Aaron Rodgers: 'I'm Gonna Take Some Time' Before Making Decision on Packers Future
January 23, 2022
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers offered some insight to reporters on his future after his team lost 13-10 to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday.
“I’m gonna take some time and have conversations with the folks around here, and then take some time away and make a decision—obviously before free agency.”
Rodgers has one year left on his contract before becoming a free agent in 2023.
The Packers have a lot of players coming up on free agency this year, though, including superstar wideout Davante Adams, wide receiver Allen Lazard, cornerback Rasul Douglas and more.
The Packers find themselves in a precarious cap position right now, so some tough decisions have to be made.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterPackers now head into the off-season projected to be $44.8 million over the salary cap, the NFL’s second most challenging off-season position behind only the New Orleans Saints.<br><br>This is before the team attempts to re-sign or tag Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams. Major decisions loom.
Regarding the team's future because of the cap and how it may affect his decision, Rodgers said he has no interest in being part of a rebuild:
Matt Infield WSAW @Matt_InfieldRodgers on if the Super Bowl window here could be closed with the salary cap situation:<br><br>"That's a fair decision, one that I've thought about. A lot of decisions to be made on a lot of key guys."<br><br>Also adds "I don't want to be part of a rebuild if I'm going to keep playing."
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear postgame that he wants Rodgers to return:
Rob Demovsky @RobDemovskyMatt LaFleur to <a href="https://twitter.com/DanGrazianoESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanGrazianoESPN</a>'s question about whether this end impacts Rodgers' return:<br><br>"I don't know. Certainly we want him back here. We'd be crazy to not want him back here. This guy does so much for our football team."
Rodgers, 38, is the clear favorite to win his fourth NFL MVP award after completing 68.9 percent of his passes for 37 touchdowns (four interceptions) last regular season.
The Packers went 13-4 and earned the NFC's No. 1 seed under Rodgers' leadership before their one-and-done playoff appearance.
The Packers and Rodgers have been on rocky terms in the past, with the quarterback notably expressing his displeasure before the season with some past decisions from the front office, which he felt should have consulted him more on moves.
Rodgers was a holdout over the offseason after skipping mandatory minicamp. However, he returned in time for training camp. ESPN's Rob Demovsky broke down the situation between the Packers and Rodgers with a thorough multi-year timeline.
Rodgers has one more year left on his deal, which was restructured last offseason. The door is open for a potential trade, especially with the Packers' dire cap situation. Rodgers also left open the possibility of retirement as well.
Ultimately, Rodgers may have just played his last game in Lambeau Field as a Packer.