via Getty
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines during the first half of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
via Getty
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines during the first half of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers had a poor start in the last season when they had a 4-8 record in the beginning. 4-times MVP, Aaron Rodgers was struggling with his form as well; he also had issues with his finger and back. Although the Packers had an awful start, head coach Matt LaFleur showed faith in Rodgers, as they also pulled off an impossible comeback. However, as per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was already looking to move on from Rodgers possibly in the latter half of the last season.
Notably, backup QB Jordan Love has been with the Packers for the last three seasons and played very few minutes. Hence, Gutenkust wanted to transition the QB position from Rodgers to Love to give the young QB a fair run.
Brian Gutekunst reportedly wanted to move on from Aaron Rodgers in 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per Silverstein, “Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told an NFL colleague he was convinced it was time the organization move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and see what Jordan Love had in him.”
However, it was still unclear whether the Packers’ GM wanted the transition in the last year or in 2023. Notably, Rodgers had one of the worst seasons of his career last season with the Packers. However, he showed glimpses of his old self in the latter half of the season, as he almost took the Packers in the playoffs. In the last game of the season, they lost against the Lions, which ended their playoff hopes.
Read More: “We Rarely Even Turn Our Phone Off”: Aaron Rodgers Darkness Retreat Explained In 400 Words
After that game, Rodgers gave a possible indication that he was playing for the Packers for the last time. As for Love, he has played only 10 games in his NFL career and started only once. Although Rodgers made a contract extension with the Packers in the 2022 offseason, he is unlikely to return with the Packers. In that case, Love could finally get some game time, as he will try to fill the shoes of Rodgers.
Rodgers’ contract situation and possible destinations
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After giving an extension to Rodgers, the Packers are in a difficult situation with the 39-year-old QB. From a salary cap position, the Packers can not stop Rodgers unless he retires or gets traded to a different team. In a recent episode of the Pat McAfee show, Rodgers sent some cryptic messages about playing in the next season.
Aaron Rodgers will enter his 'darkness retreat' on Monday to make his mind up on his career, per @RapSheet
His relationship with the Packers 'remains positive' and they'll work together if he wants a trade pic.twitter.com/M55iholY2b
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Out of all the teams, Las Vegas Raiders are one of the most possible destinations for Rodgers, as he already had a previous connection with WR Davante Adams. Apart from the Raiders, the Jets could also become a possible destination for the veteran quarterback. Notably, Nathaniel Hackett is the head coach of the Jets, who would want to work with Rodgers once again. Despite all the rumors, it will all depend on Rodgers and his ultimate decision on his future.
Watch This Story: Former Super Bowl MVP and NFL legend believes Lamar Jackson is more valuable than Aaron Rodgers
