Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could part ways in what sets up as a challenging offseason in Green Bay.
Rodgers said he will take time to have conversations with “people around here” and make a determination about his future before the start of free agency. Following a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs Saturday night at Lambeau Field, Rodgers’ next move has never been more uncertain as he wrapped his 17th season with the Packers.
“I’m going to take some time and have conversations with the folks around here and then take some time away and make a decision — obviously before free agency,” Rodgers said Saturday postgame. “But it’s fresh right now. It’s a little shocking for sure. Definitely was hoping to have a nice week after the NFC Championship to enjoy the lead up and then start contemplating some things. I haven’t even let the moment really sink in yet.”
The Packers are projected to be $44.8 million over the 2022 salary cap and other major decisions share the front burner with the Rodgers outcome. Wide receiver Davante Adams wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver and said last year there will be no hometown discount to stay in Green Bay.
To keep Rodgers, the Packers would need to sign him to a long-term extension. His cap charge in 2022 is $46 million, negotiated intentionally by Rodgers last offseason when his disdain for the front office came to light.
But Rodgers wants more than that. He was open Saturday about not standing for a rebuilding situation, and has previously stated he wants to have input on personnel around him.
“I think this thing, it’s definitely going to look different moving forward in Green Bay,” Rodgers said. “There’s a lot of decisions, a lot of guys with opportunities, so it’ll be interesting to see what things look like moving forward. But I’m thankful for this time, this team. Super disappointed, bummed out, frustrated with how I played tonight, frustrated with how it ended, but still deeply grateful for this season and these guys.”
Rodgers said the looming questions and subsequent changes have caused him to think about whether a Super Bowl is still possible with the franchise.
“There are a lot of decisions to be made and key players, a lot of guys who played tonight,” he said. “Obviously Davante is the best receiver in the league, and he’s a free agent, knowing they can obviously tag him. Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, so many guys’ contracts are up or on the brink or salary cap stuff, so lot of decisions to be made. I don’t want to be part of a rebuild if I’m going to keep playing, so a lot of decisions in the next couple months.”
