The Green Bay Packers have made a flurry of moves this week. Perhaps the most notable of these was the tendering of tight end Robert Tonyan. Tonyan had a breakout season last year, tying the franchise record for touchdowns in a season by a tight end with 11. This move, as reported by Tom Pelissero, has freed up more than $4 million
Green Bay has been tight up against the cap all offseason. But they wouldn’t need these nickel-and-dime moves if they traded Aaron Rodgers, freeing up over $16M in cap space. Clearing cap now is another indication they’re planning for the NFL MVP to be on the team in 2021. https://t.co/OR2cFuOGal
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 2, 2021
This move, as well as others, come at a crucial time of the offseason. Aaron Rodgers has yet to report to Green Bay in the midst of a dramatic stand-off between himself and the Packers’ front office. In addition, none of the Packers’ top five wide receivers have reported for voluntary camp either. Whether or not these two situations are related is a matter of speculation, but the freeing up of cap space could indicate a solution to both.
Could Aaron Rodgers Be Getting an Extension?
One of the things that many have speculated about this offseason is that Aaron Rodgers desires a long-term extension that would guarantee his ability to remain with the Packers as long as he wants. When the Packers drafted Jordan Love last season, following two “down years” from Rodgers, it appeared that Rodgers’ days in Green Bay might be numbered. However, Rodgers went out and won his third career MVP award, and may have taken control of his destiny back.
As mentioned in the Tweet above, the Packers could have freed up $16 million in much needed cap space by trading Rodgers. The fact that they are freeing up space in other ways while keeping the disgruntled quarterback on the roster shows that they have plans for him to be with team this season, perhaps even beyond. The money they are saving in cap space could be used towards an extension that would keep Rodgers in Green Bay well past his 40th birthday.
Could Davante Adams Get a New Contract?
The Green Bay Packers had the number one offense in the NFL last season. Davante Adams was a huge part of that, making his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and first First Team All Pro. However, Adams, like every other reciever on the Packers’ roster, is not under contract after the 2021 season. The only exception to this, of course, is Amari Rodgers, the Packers’ third round draft pick.
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It has long been assumed that the Packers and Adams will come to an agreement on an extension. The Aaron Rodgers situation, though, has complicated thigns. Adams himself has indicated that he would have a much more difficult decision about re-signing if Rodgers is not the Packers’ quarterback. Perhaps the money the Packers are saving now will be used to extend both players. That would certainly be ideal going into 2021.
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