Packers GM Brian Gutekunst: Aaron Rodgers Hasn't Told Me He Wants Me Fired

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst hasn't directly heard that quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants him fired.

"Aaron hasn't said anything like that to me and certainly hasn't said anything publicly," the GM said, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "I think that's a little unfair to put that on him. Certainly don't like to hear those things, but no, nothing's been communicated directly to me."

The statement comes after Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported Rodgers is "adamant that he won't return to the team under the current stewardship of general manager Brian Gutekunst."

According to Robinson, the beef between the two started when the Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Rodgers believed Gutekunst wanted to move on from him after the 2020 season and still doesn't want to guarantee anything beyond 2021.

ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported Rodgers was "disgruntled" with the team, requiring Gutekunst, team president Mark Murphy and head coach Matt LaFleur to all fly out to speak with him this offseason.

Gutekunst said the Packers are "committed to Aaron in 2021 and beyond."

Rodgers is signed through 2023 and has a $37.2 million cap hit for the 2021 season. Per Spotrac, a trade would leave $38.4 million in dead cap for Green Bay next season. Even a deal after June 1 would still give the Packers $21.2 million in dead cap for 2021 and $17.2 million in 2022.

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There would still be significant interest around the league if the Packers agree to a deal, especially considering Rodgers is the reigning MVP. The nine-time Pro Bowler was as good as ever in 2020, finishing with a league-high 48 touchdown passes and only five interceptions.

If Rodgers has created an ultimatum between himself and Gutekunst, it's a tough situation for the rest of the team's leadership.