Written by: Tyler Deakin
I believe that Aaron Rodgers has taken the Green Bay Packers as far as the team can go & that it’s time for him to make a change. Rodgers is still playing an elite level after winning the MVP last year; however, the Packers don’t seem interested in helping him reach new heights after failing to draft WRs in recent years, drafting QB Jordan Love last year, and declining to adjust his contract this offseason. They’ve also lost back to back NFC Championship Games in painful fashion despite Rodgers’ best efforts. Without further ado, I will explain the factors involved in why I think Rodgers should use his leverage and force a trade from Green Bay.
Failure to draft WRs
The Packers haven’t drafted a 1st round skill position player to help Aaron Rodgers in 20 years! In a passing league, that seems unfathomable. That’s not to say that they haven’t had great WRs during this time (Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb); however, it does indicate that the Packers have relied on Aaron Rodgers creating plays on his own too often over the years. It’s been painfully obvious to me that the Packers have needed a WR2 to complement Davante Adams for about 5 years now, and yet they’ve failed to draft or sign anyone of value besides TE Robert Tonyan who had a breakout season last year. Why should Rodgers continue investing in the Packers when it’s clear that the Packers have failed to invest in him in recent years?
The Jordan Love Debacle
Andy Dalton (!), Kirk Cousins, & Jimmy Garoppolo all received courtesy calls from their respective teams (Bears, Vikings, 49ers) letting them know that they would be drafting a QB. Aaron Rodgers received no such call when the Packers selected QB Jordan Love 26th overall in the draft last year. This development shocked the NFL Draft landscape, as most analysts had predicted the Packers to finally give Rodgers some help at WR with their 1st round pick last year. Rodgers responded in spite by never letting Jordan Love see the field, starting all 16 games, and winning the NFL MVP Award last season. Of course, the Packers lost the NFC Championship Game because of a boneheaded decision by HC Matt LaFleur to kick a field goal instead of letting Aaron Rodgers go for the win on 4th down. This decision resulted in Rodgers watching from the sideline as Tom Brady & the Bucs ran down the clock on the Packers defense.
Lack of front office investment
Aaron Rodgers has 3 years left on his 4-year, $134 million deal he signed in 2018. He’s already restructured his contract once in 2019 to help the Packers free up some money. Coming off an MVP season after the Packers drafted his replacement last year, why should he feel obliged to complete another contract restructure this year? The Packers reportedly asked him to agree to another restructure; however, Rodgers responded by requesting a contract extension instead. With both sides at an impasse, it’s surely become clear to Rodgers that the Packers only want him there for the short term. Long story short, these are the reasons why I believe Aaron Rodgers has a lot of leverage in trade negotiations and should force his hand in making a trade happen. Simply put, the Packers need Rodgers more than Rodgers needs the Packers right now.