When the Green Bay Packers laid an egg at home during the divisional round of the NFC playoffs last month, Aaron Rodgers told reporters that he'd reveal his plans for the 2022 season before free agency begins in March. And right now, it appears that the two-time reigning league MVP will stick to his word.
According to a report from ESPN insider Dianna Russini, Rodgers will inform the Packers of his decision "soon," and multiple teams have already placed trade offers on the table. Of course, it's still unclear whether the 38-year-old quarterback wants to remain with the Packers, play elsewhere, or announce his retirement. His cryptic social media posts haven't been deciphered.
"I do believe that Aaron Rodgers intends to stay in Green Bay this offseason," Zach Gelb said during the The Zach Gelb Show on Thursday. "Now, what can mess that up? You don't figure out a contract with Davante Adams. You don't give him a long-term contract or extend him. But I think Rodgers enters this offseason -- and he can tell us he hasn't made up his mind, blah, blah, blah -- I think he's at 98 or 99-percent certainty that his preference is to stay...
"If you're the Packers, you're morons, idiots if you don't want Rodgers back. So, I think all signs are pointing toward Aaron Rodgers returning... I think now, [GM] Brian Gutekunst knows he needs him on their roster next year... Why the heck would you get rid of Rodgers when your Super Bowl window, at least it's open now?... There's a lot more pressure directed your way if you're the guy who forces Rodgers out, goes from Favre to Rodgers, then to Jordan Love..."
Last year, it was widely believed that both Rodgers and the Packers reached some verbal agreement to part ways after the 2021 season, if that's what the veteran quarterback wished for. Gutekunst refuted that notion on Wednesday, telling reporters that this particular promise, "was not something I told him." Whether or not Gutekunst is telling the truth, it's a new wrinkle.
Rodgers produced his fourth career MVP season in 2021. In 16 regular season games, he racked up 4,115 passing yards with 37 touchdowns and four picks, and didn't commit a turnover from Week 10 on. Rodgers also stepped up while battling a broken pinky toe, suffered in mid-November. The Packers' campaign ended on a sour note, though, as their offense scored only 10 points in a loss to the 49ers at Lambeau Field.
Rodgers comes with a hefty cap hit of $46 million in 2022 -- due to contract restructuring -- and if he plays out the season, he'd then be eligible for free agency during the 2023 league year. If he chooses to retire this offseason, however, he'd miss out on nearly $27 million in 2022.
Gelb's complete thoughts on Rodgers and the Packers can be accessed in the audio player above.
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