The most compelling drama in the NFL right now is the apparent standoff between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
This storyline took on a life of its own right before the NFL Draft, and has not died down in the ensuing months.
Seemingly entrenched in his stance, Rodgers was a no-show for Green Bay’s OTAs toward the end of May, and it’s anyone’s guess as to whether the future Hall Of Famer will attend Packers training camp later this month.
Perhaps more than any other sport, football and the chemistry in the locker room is crucial to team success.
It’s hard for anything to get done in the NFL without camaraderie and communication, and internal strife can sometimes lead seasons astray.
However, it’s unlikely that the Packers’ 2021 season will completely fall apart, regardless of what ends up happening with Rodgers.
If He Stays
We have the benefit of history to look back on with regards to a disgruntled quarterback and his longtime employer.
Whether it’s Joe Montana with the San Francisco 49ers, Brett Favre with the Packers, or Tom Brady with the New England Patriots, veteran quarterbacks don’t usually sacrifice a year in the twilight of their careers just to stick it to management.
Taking Brady as the most recent example, the 2019 Patriots still won their division and hosted a playoff game.
While New England had other roster concerns around him, Brady wasn’t going to let his dissatisfaction with the organization torpedo a chance for him to win another ring.
It’s unlikely that Rodgers, who is closer to the end of his career than to the beginning, will squander an opportunity like that either.
Luckily for Packers fans, Rodgers’ beef is more focused on the organization, rather than his teammates, which should keep the team on track for 2021.
Tomorrow. The Match. @b_dechambeau and yours truly. # pic.twitter.com/WAoe1y3f2U
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) July 5, 2021
If He Leaves
If Rodgers and Packers brass do not find a way to come together, it might result in the quarterback’s departure.
We might see cheese-head hats being forcefully thrown all over the state of Wisconsin in that scenario, but there’s still a really good chance that Green Bay can have a respectable season without Rodgers.
The jury is still out on second-year pro Jordan Love, but the fact that he had a year to get acclimated to the NFL game can bode well for a young player.
Even if Love doesn’t come in and light the league on fire from Week 1, Green Bay should still be able to get by.
Running back Aaron Jones is one of the premier backfield talents in the NFL, and provides a legitimate threat as a pass-catcher as well.
Wide receiver Davante Adams might possibly be the best at his position in the game, giving Love an elite option on the outside from the get-go.
Grateful for the opportunity #NFLCombine https://t.co/5SjZqebag7
— JLove (@jordan3love) March 3, 2020
The Packers have made two straight NFC Championship Games, and while Rodgers deserves a lot of credit for that, he didn’t get there on his own.
Additionally, the NFC North doesn’t figure to provide stiff competition this year, which should give the Packers a great chance to win the division even without Rodgers in the mix.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Jordan Love Is Not Ready In Green Bay