing bonus as a rookie but if he did decide to retire he would have to return 30 million of it. Just one other point again Rodgers has said over and over again he wants to retire a Packer. He’s coming off an MVP season and isn’t in nearly in the decline Gutey thought which is why he’s in this mess. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong just the facts. Everybody knows that Love isn’t ready and my even bigger concern is Davante will not resign if Rodgers is gone. Write it down. Give Rodgers the 3 year guarantee. We have the team would entice Adams to resign and the organization will still have time to evaluate Love.

2 points
6.5
4.5
Ferrari-Driver's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:45 pm

PeteK, that is a good point which was overlooked by me and likely a few other Packer fans. Thumbs up.

2 points
3
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2021 at 06:03 am

Does that mean Love isn't going to have to give back one year's worth? Darn - every bit would help at this point.

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

May 04, 2021 at 10:22 pm

A very well thought out and written article about the current situation. It's good to see an article remain focused on what we actually know rather than or rumors and speculation based on what someone thinks one or the other party may said about the other when in fact nothing has actually been said.

In any case while this is a good analysis of how the Packers have reached this point. They still need a solution to a. issue which has existed between players and team management forever. Player wants security, team is reluctant to commit due to player's age and/or injury history. However given the violent nature of NFL football there is no security for either the team or the player regardless of the player's age. Love can become the Packers starting QB and suffer a career ending injury playing in his very first game. Same for Rodgers in Week One of the coming season.

As I've stated this issue has existed before and in most cases it has been resolved. How it's resolved is one matter. What's more important for the Packers is that it is resolved before TC and before it divides the locker room. Be smart Gute, get it done or go home before this gets worse. Thanks, Since '61

11 points
11
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:11 am

I like Bruce's vision and what you've been supporting since '61. There's just one thing I still don't understand .... A GM should know their staff. Well! The whole world claims that AR has a particular character. So I wonder: when you Gute wrote Love didn't you know we would come to this situation? And haven't you thought about how to get out of it? THAT IS THE QUESTION!!!! Gute has been informed of the situation since the beginning of the year !!! It has come out now (AR's fault? Gute's fault? It doesn't matter) This shows that you didn't know how to organize the transition you wanted to make for the best !!!! We can get mad at AR as much as we want, but even the smallest of fans knew that AR would have this reaction. And Gute doesn't know? And didn't you think of a solution first when the problem arose? This only means one thing:
YOU ARE NOT A GOOD GM!

1 points
3
2
Minniman's picture

May 04, 2021 at 11:29 pm

Question - how were the saints able to navigate this? Is there a lesson there to be learned for the Packers?

3 points
3
0
Since'61's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:28 am

Better management, better communications, more trust and an owner who cares about people and his team. Humanity 101 and Management 101. Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
2
2
flackcatcher's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:55 am

More mature and accepting QB for his organization. Had ego fully in place understanding his place in said organization. I get real tired of the trope of evil organization vs poor Rodgers. Packers have treated Rodgers well, and he has been paid as a top player in this league for a long time now. But there is a limit to everything. Both New England and New Orleans reached their limit with their QB. Now it's Green Bay turn. So spare me the 'evil management' spin. That's NOT what's going here.

1 points
2
1
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:02 pm

100% perfect since '61

1 points
1
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:02 pm

100% perfect since '61

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:48 am

Brees handled it like a professional when the team signed a QB with some success, ability, and much closer to being a starter than Love. Also, did not try to dictate who should be drafted and signed after some heartbreaking end of season loses.

2 points
2
0
GreenBay1887's picture

May 05, 2021 at 04:13 am

Great, nuanced and objective article. I agree!

1 points
1
0
CoachDino's picture

May 05, 2021 at 04:53 am

loved the article, some great points and viable conclusions.
IMO
He is scared, It is driven from control but
1) he can be judged on the tactics in negotiation he chooses. War is a tactic in negotiations, so are Christmas Cards. These choices (ethics in Business, morals in soul) have a Direct line to character.
2) It is all about the money, is he really that shallow or scared that he became desperate?
3) The cap eliminated teams being able to "be loyal" with money at the end. No matter who you are there are limits. 8 year contract at 38yo. What GM would sign that unless a monetary concession was a factor.

Aaron wants control we get it, then simply follow the template laid out by The GOAT. Take team friendly deals in exchange years of security. Why didn't he accept the deal (maybe it was crazy low).

2 points
3
1
BJP's picture

May 05, 2021 at 05:18 am

Thank you for bringing some sanity to a world of Aaron-dissing Packer fans.

One quibble: actually we don’t know number seven and number eight. We don’t know if any Extension has actually been offered.

1 points
1
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 06:17 am

"When I say “what we actually know,” I mean we’re gonna look at what these two men have said publicly."

By definition, this means this is a less than honest, frank and accurate assessment. Rodgers is speaking through agents, sources and back channels. He's acknowledged it. The team has acknowledged it. Burying your head in the sand over it will not make it go away. The only thing is to determine which unsourced report is legit and which one is not. Since the source of infection is Rodgers and he's not speaking directly in public, we're left guessing.

No matter the exact nuance, the Packers are not sending Murphy, Gute and ML to meet Rodgers and mend a broken fence that is not really broken. The only question is how broke that fence is and how it can be mended. We just don't know. And that is foundation piece of information to really figure out the best course of action.

Personally, I tend to land at: If he doesn't want to be here, we'll get the 2018/2019 version that I don't really want. That guy was nothing special. I cannot see a pathway to getting the 2020 version lining up for GB that I think is in the best interests of the team. The only way I see that is with Gute getting fired. And while I think Gute is very replaceable, making that move because Rodgers demands it is just not something I can support.

2 points
4
2
flackcatcher's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:06 pm

Hank, Gutekunst is regarded as one of the top GM in pro football. The second he leaves Green Bay he will have owners lining up at his door with blank checks. I had an AFC owner tell me, he had made several runs at Gutekunst in the latter half of the Thompson era. And he was turned down each and every time. Yes he can be replaced, but the cost. I do not want to think about that.

0 points
0
0
egbertsouse's picture

May 05, 2021 at 06:49 am

If you want to get some real insight into what is going on between the Packers and Rodgers, read Andrew Brandt’s article in SI.com. The only truly informed thing I’ve read since this started.

3 points
3
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:05 am

I had already read it and it confirms what I said earlier !!!
Regardless of whether Ar or Gute have nice or good characters and are good people or bad, the only certainty is that Gute is not a good GM because he did not have the solution already planned for a problem that we all knew would emerge.
He (Love) took the (legitimate) choice and consequently he created the problem and he had to know how to deal with it by having the solution even before it happened. The typical example of bad planning.
In a normal company he would have already been fired for some time or better yet he would have resigned !!!

0 points
3
3
Since'61's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:45 am

Good planning/management requires to always be prepared for the worst case scenario including an appropriate exit strategy. It’s clear that Gute has not planned for the worst case scenario.

This is, as you correctly point out is a bad sign for the Packers and a huge red flag for Gute. Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:57 am

Four squares, no waiting.

1 points
1
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Thanks since '61. I am happy that someone understands what the word "MANAGEMENT" means (from what I have seen I think you are very competent in this)

1 points
1
0
greengold's picture

May 05, 2021 at 07:14 am

The whole premise of the article purposefully ignores what has been communicated through intermediaries. Rodgers has chosen this as his route of communication, which has proven to be subversive, snarky, and damaging to the Green Bay Packers.

He could choose otherwise. The fact that he doesn’t tells you his message is being sent. We know what we are dealing with here.

He’s not man enough to discuss issues head on. The context of comments made in the past clearly does not apply to where we stand today, try as you might to make it so.

This is over. Let it go. We fans are left with no other choice.

Again, what would Vince Lombardi, the man with his name on the Trophy, do?

-4 points
2
6
Since'61's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:35 am

Greengold as the HC Lombardi would love Rodgers the player. MLF has stated that he can’t even get his brain to go to a place where Rodgers is not playing for the Packers.

As the GM Lombardi would make the trade, assuming he could get good value in return and assuming that he and the trading partner GM could work out the contract details. We can also reasonably assume that Lombardi as either GM and/or HC would never let a relationship with his best player get to this point. He was too smart that and he would have built trust with Rodgers much more effectively than Gute has done with Rodgers. Lombardi was way ahead of his time in respecting people and their diverse backgrounds. He had 12 HOFers on his team and he was smart enough to know to treat each one of them as people rather than as just players and salaries. Lombardi did trade
Jim Ringo because he brought an agent with him to discuss his contract. Lombardi saw that as a breach of trust in his relationship with Ringo and made the trade.

It’s more involved to work out a trade these days for a player with an expensive contract. Players barely made 5 figures during the Lombardi era and Lombardi did not need to deal with a salary cap, free agency, the league approval for trades and contracts and the NFLPA.

Having said that I do believe that Lombardi would get to a solution quickly that was in the best interest of the Packers no matter who the player was.

In fairness to Gute he may already have a deal in place with Denver or even another team. We won’t know until June. But I have no doubt that Lombardi would have a resolution before this gets worse and hurts the team.

Thanks, Since ‘61

2 points
2
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:10 am

I fully agree with what you say. I add one thing ..... I think AR will be swapped, but doing it after June 1st has taken away from us the possibility of being able to draft players in this season's draft as well as having us needlessly re-sign players that we could have freed ..... This is an even more serious mistake because it will make us lose an extra season for reconstruction. Another proof that Gute is not up to par

-1 points
2
3
Since'61's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:36 am

Excellent point Fabio! Thanks, Since ‘61

0 points
0
0
Johnblood27's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:58 am

Lombardi DID let his relationship with his best-most productive player deteriorate to the point that Jim Taylor played out his option - OVER MONEY! (Anderson and Grabowski got paid, Taylor didn't).

Ringo was NOT traded because he had an agent. Read some true history and what was said by Ringo and Lombardi after the fact and not the story Lombardi wanted told to cement his power and authority. Ringo wanted to be closer to family in the Philly area and Lombardi accommodated him.

There was no player union when Lombardi built the Packers into winners. The union was started during his time and was very weak when Lombardi was in GB, it was stronger when he was in WA, and his treatment of players adjusted as circumstances evolved, see issues such as hair length and dress codes.

The NFL today is a completely different animal, but Lombardi showed he could adapt in one of the most tumultuous times in our USA cultural history. I believe he would adapt today as well, teaching never goes out of style with successful people. Character and striving to be your absolute best never goes out of style with successful people. The cream always rises to the top even when it needs a nudge or two (coaching).

4 points
4
0
dfarmer's picture

May 05, 2021 at 07:32 am

This is one of the best comments made about this situation. It still looks to me that Brian is lacking in people and communication skills. Is Aaron somewhat of a diva? What superstar isn't? But what is 1 of the most important things that Brian has to do?? KEEP ROGERS HAPPY...

-2 points
1
3
greengold's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:22 am

I totally disagree.

Rodgers has been knowingly subversive with his communications for years, choosing backhanded deliveries to the team, it’s coaches and our FO. And, Brian Gutekunst is the one with the communication problem?

No way.

Brian Gutekunst’s No. 1 job is to look out for the best interests of the team.

This “diva,” this “GOAT” has won as many NFCC games as Rex Grossman. Sell high...

4 points
4
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:18 pm

You have to worry not about Rodgers, but about Gute creating the problems without having a plan for the problems that his choices will bring. Let's remember ..... try not to get distracted by the Rodgers !!!! This (as for many years) was the smokescreen placed in front of the fans' eyes so as not to show the inadequacy of the management.
If the problem exists ga January (everyone confirmed !!!) Gute must already know what to do !!!! Do you want to go with Love? That's okay with me (I don't agree but I accept and respect the choice) Then trade Rodgers possibly with a low-scoring team to have high aldraft choices, don't re-sign some players that we won't need and rebuild (like every year) for the future. This was healthy Rodgers exit planning. (Expensive in terms of cap too but mandatory)
But no! Gute thought he could manage Rodgers' exit at will, thus going personal with him !!! Well. This is what you got !!! the most total CHAOS in the organization. It's clear as hell that the solution will be that AR will be swapped or retired, but we need to FOCUS on how good the organization's management level and expertise is. We don't let ourselves be fooled or diverted from things that are only part of the Gossip !!!! WE ASSESS THE ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT !!!!

1 points
1
0
greengold's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:30 pm

I think you are wrong. That's all. We're less than a week out of this mess, but, my opinion differs greatly from yours, and that is OK. We'll see soon enough.

There are no hard feelings here at all with me. We can agree or disagree. No problem. Much ado about things you can't do much about... that kind of sounded like a Yogi Bera-ism, but it is true.

Aaron Rodgers is spiteful. He made his decision to blow up the Packers on draft day. He will follow through with his stance that he will not play again for the Packers. Very simple. Not what I wanted, nor anyone else here. Oddly, there may be some positives as mentioned many times in trading him. I will stand by the team on this one.

This next month is gonna be batshit crazy. Cheers!

3 points
3
0
Fabio's picture

May 05, 2021 at 05:20 pm

Greengold didn't mean to be disrespectful to you and I apologize if I was. I have no hard feelings with you. I don't care who's to blame ..... the problem is there's this mess! and a good GM must never allow this to happen and must know in advance the problems that will arise by having the answers already.
I'm interested in the best for the team and knowing that there is someone who knows how to manage things
I greet you cordially and I hope to speak with you again in total tranquility whether our ideas may coincide or not

1 points
1
0
ABZdroik's picture

May 05, 2021 at 07:33 am

Great article! You cut through all the bs and make it real for all. I for one see the whole thing better now.

1 points
1
0
HawkPacker's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:39 am

I loved Aaron Rodgers and was always in his corner.

Now I have lost some respect for him on how he has handled this last episode and I am up in the air as far as if he should be traded or not.

I do not understand how/why he signed the last extension but now, since he is an MVP, he apparently wants more. Why was it that he signed this extension when he had a couple of so so years but now it isn't good enough. He's the MVP and wants more. He apparently stated that he wants to play into his 40's which would be great but he surely can't expect the Packers to extend him for that long and guarantee that he gets paid all the money as well. What kind of out would the Packers receive if he started playing sub par but being paid the exorbitant amount he is getting paid?

Really disappointed in Aaron Rodgers. I realize that none of us knows the whole story and we need to be careful what we read, but it appears disappointing to me.

7 points
7
0
Difer's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:53 am

Perhaps it might be that for his entire time in Green Bay, with the exception of 2010, the FO was never able to build a strong team around him, generally speaking. This was a ultimately Mark Murphy's failure in retaining Thompson and McCarthy far too long, and hiring unproven replacements in MLF and Gutekunst. When Murphy assumed more control in 2019, and the Packers still struggled to put together a truly Super Bowl caliber team (see for example SF and TB, not to mention NE), he finally realized that he had taken the Packers as far as he could and needs to move on. The decision making and communication problems with the front office just added fuel to the fire.

0 points
1
1
jannes bjornson's picture

May 05, 2021 at 05:35 pm

No Silage in the silos.

0 points
0
0
The_Justicar's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:50 pm

Great post. When Rodgers signed the deal he and his agent were okay with the terms of the deal...which included no guaranteed money over the final two years, on, but now that’s a problem.

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:48 am

Rodgers may be the greatest QB of all time. But he doesn't carry his greatness lightly. If he stays, no matter what the deal, there will be bitterness. He'll still be bitter, and so too will many Packer fans. I think a poll would show most favor a trade, notwithstanding the criticism of the front office.

It's time to move on.

2 points
4
2
Fubared's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:53 am

My two cents. First we know Rog is sensative guy. Upset about his draft status, got even for people passing him up yada yada yada. He also more then once talked his displeasure of them taking love yada yada yada.
Sensitive, we get it.

With all that my pea brain says there is something that is not being said by both parties and they dont want the fans to know about. My million dollar guess is that Rog sat down with higher ups and said prove to me I'm the guy by giving me my last long term contract and they basically told him, no from now on your a one year contract guy and that was his boiling point. That was the fuel to cause all this. Just saying....
Pride says he wont talk about not being worthy of a long contract and the top brass sure as hell dont want the fans to know they wont give him one. They took Love for a reason and we all know why.

3 points
4
1
PeteK's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:01 am

His contract is fully guaranteed for almost two more seasons.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 06, 2021 at 06:13 am

Rodgers contract is not fully guaranteed. Indeed, it has no guaranteed money left. If he got hit by a bus today GB would not owe him a cent.

1 points
1
0
Hematite's picture

May 06, 2021 at 11:39 am

With all due respect, I have not heard this little factoid until now.
Where did this information come from?
Is him being struck by a bus the only way that the Packers can get out from underneath his millstone contract and get the current cap nightmare straightened out?

0 points
0
0
Cotreq's picture

May 05, 2021 at 09:31 am

The clearest most accurate assessment I've seen to date. Good work !

3 points
3
0
jimtalkbox's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:14 pm

Excellent, excellent article!

A dose of sanity in a sea of "hot takes".

1 points
1
0
StephieRae's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:15 am

Well Said! Nice to hear some common sense instead of sensationalism!

0 points
1
1
13TimeChamps's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:35 am

Very good article, but:

"but remember that this is one of the most talented and competitive people in the history of the world."

The entire history of the world!!?? Really? Lol

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

May 05, 2021 at 10:58 am

Maybe a bit ahead of Caesar and Napoleon . Can we imagine Napoleon complaining while in exile on ST. Helena, " If they gave me more horses I could have conquered the world!". Hahahaha

0 points
0
0
Difer's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:01 am

R-E-L-A-X . It's done. Rodgers is gone, either by trade or retirement. Murphy's Packers will play football next season, sans Rodgers. The Packers will not be going to the Super Bowl, with or without Rodgers. And Packers fans will continue to fill Lambeau, with or without Rodgers. The only real question is whether Murphy will agree to a trade with Denver, and nobody has a clue what he will do (although the best move would be to negotiate the best trade possible). My guess is that he won't.

3 points
3
0
CHEESEHEADDALLAS's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:03 am

Who un the hell trades up to draft your so-called replacement QB to sit for 3 years that could not hit a broadside of a barn. The packers gm Mr. Bone's head that's who. We could have had so many players last year that would have put us over the top as SB champs.
But wait this whole situation was brought on when Mr bone's butt buddy jackass made him gm.
FIRE Mr bone head and his butt body jackass now before they turn this team like the team of the seventies and eighties and be the joke of the league again

-1 points
3
4
ricky's picture

May 05, 2021 at 11:50 am

Both sides "Want their cake, and eat it too". Rodgers wants the right to decide when he'll stop playing. The Packers want the right to decide when to move on from Rodgers. Even if it's a year or more too early, rather than years too late (along with a big cap hit for releasing him). Is there a resolution? Not really. The Packers, as noted, are probably looking at this being Rodgers last year, and then they'll move on to Love. Rodgers doesn't want that to happen. What to do? Trade him to Denver and get the most you can after June 1. Surtain, Bridgewater, and two firsts would be a minimum. If you could get Denver to throw in a younger DL, great. Bridgewater could be the QB if Love isn't quite ready. Also, Denver would have to take on some of Rodgers contract to offset the cap hit for the Packers this year.

-1 points
0
1
Pack88's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:05 pm

There are a lot of good thoughts here an who knows the truth?? some things I think are for sure certain:

1) Rodgers is mad and it is way more than a yesterday problem

2)Management has known about it for quite a while- evidenced by the multiple trips by team brass to Rodgers home to unruffle the feathers or bury the hatchet.

So the rest of everything is speculation or reading the tea leaves and here is mine. The beautiful mystery comment from Rodgers after the playoffs makes me think he was already packing his bags mentally! Some weeks after that there was a story on PFT that GB couldn't sign desired FA's because Aaron's contract situation was all screwed-up. Now this report as I recall was from an agent representing players GB wanted to sign but couldn't because of 12's contract! Finally on draft day when the turd in the punch bowl was finally seen how is it that almost as soon as word of the 49ers offer was made that it was reported Rodgers wanted then to take the deal unless his agent was very involved in some part of thye process! As I wrote elsewhere if the Packers quietly gave Dunn the right to shop 12 around and then reneged on the deal I can almost guarantee Rodgers won't be back. He is a very thin skinned guy but has high standards and won't back down. It is pretty certain Rodgers is set for life financially and the giveback if the Packers force his hand will not enter into the equation.

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Todd's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:14 pm

Great perspective. Great article.

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skyler's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:15 pm

Love is not ready by a long shot and the probability of him being a starting QB is low given the track record of Thompson (outside of AR) and his protege Gute in their scouting talent. Look at Brohm and Hundley as an example. That is why if they were going to pick a QB it was in the 7 round or off the street. Were not smart enough to keep Tayson Hill as a backup and future starter possibly. It took them 7 years and countless first and second round picks to find a corner in JA. They are simply not that great at picking and evaluating talent in the draft. Not an opinion but a fact. Without AR, we would be a sub 500 team for sure.

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Difer's picture

May 05, 2021 at 01:34 pm

Good points on Green Bay's draft futility. I think the Packers would be better served by trading down in future drafts, rather than up (as they did with Love and Rodgers), since the quality of their picks is too often questionable, especially in the early rounds and at certain positions (CB and WR are good examples). They might do better with more picks, thereby increasing their chances of success).

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mbpacker's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:17 pm

Great article and analysis! Yet another perspective to consider.

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greengold's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:40 pm

OMG, our first Tayson Hill sighting! I'm done. All of you fellow Packer fans, including those who have different opinions, I wish you all well and will catch you on the QB thing when it is over.

All of you, take care, and Go Pack!!!

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Since'61's picture

May 05, 2021 at 08:27 pm

Stay well, greengold. This too shall pass. Thanks, Since '61

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aaronqb's picture

May 05, 2021 at 12:56 pm

I think this goes beyond the contract. Rodgers has wanted more input on personnel moves (e.g. Kumerow, future QB) and there has been a reluctance on the part of the Packers to go there. I understand this. Rodgers is not the GM. But, at the same time we are talking about arguably the best QB in the history of the NFL, the most important position in any team sport. He is the face of the franchise and is the guy we all go to see each Sunday. He is able to make an average roster (outside of Rodgers) a great team.

No doubt Rodgers has acted poorly and comes off as a baby. But, he is also one of the those special people who come around once in a generation.

Maybe Murphy and Gutekunst could have coddled him a but more and brought his into conversations usually reserved only for management. It's clear to me that communication has broken down between Rodgers and the Packers.

The Packers can stand firm and either trade him or wait for him to retire. The can Packers can win the battle. But, will they lose the war?

We went through 25 years of mediocre football before Favre came along, and have now enjoyed 30 years of mostly great football. We went through the difficult transition from Favre to Rodgers. But, it's different this time. We are talking about transitioning from Rodgers to a guy who was inactive all 16 games last year and someone we know nothing about. Are we ready to part ways to a HOF QB playing the best football of his career to move on? I'm not.

If it comes down to Gutekunst vs Rodgers, I'm taking Rodgers. Gutekunst is an average GM who can easily be replaced. Rodgers, on the other hand, cannot easily be replaced. I'm not trading away our Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth. I'm keeping him until he can no longer play at this high level.

Murphy should not allow his legacy to be the guy that let Aaron Rodgers go.

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Difer's picture

May 05, 2021 at 01:23 pm

Respectfully, you don't run the Packers, Mark Murphy does. And he is by far too confident in his abilities as Packers CEO to take advice from fans, even well informed ones, regarding football personnel. As an aside, from the Executive Board's perspective, I imagine they are delighted with his performance, and will continue to support him wholeheartedly. He oversaw the renovation of Lambeau Field and the development of the Titletown District, both of which have been huge successes. There is far more to running the Packers than trying to build a Super Bowl caliber team.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

May 05, 2021 at 03:47 pm

Don't really care about the development of the Titletown District. And neither should you when we're discussing football.

But, I do agree with you about Murphy being the one to make decisions for the Packers. Murphy isn't greatly admired by Packer fans, I don't believe, but maybe he should at the very least be appreciated.

People forget, Murphy was a tough, hard-hitting, Pro Bowl, Super Bowl-winning safety, who In one season had NINE interceptions. Can barely imagine that. He was the player representative to the strike negotiations, which probably cost him future seasons as a player after he was released because of his union activity. He was a man who fought for the players and in his current capacity, I doubt his concern for them has changed that greatly. He has an MBA and a J.D. from Georgetown University School of Law. He was the athletic director of two college programs. The man knows football, business, and the law. Oh, and he's won as many Super Bowls as Rodgers.

Rodgers is a thin-skinned, chip on his shoulder, prima donna who may be the best ever at playing QB and reading questions off a teleprompter.

Murphy may not be as impressed with Rodgers as many, in that as a football player, he appreciated the importance of the QB, but he learned in many locker rooms that a team is more than just its QB. Maybe he should show deference, but just maybe he doesn't think that's best for the team.

Murphy hired Gute. Murphy did his due diligence and decided to give Gute the power to run the franchise. Gute has produced two appearances to the NFC Championship with a rookie coach and a QB who, prior to his arrival, seemed to be on the downgrade.

So it's not really Rodgers vs. Gute, it's Rodgers vs Murphy.

Which of the two do you want running your ball club?

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aaronqb's picture

May 05, 2021 at 06:29 pm

Who said I ran the Packers or that I am giving Murphy advice? I am stating my opinion as a fan. That's what this site is for, right? If Murphy reads these blogs, then he is an idiot.

Gute is the guy that Rodgers asked to be fired, not Murphy. Gute has hit some home runs in the draft (Jaire and Jenkins). But, his miss percentage is very high. And, for better or worse, he will be judged by his trade-up and selection of Jordan Love. Gute is much more expendable than Rodgers. There are plenty of guys who could do a good job as the Packers' GM. But, the odds are very high, we will not see another Packer QB in Rodgers' class for a long time.

The Packers have been a very successful franchise since the arrival of Bob Harlan. He ran the franchise with skill and class. He hired the right people and made the tough moves when they needed to be made. Most of what we see today was due to Bob Harlan - the renovation of Lambeau, the hiring of Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson, the Hutson Center, etc.

Murphy has been mostly good as well. Titletown looks to be a success. LaFleur, by all accounts, was a great hire. But, he hasn't been great. His Super Bowl win with the Packers was due primarily with the talent that was acquired under Harlan. Rodgers was already there.

Maybe it's too late to fire Gutekunst as the damage has already been done. Rodgers already has one foot out the door. Gutekunst failed this test. Unfortunately, it looks like It will be an ugly divorce and a black mark on Murphy's legacy.

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L's picture

May 06, 2021 at 05:07 pm

Fair enough; however, I still think Rodgers perspective is a fairly weak one. Does he not truly believe in his own ability anymore? If so, then don't concern yourself with the drafting of Jordan Love. In the end, as long as you're able to keep producing positive results as the field general for the team the Packers have a clear incentive to keep you employed as the team's QB.

There's his security. And it's correctly tied to his capability to continue producing successful results on behalf of the team. If you don't like that your current capacity to produce dictates your on-going sense of security well perhaps you need to find another line of work then because this is how all successful football franchises must operate at a base level.

To me it wasn't terribly surprising that when Rodgers seemed to become more on board with Lafleur's offensive strategy in year 2 as well as discovering a new chip-on-the-shoulder to play with (Thanks J.Love) he was able to reproduce MVP level production once again. Honestly, I liked Gute's J.Love pick precisely because I thought it'd help light a fire under Rodgers' ass to raise his level of production and adapt to the new coaching. That mission was successfully accomplished, but obviously there's fallout ramifications that are playing out this year.

Rodgers is so incredibly talented and gifted, but at the same time I do think his sensitivity to feeling slighted is a personal hinderance to his leadership capability. In any case, I think it was 100% correct for team management to start planning for a true "potential" heir apparent last year with the gamble that it also sparked a fire under Rodgers.

Ideally Rodgers would have welcomed the competition. Used it to sharpen his own skills and in-game focus while relying on the potential talent behind him to help sustain the team in an unfortunate situation where he might miss time with an injury. I mean, it's not as if he hadn't dealt with that on a few occasions previously.

Simply put, as long as he's able to provide the team with the best shot at winning another Super Bowl the team has little to no reason to move on from him. And in my opinion, him feeling entitled to his positional security because of his performance history within the league and with the team is a sign of him being somewhat insecure and weak minded (aka I agree with Terry Bradshaw).

At this stage in his career, if he's actually feeling threatened by the team bringing in a potential heir apparent then he's already put himself in a position to fail. If he's simply frustrated that they didn't use that draft capital on someone he believed would be more impactful to the team's success then I suggest he re-evaluate the team's decision based on the team's final result last year. There's little excuse for why the Packers didn't reached the Super Bowl. A few failures on both sides of the ball; particularly, in the clutch, and some blown coaching calls are what really prevented it IMO. I wouldn't say it was because the team invested a 1st round pick in J.Love instead of someone else.

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