After the Green Bay Packers came up just short in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers just 14 months ago, there was lots of hope for the 2021 season throughout Wisconsin.
After all, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was coming off an MVP season, while wide receiver Davante Adams was coming off a career year that sent him to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro First Team.
Although the Packers had an outstanding regular season, tying for the NFL’s best record at 13-4, they failed in the playoffs, losing an ugly contest to the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field in the divisional round.
Now, a couple of months later, the Packers’ prospects are looking worse, and their fans cannot be happy.
Problems With Aaron Rodgers
In a short amount of time, Rodgers has gone from one of the league’s most respected superstars to something of a polarizing man.
Last offseason, he had a much-publicized rift with Packers management, but it ended when he agreed to remain with the team.
Now, there was speculation again that the future Hall of Famer may leave Green Bay, with lots of talk that he would end up with the Denver Broncos.
Luckily, it didn’t happen, but the relationship between the Packers and their QB isn’t the greatest.
Although Rodgers once again was named the regular season MVP, he is 38 years of age and will turn 39 late next season. No one can say with any certainty how much longer he will play at a high level.
Reportedly, some of the bad feelings between him and management have to do with the team supposedly grooming Jordan Love to replace him under center.
Packers Not Showing Much Love To Jordan
When the Packers took Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it seemed to indicate the end of the Rodgers era and the start of another one.
Love hasn’t played much, and it isn’t clear if he has what it takes to become Green Bay’s next franchise QB.
In Week 1, the Packers got routed by the rebuilding New Orleans Saints, and head coach Matt LaFleur benched Rodgers in the fourth quarter, instead opting to go with Love the rest of the way.
When Rodgers was forced to miss Week 9 at the Kansas City Chiefs due to COVID-19, Love got the start, but he didn’t look too good, completing just 19-of-34 passes and throwing one touchdown and one interception in a 13-7 loss.
With Rodgers back on a multi-year contract, there is speculation that the Packers may look to trade Love, but apparently, they like his potential.
If the Packers do move on from him, he may have some legitimate return value.
Just hit up a few NFL scouts about potential asking price for Jordan Love. Most think Packers could get a 2nd round pick for him. Feeling is talent & upside worth that roll of dice.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 8, 2022
With Rodgers getting up there in age and mileage, dealing Love may not be a wise decision, at least not right now.
Adams Heads To The Bay
But probably the worst news for cheeseheads is that Adams, their superstar wideout and top weapon, was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.
Adams will join a Raiders team that made the playoffs for only the second time since 2002 and could be on the rise.
Twitter gave Rodgers a hard time after Adams’ departure became official.
He wanted that massive contract. Guess what Aaron Rodgers, this comes with it.
— Arti$e is DEFiant (@shantanano) March 17, 2022
Congrats to Aaron Rodgers getting his money.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) March 17, 2022
Aaron Rodgers calling Jeopardy right now pic.twitter.com/93WqF2EKcT
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 17, 2022
The deal will leave the cupboard somewhat bare for Green Bay at an inopportune time, as Tom Brady will be back for the Bucs, the Niners are on the rise and the world champion Los Angeles Rams still look very strong.
It could be the beginning of the end for a nice but somewhat disappointing era in Green Bay that has brought it only one Super Bowl title since Rodgers took over the starting QB spot in 2008.
NEXT: Why Did The Packers Lose Davante Adams?