Peyton Manning “can’t fathom” the idea of fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers sitting out the 2021 NFL season.
No one knows if, when, or how the offseason drama between Rodgers and the Packers’ front office might be resolved. Fans, teammates, and pundits alike can only guess as to what will happen.
However, that hasn’t stopped the media from asking the league’s highest-profile players, both current and past, to weigh in. From Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to Alex Smith and Brett Favre, there’s been a plethora of different takes offered. Now, Peyton Manning is the latest to share his thoughts on the Rodgers-Packers situation.
Peyton Manning Weighs In
The opportunity arose during Manning’s appearance on the MLB Network for the Home Run Derby, held at Denver’s Coors Field.
In response to a question about the reigning MVP, Manning said, “Obviously, I hope he plays this year. The fact that Aaron Rodgers might not play this year, I can’t fathom it. He’s too good of a player. Too fun to watch for the fans. I personally hope it’s in Green Bay. That’s what I see him as. I hope they can kinda make amends and work [it] out. That team is so close, if he were to leave there it’d be a major change, obviously, for them.”
The legendary Colts-turned-Broncos QB and Denver resident also shared his prediction as to whether Rodgers might join his team in 2021, as a potential Packers-Broncos trade has been heavily rumored. Based on late offseason timing, Manning is doubtful that the move will come to fruition.
“My gut is he’s not coming to Denver. My gut is Denver’s gonna have Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater be their quarterback. At this point, you gotta kinda know what your plan is, you can’t be having a new quarterback three weeks before the season,” said the Hall of Famer.
Looking Ahead
Manning’s reasoning is solid. With kickoff quickly approaching, Green Bay making an already implausible trade for Rodgers becomes even more far-fetched.
So, while fans may be reassured knowing Rodgers is very unlikely to be in another team’s uniform come August, we’re certainly not out of the woods yet. The dark clouds of drama between him and the front office are still looming over the organization, with no signs of reconciliation in sight.
Buckle up, Packers fans. With only two weeks to go until training camp begins on July 28th, it’s safe to say we’re all in for a wild ride.
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