Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future plans in 2023, the Green Bay Packers have shifted their position with regard to the trade drama surrounding the quarterback.
In a statement released on Friday by team president Mark Murphy, he affirmed that they would now be open to honoring a trade request from Rodgers if he were to make one.
This is a notable departure from their earlier stance in 2021 when they declined to grant his trade request. Additionally, Murphy confirmed that the Jets were given permission to meet with Rodgers.
The Packers’ general manager, Brian Gutekunst, has repeatedly stated that he believes their first-round draft pick from 2020, Jordan Love, is ready to take on the mantle of starting quarterback.
This position has undoubtedly contributed to the Packers’ shift in strategy. After all, it was only last year that they signed Rodgers to a $50.3 million-per-year extension in March 2022. However, it now appears that this deal may ultimately end up benefiting another team in the near future.
In a bid to quell the mounting speculation, Murphy expressed his hope that a mutually beneficial resolution could be reached.
“We’re really hopeful that we can reach a resolution that works not only for Aaron but for us,” Murphy said.
Packers president Mark Murphy talking on the WIAA GBB state broadcast right now: confirms Jets received permission to talk to Rodgers "we are really hopeful we can find a resolution that works for Aaron and works for us"
— Dave Schroeder (@SchroederWBAY) March 10, 2023
Will Aaron Rodgers return as the Packers’ starting quarterback?
In a recent exchange with reporters, Murphy was posed with the question of whether there was any possibility of Rodgers resuming his role as the starting quarterback for the Packers. He acknowledged that such a scenario was conceivable. But emphasized the importance of finding a solution that would satisfy both parties.
He expressed optimism in identifying a mutually beneficial outcome, stating, “I think it’s trying to find what he wants and what we want. Hopefully, we can find a win-win situation.”
Given the pressing nature of the issue, Murphy articulated his desire to resolve the matter before the onset of free agency. It is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
He reasoned that prompt resolution would be beneficial for all parties involved, stating, “It’s in everybody’s interest to resolve it sooner rather than later.”
Although Aaron Rodgers earned back-to-back MVP honors in 2020 and 2021, his performance in the 2022 season was not up to his usual standards. He had his lowest passer rating since becoming a starter. Rodgers threw 12 interceptions, which marked his highest tally since 2008. The Packers also had a disappointing season, with a record of 8-9. They failed to qualify for the playoffs after winning the NFC North for three consecutive years.
