Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers said it himself.
He has no idea what will happen after the 2021 season but he will enjoy the upcoming NFL year with the right perspective.
While his future with Green Bay or the league is uncertain, he did point out that he doesn’t want a farewell tour.
This is a loaded statement from the reigning league MVP considering his talent and his relationship with the Packers front office.
This direct quote calls for a quick discourse.
The Eye-Opening Press Conference
He broke his silence through a press conference that addressed the alleged tension between himself and the team.
In his half-hour moment at the podium, Rodgers made a sideswipe with media members who put out stories when there’s no content available.
However, his biggest grievances were directed towards the team.
All he wanted was to be in the front office discussions regarding free agency, especially on decisions that will directly help him perform his job.
Aaron Rodgers says he doesn’t know what’s going to happen after this season regarding his future.
“I don’t want a farewell tour.” pic.twitter.com/2eiW7BL6Gp
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 18, 2021
After 17 years with the organization and 14 as a starter, Rodgers just wants his voice to be heard before decisions are finalized.
He’s not expecting his inputs to be followed all the time.
Instead, Rodgers just wants to air his side because his perspective after playing for so long has weight.
He wants to prevent the team from unceremoniously cutting high-character guys that contributed so much to their success.
For that, he had a list of veterans that, according to him, the Packers either lowballed or just didn’t offer a contract.
But now that they know where Rodgers is coming from, the possibility of moving away from Rodgers must be stirring in the minds of General Manager Brian Gutekunst and President Mark Murphy.
Rodgers Out Of The Pack?
The time will come when Rodgers will eventually move on from playing football.
Only he can decide when that day will come.
However, another reality emerges: Green Bay would like to see what they have with backup quarterback Jordan Love.
It’s not a secret that they drafted him late in the first round last year to become Rodgers’ successor.
With Rodgers still in the fold, a thorough assessment of Love’s NFL readiness is impossible.
Jordan Love 🤝 Kylin Hill
TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/s48mEUlBT7
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 15, 2021
The Packers are also thinking about Rodgers’ $46 million cap hit in 2022 compared to Love’s $3 million.
That big discrepancy makes it appealing to move away from Rodgers, especially if Love lives up to their expectations.
That low cap casualty allows the Packers to surround him with better talent by re-signing their top players or attract marquee free agents.
Therefore, there’s a possibility Green Bay might let Rodgers go.
However, that doesn’t mean the end of his NFL career.
Hall Of Famer Up For Grabs
Rodgers’ spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is set in stone after a Super Bowl title and three MVPs.
But his numbers last season are by no means an indication of a player slowing down.
At age 37, he threw for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns which is his highest single-season total.
He also completed 70 percent of his passes and committed just five interceptions.
If he leaves Green Bay, there will be a number of NFL teams that would like to have him.
The Packers offering Aaron Rodgers more money, more years, more guarantees, whatever doesn't really change things. Those upgrades will all transfer to the new team upon a trade, which I think will happen…in 2022.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) July 20, 2021
Having Rodgers under center gives stability and accuracy on offense.
Yes, the 2021 season is not his farewell tour.
There’s still some mileage on his tank, but he will not expend it at Green Bay.
The Rodgers Sweepstakes prior to the 2022 season is starting to take shape.
NEXT: Packers Have No Need To Rush Injured Jordan Love Back