GREEN BAY, Wis. Even Aaron Rodgers does not know what the future holds for him with the Green Bay Packers.
That’s how he left things behind after Sunday’s 31-26 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship.
“[The Packers have] many guys’ future that is uncertain – me included, “Rodgers said as part of an answer on how different the team might look next season and what the 2020 campaign means to him.” This is what is sad about it, most of all, getting to this point. Obviously, it’s going to be an end at some point, whether we pass this one or not, but just the uncertainty’s toughness and finality of everything. ‘
The 37-year-old suspected NFL MVP is under contract until 2023 via 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 traded to choose the possibility of Rodgers. eventual replacement, Jordan Love, with the 26th pick 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 appearance in the NFC title game. Sunday was Rodgers’ first chance to play at home in the conference game, but he became the first quarterback in NFL history to lose four consecutive games in a conference game. His only win comes as a starter as a starter, after the 2010 season, en route to his lone Super Bowl title.
However, Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke strongly about Rodgers’ return for next season.
“I certainly hope so,” LaFleur said. “I mean, the man is the MVP of this league. He’s the heart and soul of our football team. So, hell, yes, he should be better here. He’s our leader, and you know, just as appreciative that he buys what we buy I try to get here and lead the group.His voice carries a lot of weight in the locker room and just, you know, I feel for him.He’s in this situation and for us not to do it, man, it makes sore.”
Rodgers has a salary compensation cost of $ 36.3 million in 2021 and $ 39.9 million in 2022. If he and the team went to the 2021 season separately, the Packers would save $ 22.648 million in salary amount, but they had to count $ 17.204 million in dead money. If they moved on to this season, they would have saved only $ 4.76 million on capital and had $ 31,556 million in dead money.
Despite being the best of his game and knowing the status of his contract thoroughly, Rodgers spoke with some uncertainty about the future.
“That’s a good question,” Rodgers said when asked what’s next for him. “I do not know; I really do not know. There are a lot of strangers going outside this season now. I will surely have to take some time away, and clear my head and just see what’s going on with everything. But it’s tough now, especially to think of the guys who may or may not be here next year.There is always change.It’s the only constant in this business.
‘It’s a time to just get to this point. And that makes the finality of it all hit like a ton of bricks. That’s why it’s a feeling in your stomach. ‘
Last week, Rodgers called his future a ‘beautiful mystery’.
Rodgers also did something he had never done before on Sunday when a season came to an end: he thanked reporters during the video conference call.
“I appreciate you all and the work you have done this year,” Rodgers said. “I appreciate our interaction, appreciate the opportunity to share every week and will always be grateful for this season. Thank you.”
Rodgers intercepted 33-for-48 for 346 yards on Sunday with three touchdowns and one interception. Without David Bakhtiari, All-Pro leftist tackle, ESPN Stats & Information has been put under pressure (fired or coerced) 22 times, most in his playoff career. Shaquil Barrett put him under pressure seven times, with Rodgers being 0-for-4 with three pockets on the plays.
Rodgers never got a chance to win a game, because after LaFleur opted for an eight-point field goal with just over 2 minutes left, the Packers never got the ball back.