After helplessly watching his team of 15 seasons draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft instead of a wide receiver, quarterback Aaron Rodgers began to express doubt about his future with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers has long expressed his desire to finish his career with the Packers, but that desire became all the more difficult when the Packers not only selected but traded up for Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. That’s what makes this move puzzling. The Packers, who were one game away from being in the Super Bowl, opted to select a player who isn’t immediately helping contend, but rather someone who is a piece for the future. With a plethora of talent at the receiver position in this draft, the Packers didn’t draft a single one.
When Rodgers was drafted by the Packers in 2005, Brett Favre was 36 years old and showing the normal signs of progression. The similarity here is uncanny, as the 36-year-old Rodgers has also shown his age during the past few seasons, as injuries and lack of a consistent long-ball are evident.
Then again, Rodgers did sit behind Favre for three seasons as his backup before taking the helm. If Rodgers can work with Love and develop him for when Rodgers is ready to move on from the Packers or football altogether, then all parties win in this situation.
Rodgers is still under contract for four more seasons after signing a $134 million contract in 2018. Being one of the most gifted throwers of the football, Rodgers is still a hot commodity and the Packers would have no trouble finding a trade partner if relationships continue to sour.
Rodgers has thrown for at least 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns the past two seasons, proving he still has the capabilities to be an effective quarterback and lead a team.
