After a long offseason of speculation about Aaron Rodgers leaving the Packers, fans finally get some positive news. Ian Rapoport reported on Rodgers’ intention for 2021.
#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has indicated to people close to him that he does plan to play for GB this season, sources say. That is the expectation. Many factors at play, but with GM Brian Gutekunst saying he is “hopeful” for a positive outcome, there is a glimmer of optimism.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2021
The report comes on the day of the Packers’ annual shareholders’ meeting. Today Mark Murphy and Brian Gutekunst addressed shareholders before the start of the training camp. Some reports show fans’ frustrations resulted in comments from the crowd. Fans have been frustrated all offseason at the news that their MVP quarterback wants out. However, For the first time since late April, there is some sort of positive news.
What Now
It’s important to remember that this report could be false like many others, but there’s some inclination to believe Ian Rapoport. Aaron Rodgers’ options are indeed limited when it comes to where he plays this season. If he doesn’t play with the Packers and sits out he would have to pay the team back millions of dollars. The team is not obligated to trade him either. Therefore, it would make sense that in the end, he would return if not traded. Brian Gutekunst and Mark Murphy all offseason have stated that they are committed to Aaron Rodgers in 2021 and beyond and that they will not trade him whatsoever.
Gutekunst mentions no team had more Pro Bowl players. Says culture and foundation is strong. Mentions Aaron Rodgers “continuing his hall of fame career” and winning another NFL MVP — biggest cheer of the day.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2021
Looking ahead, Gutekunst says he looks forward to building off a dominant 2020 season with a returning nucleus led by Aaron Rodgers. Says they’ve been working tirelessly to resolve the issues “and remain hopeful for a positive outcome.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2021
Packers prez Mark Murphy on Aaron Rodgers: "We want him back, we're committed to him for 2021 and beyond. He's our leader and we're looking forward to winning another Super bowl."
He called it a "challenging situation but let's not forget all the great things he's done."
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 26, 2021
Training Camp
There are still some questions to be answered, but things look to be trending in the right direction. Rodgers still has to physically show up despite what any report says. Packers’ veterans are set to report on July 27th or they are subject to fines. All eyes will be on Aaron Rodgers to see if he arrives in Green Bay tomorrow. If he doesn’t show up tomorrow it doesn’t mean he’s not playing, it simply means he will be fined. However, reports today, and things said by people like James Jones and John Khun give reason to believe he will report even if it’s not on day one.
Overall
Aaron Rodgers has been the biggest talking point of the NFL offseason and it wasn’t for his MVP season. The saga looks to come to a close as the season approaches. Today showed that it could end the way many fans wanted it to, but there’s still some time before everyone gets the true answer.
As Always
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @Aaliyan525 and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here. Check out our shop for new merchandise. Use promo code WISCO at checkout for $1 off! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.
