GREEN BAY, Wis. – Even Aaron Rodgers doesn’t know what the future holds for him with the Green Bay Packers.
That’s how he left things after Sunday’s 31-26 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.
“[The Packers have] the future of many guys who are uncertain – including me, “said Rodgers as part of an answer about how the team could be different next season and what the 2020 campaign meant to him.” That is what is sad, most, so far. Obviously, it will be an end at some point, regardless of whether we go through it or not, but only uncertainty is difficult and the purpose of it all. “
The alleged 37-year-old NFL MVP is under contract until 2023 through the $ 134 million contract extension he signed in 2018. But his long-term future with the Packers was called into question when general manager Brian Gutekunst negotiated for select the possible eventual replacement, Jordan Love, with the 26th choice in last year’s draft.
What followed was perhaps Rodgers’ best campaign – 48 touchdowns and just five interceptions in the regular season – and a fifth participation in the game for the NFC title. Sunday was Rodgers’ first chance to play the conference championship game at home, but he became the first defender in NFL history to miss four consecutive appearances in a conference championship game. His only victory came the first time as a starter, after the 2010 season, en route to his Super Bowl title.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur, however, spoke strongly about Rodgers’ return for the next season.
“I sure hope so,” said LaFleur. “I mean, the guy is the MVP for this league. He’s the heart and soul of our football team. So, hell yes, he better be back here. He’s our leader, and you know, very grateful for he bought what we’re trying to finish here and lead that group. His voice has a lot of weight in that locker room and, you know, I feel for him. He’s in this situation and we don’t do it, man, it hurts. “
Rodgers has a salary cap charge of $ 36.3 million in 2021 and $ 39.9 million in 2022. If he and the team went their separate ways after the 2021 season, the Packers would save $ 22.648 million in salary cap space, but they would have to count $ 17.204 million in dead money. If they continued after this season, they would only save $ 4.76 million at the limit and have $ 31.556 million in dead money.
Despite being at the top of the game and knowing the status of his contract very well, Rodgers spoke with some uncertainty about the future.
“It’s a good question,” said Rodgers when asked about what’s next. “I don’t know; I really don’t know. There are a lot of unknowns in this off season right now. I’m going to have to take some time, for sure, clear my head and just see what’s going on at all. But it’s very difficult now, especially thinking in the guys who may or may not be here next year. There are always changes. This is the only constant in this business.
“It is difficult to get to this point. And that makes the purpose of everything hit you like a ton of bricks. That is why it is a feeling of stomach upset.”
Last week, Rodgers called his future a “beautiful mystery”.
Rodgers also did something on Sunday that he had never done before, when the season was drawing to a close: he thanked reporters on the video conference call.
“I thank you all and the work you have done this year,” said Rodgers. “I appreciate our interactions, I appreciate the opportunity to share every week and I will always be grateful for this season. Thanks.”
Rodgers made 33 to 48 for 346 yards with three touchdowns and an interception on Sunday. Without the All-Pro David Bakhtiari left back, Rodgers was pressured (fired or under duress) 22 times, the biggest in his playoff career, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Shaquil Barrett pressed him seven times, with Rodgers making 0 of 4 with three bags in those plays.
Rodgers never had a chance to win the game, because after LaFleur opted for an eight-point basket with just over 2 minutes left, the Packers never recovered the ball.