The Silver Lining To Veteran Receivers Missing OTAs

The Packers were missing a lot of familiar faces at voluntary OTAs amid plenty of drama... but there is a bright side (if you look hard enough). 

The Packers entered voluntary OTAs missing some key players last week.

Aaron Rodgers, of course, got most of the attention, and there has been plenty of discussion focused on his situation.

The other big story was the missing wide receivers. Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, MVS, Devin Funchess, and Equanimeous St. Brown - the top five veteran receivers on the team - were all absent.

Was this a coordinated absence designed to send a message?

Matt LaFleur says he talked with each of them and that never came up. Whatever the reason, it's sad to see so many players miss practice time (even if it is voluntary).

In their absence, Amari Rodgers, Malik Taylor, Reggie Begelton, Bailey Gaither, Chris Blair, and Juwann Winfree got all the snaps.

On one hand, it makes it hard to practice the offense with so many people missing.

But there is a silver lining.

First, let's get through some unpleasant realities.

Adams, Lazard, MVS, Funchess, and EQ are all free agents after the season. I've already mentioned the reality that Adams may not be re-signed, but the rest of the guy on that list are no lock either.

The Packers are already way over the 2022 cap as a result of all the restructures they did this year. They have less cap space than any other team in the league.

While it might me a bit of a surprise if at least a couple of the veterans didn't stick around next year, it's a virtual certainty that they won't all be back.

That means the group of unheralded youngsters that took all the snaps last week could be leaned on to fill out the future receiving corps. It's nice that they get some practice, but there's more to it than that.

The Packers are gonna have some difficult choices when assembling the roster next year on a tight budget and wide receiver will be among the toughest groups to complete.

If the top veterans all participate in the entire offseason program, they'd take up all the snaps and the Packers wouldn't have a good data set to evaluate their younger receivers on.

With the veterans absent for at least some of camp, the Packers brass gets a chance to scrutinize these guys a little more. It's only practice, but it's better than nothing - and there is quite a bit you can tell about a player in practice. An educated guess is better than an uneducated guess and these reps will give the front office a little more education on these guys.

Obviously, it would be ideal is all the receivers were at OTAs getting reps with Aaron Rodgers. At the same time, the vets missing a few days of OTAs won't make or break the season.

If Rodgers comes back, most of the vets are familiar enough with 12 that these reps won't matter. If Rodgers doesn't come back, whoever plays quarterback will have plenty of time to start building a rapport with the vets when training camp officially hits. But when 2022 comes, the front office will definitely be using the evaluations on the young receivers from this offseason to assemble their new receiving corps.

These aren't all pleasant thoughts, but amid all the chaos and worry of this offseason, I'll take whatever small positive I can get.

 

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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.

__________________________

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10 points
 

Comments (62)

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

May 30, 2021 at 01:48 pm

So, you are saying there’s still a chance!?

2 points
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stockholder's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:11 pm

I don't see any silver lining in this. The Packers are at odds. I see open wounds. And regardless where you stand on Rodgers. Team chemistry just flew out the window. Your watching a team break-up. Don't expect progress. I don't believe solidarity has any thing to this. The electricity in the air is GONE. This season just got longer. I'm sure everyone has lowered their expectations. It's the only thing you can do.

-12 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 30, 2021 at 02:28 pm

You obviously enjoy rippling the water. You get off on it!

Guys play for their career and coming to OTA's is an opportunity for those smart enough and opportunistic enough to recognize the value of attending OTA's. Nothing that happens in May or even June is going to affect team chemistry come September regardless if Rodger's or Love is behind Center.

I completely agree with the writer that there are lots of silver linings for those young players getting more reps in OTA's.

5 points
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Gforcetrivers's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:55 pm

I agree. Time to call a Jet Sweep and sweep all the garbage out. Get rid of all of them. There is no good that can come of this. Bunch of cry babies. SEE YA!!!!

-3 points
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Gforcetrivers's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:01 pm

I agree. Time to call a Jet Sweep and sweep all the garbage out. Get rid of all of them. There is no good that can come of this. Bunch of cry babies. SEE YA!!!!

-3 points
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packer132's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:52 pm

FYI; This is voluntary OTA's in May and not training camp. I'm glad the Wr's skipped out and hope the players that got the work in make the roster. The silver lining is all the reps these guys received with a smaller roster. Team chemistry will build during training camp in two months. How is the electricity gone? The season got longer? I don't have lower expectations. I am excited for the season to start in 3 months. Gute has put together the strongest team in many years. If you are a Packers fan, how can you not be excited? Draft picks will contribute and one of the best OL's in the NFL. P.S. the sky is not falling.

8 points
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MTmind's picture

May 31, 2021 at 10:40 am

Thanks for the post. It’s helpful to hear from someone who spends so much time in the locker room and with the players outside of practice.

I would imagine you’re one of the fans who couldn’t care less about this batch of receivers as I’m sure you were screaming about the Packers not taking a WR in the draft a year ago.

Pick a lane.

0 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 30, 2021 at 03:34 pm

Team chemistry always comes down to one thing: winning. Can the Packers win without Rodgers at QB? Every team assumes they can win without one star player; these are professional athletes. They all believe they can rise to the occasion, because that’s what great athletes are supposed to do. They don’t whimper about “What if our star player gets injured?” If you are prone to that sort of hand-wringing, you don’t become a pro.

8 points
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Swisch's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:30 pm

Not only was Aaron Rodgers conspicuously absent from this past OTA, but he was glitteringly present as part of a celebrity group living it up in Hawaii.
I can't think of a worse look for Rodgers whatever happens, as many Packers fans are trying to scrape up the money for the Wisconsin Dells, if they're not standing in line at a food pantry.
Also, if he had anything to do with a possible boycott by the wide receivers, I can't imagine that Rodgers in Hawaii would be a good look to them as they try to support their QB.
All of this after the interview with Rodgers this past Monday failed to deliver any compelling reasons as to why Rodgers would be positioning himself as such a difficult problem to the Packers.
Vague comments about how management isn't treating their $37 million-man in the right way ring rather hollow.
As a big fan of Rodgers going back to his first shaky season as a starter for the Packers, I'm still open to the possibility that there's more to this story than him being a self-absorbed and manipulative diva -- but it's hard to imagine what noble principle it could be that he is supposedly standing up for to the betterment of the lot of humanity.
To truly be a friend of Aaron Rodgers, and even a sincere supporter from a far, may be to tell him to knock off the act; sincerely apologize to teammates, coaches, and fans; and to get to work winning a Super Bowl for the Packers.
The days to do so may be running short, if they haven't already passed by.

16 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:40 pm

I don’t think QB12 reads this blog, but I think he’s still at the center of the discussion.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:10 pm

Rebecca, I personally believe Rodgers as well as most Packers read most of all these websites and likely even have covert profiles, or dummy ISP's.

6 points
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Swisch's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:33 pm

It seems good to write and to speak as if the people being talked about are able to listen in.
Even if it's prudent to not have a person know what I'm saying about him at that particular time, I like to that if he found out about it later he would appreciate that what I said was with good intentions toward him.
I may not always live up to ideals such as this, but I still think it's good to have ideals to aspire to.
***
I've been a big booster of MVS and Lazard for a long time now, but I'm not going to say it's no big deal for them to miss this past OTA. I may be wrong, but it's my sincere opinion.
First of all, for all of the enthusiasm I've had for both guys, they have a ways to go before they're proven performers in the NFL, worthy of a big contract (not nearly at the level Aaron Jones has achieved as a running back, for example).
Second, these many other wide receivers who were at this past OTA may be up and coming, and eventually just as good or better.
Third, when a player does make it to the elite level of a Davante Adams, then participating in OTAs shows you're still in it for the team. You're also setting an example of dedication as a professional who wants to be a leader for a championship team. Even if you have good reason to sit out an OTA more or less, show up as a class act who contributes more than just ability.
To care about our Packers is not to coddle them. That doesn't do them any favors. I try to be for the most part positive, and then constructive in my criticism.
Again, I may fall short here and there.
***
As a final thought, it seems there has to be some role for us fans to have a say. We shouldn't be relied upon for decisions by players, coaches, and administrators, but they may do well to give us a listen at least once in a while.
I think Packers fans tend to be both intelligent in general and knowledgeable about football. (I consider as as good example of such a fan my late stepmom from Brillion). I think we also truly care about our guys as players and persons, and may even pray for them. We root for them long after their days on the field.
I'd want them to make their own decisions, anyway, as it's their lives. Also, I'm often wrong about many things.
At the same time, I write as if I may just have something helpful to say to them at times, as an older person of almost 59 who loves football, and has seen a lot of the ups and downs of life.
May God bless them all, whether it's in Green Bay or elsewhere.

6 points
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MTmind's picture

May 31, 2021 at 12:38 pm

The quickest path to the Packers becoming basement dwellers is to let the fans have a say in operations.

We live in an extraordinary time when the general public seems to have no issues with disregarding and replacing experts who have dedicated their lives to working in their relative professions (whether it be in politics, science, or medicine) in order to follow complete idiots who believe their opinions matter simply because they express them.

Good luck democracy.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 31, 2021 at 02:55 pm

No, we don’t. That’s misinformation.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 31, 2021 at 02:58 pm

No, we don’t. That’s misinformation

0 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 31, 2021 at 08:58 am

I believe what we are witnessing with Rodgers, is another coming-of-age (Netflix) movie (however regressive) - about a man deeply in a pre-midlife crisis - unable to find true fulfillment in his life (despite his fame and fortune) - so attempts to become one of the cool and popular 'kids.' Meanwhile all around him there is chaos and disruption -that he is either amused by or apathetic to. So, in the best interests of the team and its fans, it is probably prudent to move on from Rodgers, because it appears that he has already emotionally 'checked-out' from 1265 Lombardi Ave.

If so, the silver lining is the removal of a pernicious drama, the start of a new era, and, fresh opportunities for non-aligned Rodgers players.

14 points
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HankScorpio's picture

May 31, 2021 at 06:12 am

"but it's hard to imagine what noble principle it could be that he is supposedly standing up for to the betterment of the lot of humanity."

There is not one. He is an idiot for trying to sell that story.

His common sense leaves much to be desired. Here is a good example: He had Team Rodgers try to sell the story that the Packers have not done enough to help him. The fact mentioned in the story that the 2022 Packers salary cap is the worst in the league tells the opposite story. And, of course, his salary requirements do nothing to help. Did he think that nobody would connect that?

9 points
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Bure9620's picture

May 31, 2021 at 06:50 am

It certainly seemed scripted, he wanted people know what he was doing. This was not a get away from it all and have privacy get away. If he continues this into mid August, he is going to start pissing off teammates. At that point I would move on. Likely already should have.

7 points
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cheezyone's picture

May 31, 2021 at 07:42 am

I have been a fan of Rodgers since he got on the team. I have to say that I am extremely disappointed in this whole thing. I believe he signed a contract in good faith, and he should stick to it. We've all had bosses we didn't like, so what? If he REALLY cared about his teammates, the coaches, and the fans, he would show up, and do his job. If he really wants out, and they can get a boat-load of picks and players, trade him. If they can't, then let him retire, and pay some of the money back. I was hoping Love could sit behind Rodgers for 3 years, but it looks like Aaron doesn't want that.

7 points
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MTmind's picture

May 31, 2021 at 10:59 am

I may be wrong, but you seem like the typical Wisconsinite who bemoans the wealthy on one hand as being spoiled if they don’t shut up and entertain you while, on the other, you fall all over yourself to elect politicians who push policies that only benefit the wealthy at the cost of those standing in “food lines”.

Aaron’s grievances have nothing to do with money and everything to do with management that’s unwilling to recognize and reward loyalty. It’s kind of amazing how tone deaf and stupid the average American is. Everyone thinks their opinions have worth simply for being opinions. Maybe you should expend some energy actually listening to what Aaron is saying rather than what the media twists it to mean in headlines designed to get clicks.

To put it in a nutshell, if you only care and root for the green and gold jerseys on the playing field, you’re on the side of management. If you also actually care about the people IN the jerseys playing on the field, you’re on the same side as Rodgers. All the rest is white noise and your post does nothing but add to it.

-4 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 31, 2021 at 03:10 pm

Nice insults. I always appreciate it when I’m called stupid on Memorial Day. Just makes it extra special.

I have questions:

1). Why do I have to be on one side or another? Can’t I be on my own side?
2). Why do you get to tell me what I care about?

Really interested in your answer.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

May 31, 2021 at 03:10 pm

Nice insults. I always appreciate it when I’m called stupid on Memorial Day. Just makes it extra special.

I have questions:

1). Why do I have to be on one side or another? Can’t I be on my own side?
2). Why do you get to tell me what I care about?

Really interested in your answer.

0 points
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Duneslick's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:29 pm

5 out of 7 responses are advertising. When is the admin going to remove them

14 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:38 pm

Another beautiful mystery.

9 points
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Swisch's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:38 pm

I think the administrators are trying to stop the spam; but in the meantime, it is more than a little annoying.
Then again, some of our wide receivers who skipped this past OTA may be looking for another job in the near future.
Let's hope these guys get back on the field at the next opportunity to show their desire to be a part of Packerdom.
With or without Aaron Rodgers, and independent of any particular WR, it seems the Packers have something good going for the next few years. Don't waste a single day at the risk of not getting in on it.

6 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

May 30, 2021 at 05:16 pm

The scammers have been reported multiple times, by different posters, to CHTV (Aaron Nagler) - who has replied that he and the development team are aware of the problem - that they are working on it - but is predicated on available time and money. So ...???

7 points
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greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 05:26 pm

Let’s cough up some dough for our friends here at CHTV. We should have some cap relief after June 1st...

8 points
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greengold's picture

May 31, 2021 at 09:35 am

SPIN THE WHEEL - AN IDEA to Help Keep the CHTV Cheese Wheel Turning: Donate

Jersey Al, Corey Beinke, Aaron Nagler,
We see all of the work you do here, and I’m sure we ALL appreciate your efforts to make this awesome gathering place possible & functional for Packer fans to use.

Maybe the time has come for you to allow your patrons to easily make a donation of any amount, to help offset your expenses and help keep the CHTV CHEESE WHEEL TURNING.

Personally, I’ve got enough shirts, but I’d like to be able to bang a button and make a quick donation. Maybe animate it so it spins with each donation or something, or that it just constantly keeps turning, which is the bigger point. Completely anonymous. Easy.

What do you say? We want to help. We want to give back.

Help us help you get rid of Vivian...! Ha!

Seriously, I think this could be a hit. Design it so that it is an easy access & experience.

3 points
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Lphill's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:40 pm

Tom Brady gets what he wants , Russell Wilson was unhappy they got him some toys , Mahomes complained , they built him an O line , Desean Watson wants in on decisions, etc , what should happen is this, Hi Aaron it’s Mark , listen you’re our guy and what can I do for you ? pretty simple

-12 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 30, 2021 at 04:54 pm

The Packers gave him Love. What more could he want? Maybe some respect? Lol.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:13 pm

Or maybe motivation to be the player he could be and should be!

6 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 31, 2021 at 08:16 am

Yes! Exactly, we demand he entertain us the way we expect.

-2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 30, 2021 at 05:38 pm

Your bringing up Desean Watson?

5 points
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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:17 pm

Maybe Mark Murphy will send Lphill to Rodgers' house with some chocolates, roses, lip balm and a pair of knee pads.

9 points
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packer132's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:41 pm

Have Stockholder go with him.

8 points
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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:55 pm

Someone needs to handle the back end of the deal.

3 points
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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:50 pm

.

1 points
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The_Justicar's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:36 pm

Yeah, the Bucs went all in for Brady by signing a retired TE (who wouldn’t play for anyone but with Brady), a WR almost banned from the league that no one else wanted to sign so he signed for league minimum, and a back up RB who was dumped by the leagues worst franchise for an undrafted rookie.

It’s not like Brady asked to sign Julio Jones and trade for Hopkins. They basically signed 3 dudes off the street nobody wanted.

3 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 30, 2021 at 09:07 pm

That ship has sailed...

2 points
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Pro-LifeMatters's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:31 pm

Too bad all the "youngsters" completely suck and have absolutely no NFL future besides Rodgers.

-5 points
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greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 06:54 pm

Patrick Mahomes sat for his full rookie season watching Alex Smith in KC. In Year 2 he won NFL MVP.

This whole experience had to have helped the young players who were there at WR. Huge. Think of the added attention they received from their HC...

6 points
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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2021 at 07:02 pm

Alexander, Clark, Savage, A. Jones, Dillon, Tonyan, Gary, Deguara, Turner/Patrick/Runyon/Jenkins/Myers, Keke, Love.

Uh, okay.

7 points
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greengold's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:58 pm

One of the youngest teams in the NFL... and about to get younger.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:26 pm

Many have speculated the Love draft choice not only pissed Rodger's off, but it motivated Rodger's to play arguably his best season.

I try reading most every website article I can about Love and it's gotten ridiculous. A few writers wrote about Loves decline in passing stats his last collegiate season from the previous season and now every journalist pretty much cut and pastes those original articles regurgitating the same info.

People like talking how Rodger's was motivated last year, well all these journalists are missing the real point. All the negative articles about Love and how he isnt ready combined with all the Rodger's attention is going to truly inspire and motivate Love. All the predictions in the drop off in victories if Love is the starting QB rather than Rodger's.

Love if you are a competitor ( we know you are) I hope you work harder than anytime in your life to prove all these people, and Rodger's wrong.

14 points
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Bure9620's picture

May 31, 2021 at 02:12 pm

You nailed it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Everyone is focused on Rodgers and how he feels about everything because he is so sensitive and petty. I am pretty sure Love wants to prove some doubters wrong....

5 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 31, 2021 at 08:20 am

‘S

-3 points
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Packers0808's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:49 pm

Is any of this any surprise, Rodgers can't keep a relationship no matter how he tries it seems. Dumps two women and his family, now basically a whole team. The guy is screwed up emotionally between the ears! Rodgers is like Trump needs adulation!

-3 points
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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2021 at 08:52 pm

It'd be great if we just didn't talk about political figures on a sports forum unless said political figure is part of the sports news.

8 points
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Packers0808's picture

May 30, 2021 at 09:20 pm

He is no longer a political figure and never was! He just happens to be a guy I can correlate Rodgers with the best who is well known! Can't help how you think of Trump I guess!

-2 points
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MTmind's picture

May 31, 2021 at 12:29 pm

I think you misunderstand the reason(s) behind Aaron’s grievances which are all related to management and have nothing to do with his teammates, the fan base, ego, or money. He is, whether people want to admit it or not, one of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever played the game. Management has done a very poor job of treating him with the same loyalty and commitment that he has shown since being drafted. This is reflected by their unwillingness to restructure his contract to give him peace of mind while he plays out the remaining years of his career... which he absolutely deserves! In their defense, I have been a fan of the way they have always been conservative during free agency and in developing young talent. Conversely, they squandered years of his talent on keeping Mike McCarthy around. We’ve all witnessed the turnaround brought by the new coaching staff and I wish the change had happened years ago. Where is the loyalty to Rodgers that was shown to McCarthy (unwarranted and needless)? I think everyone who thinks Aaron is ungrateful is drinking the Kool-Aid poured by the media and management. While you liken him to Trump, he is anything but. I’m surprised you would even make the comparison. If anything, all of the Rodgers critics seem more Republican in nature as they are “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” type of people (until something unfortunate happens to them) who condemn entertainers and athletes for speaking their minds, as if they aren’t people with their own concerns and causes. Rodgers is striving to prove that this isn’t just a business and that people matter. The only people who can’t understand that are those who lack empathy and the capacity to understand nuance... i.e., those who follow the same person you’re comparing him to.

Rodgers was cursed when he was drafted by the Packers and their ungrateful fans. He probably would have been the west coast version of Brady had he gone to the 49ers and would have cemented his legacy as the GOAT with numerous Super Bowl wins. Instead, he got to live in Green Bay for 16 years where a majority of fans are willing to dump him like yesterday’s garbage because he’s “ungrateful”. Definitely cursed. Take one look through these comments... it’s absolutely ridiculous.

-3 points
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cheezyone's picture

May 31, 2021 at 12:58 pm

MTmind, I don't misunderstand, and I agree with you on several points. I don't think he's just one of the greatest, I think he IS the Greatest. I guess I am just old school, as I believe when you sign a contract, you give your word that you are going to uphold that contract. I'm not looking to "dump him". He wants out.

3 points
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Packers0808's picture

May 31, 2021 at 01:40 pm

Wow how can one person like you be SO WRONG on so many fronts! Answering these points are just dumb to even mention! Trump and Rodgers are both only all about themselves! Period, sorry your rose glasses are so blackened by your own adulation of Rodgers! Rodgers lives in his "ME" world and the hell with the rest of it! The Packers gave this guy a chance when basically nobody else wanted him and this is his thanks to top them. He signed a PROMISE called a Contract now live up tpo it and be a man instead of a spoiled child!

3 points
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Oppy's picture

May 31, 2021 at 06:27 pm

The point is, the "Contract" doesn't have to be honored by the team. They can cut Rodgers at anytime. That's the issue Rodgers has. He wants his contract restructured in such a way that it makes it financially impossible for the Packers to cut or trade him before the end of his contract. Rodgers wants to play into his 40's, and wants to play his entire career with only one team. It's not likely to happen under his current contract.

The issue is, that's not what's best for the Packers. What's best for the long term health of the Packers is probably trading Rodgers away while he has immense value and when it is not cap-prohibitive to do so. After the coming 2021 season would have been ideal.

The amount of Rodgers salary and the constricted salary cap in 2021 (which has now been placed on limited expansion for 2022) means the PAckers will be cash-strapped again next year and probably have to let even more good, young talent walk out the door if Rodgers is kept under current contract.

Could they restructure to keep Rodgers long term and reduce cap hit? Yeah, probably. But the plan was to trade Rodgers, get max value in draft capital, move forward into the future (most likely with Love) and build the team for the next decade and a half of winning football.

2 points
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Packers0808's picture

May 31, 2021 at 08:25 pm

You just don't get it, your rational is making no sense whatsoever! You are funny though Comedic reading is fun but not here!

1 points
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Oppy's picture

June 01, 2021 at 06:11 pm

Explain what's so irrational and what doesn't make sense.

0 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

May 30, 2021 at 09:05 pm

I'm sure the fab five are making some type of a solidarity statement supporting the NFLPA or #12, who all of a sudden at 37 has become like this chill surfer dude with a much younger fiance'. Good luck with that bra. Whatever...

The top 3 guys are safe, the #4 & #5 receivers are up for grabs and the young hungry guys who are more than willing to bust their butts on Special Teams just got a leg up on Funchess and EQ.

I know I will be rooting for the underdogs!

As far as Mr MVP Hawaii, I hope he comes to camp focused and ready to earn his fat paycheck.

TEAM FIRST ALWAYS

GO PACK 4EVER!!

15 points
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Packers0808's picture

May 31, 2021 at 10:24 am

The pictures we see of Rodgers with his man bun looks like Grandpa and his 3 grandchildren!

6 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 31, 2021 at 09:25 am

Packers0808,
I almost snorted my coffee thru my nose reading your comment. Good one!!! :)

2 points
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NoNonsense's picture

May 31, 2021 at 01:10 am

I have found my Zen place with this whole situation. Whichever way it goes I'm gonna be excited for the season. Whether its Rodgers, Love, Bortles or whoever I'm just ready for some football.

If its Rodgers great go try to win a SB. If its Love I'm excited to see the young buck in action and if its Bortles or other because they flat out win the job, then so be it.

I refuse to let this baloney get me down, you wont catch me being a (Stockholder) debbie downer.

Heck I will be happy just to watch preseason football again, go pack!! I know I'm setting a low bar for happiness here but someone has to do it.

11 points
12
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 31, 2021 at 07:36 am

Me too NN. I’m ready for whatever Packers team hits the field. For one, I think they can be the best GB defense since 2011, and possibly the best running offense in my 50 years of fanship. A great running game with dangerous short and long passing options? I’ll thoroughly enjoy that!

8 points
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Crankbait's picture

May 31, 2021 at 06:39 am

Roger Goodell has changed the NFL into a passing football league.
You no longer win in the playoffs by playing Bears football.
Without a master arm and zen like reading of defenses, your offense won't score enough points to win.
Even if Love proves to have a strong arm, it will still take him a few years to learn about reading defenses and making the right decisions under stress after he reads them.
Our division is licking their chops right now ....it's payback time for them.

-4 points
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6
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 31, 2021 at 09:47 am

Crankbait,
For the most part I agree with you, however if a team has a good defense, and a great ball control offense you minimize the opportunities for the opposing offense to score. If Love was to start I see the following five things needed for the Packers offense to be successful, and for the team to be in the playoff hunt during Love's first year as a starter.

1. A great running game even against talented defenses who can force their will against opponents. I'm confident the Packers have this type of talent on the OL and in the backfield.
2. You have a QB that can make the high percentage throws on slant routes and passes out of the backfield. Should Love start no doubt LF will institute 'cruise control' or a 'speed limiter' to help Love and prevent unnecessary turnovers. In year one having Love do many check down passes would seem to make a lot of sense. Low turnovers is essential for any team regardless of the type of QB or offense they implement.
3. A QB that has the ability to take off on scramble, which Love is very talented at.
4. You have a very good defense that can stop defenses and get the ball back to the offense. Barring key injuries this defense should be very good this year. A lot of players are going to make that leap from year 1, and year 2.
5. Ideally, you should have a decent to a good special teams, which also includes Mason Crosby. This is an area that is highly questionable at the moment.

Lastly, you say "even if Love proves to have a strong arm." Love has a bazooka for an arm and I would venture a guess is stronger than Rodger's now that he is going to be 38-years of age this season. Love appears to have EVERY skill necessary to be a Pro Bowl QB but needs experience. The key will be staying injury free and observing how he processes defenses but the sky is the limit for Love. I am excited to see what he can do even if it is just in pre-season games and mop up in regular season games. The Packers were very fortunate to select Love when they did.

5 points
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