There’s been no movement on the conflict between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers as training camp draws near.
Just hours before the N.F.L. Draft in April news broke that the three-time MVP wanted out of Green Bay due to what he says is a lack of consideration and respect for all the people that make up the Packer organization, himself included. He’s accused management, mainly General Manager Brian Gutekunst of not being open with him on personnel moves, especially when it came to drafting his apparent successor Jordan Love in the first round last year.
Manitowoc Lincoln alum Don Davey played nine years in the N.F.L. and was taken by the Packers in the third round of the 1991 draft. Speaking with Seehafer News, he said he feels that’s where this mess all began.
“To Aaron’s credit, he’s like ‘Listen if you’re go ahead and draft a guy at my position and my eventual successor I’m going to prove to you that you made a mistake.'” Davey said. “That’s exactly what he did going on to have one of the best seasons ff his career winning his third MVP award and leading the Packers to just a play away from the Super Bowl.”
Rogers won his third MVP award passing for 48 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Many football pundits say this all about money as his $134 million contract is tied for the fifth-highest in value with Detroit’s Jared Goff and less than Dak Prescott of Dallas who signed a 4 year $160 million contract this offseason.
Davey feels this really isn’t a big deal. Or is it?
“He’s the reigning N.F.L. MVP and still arguably the best quarterback in the league. To see other guys being paid more than him after the season he just had has to bother him a little bit,” Davey stated. “Not that he needs the money but what you are paid at your position in relation to your peers is how you’re shown respect in the N.F.L.”
By the way, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed the richest contract in N.F.L. history at 12-years worth $450 million.
Rogers has aspirations to play until he’s 45 and has made it clear he’d like to spend the rest of his career in Green Bay. But Davey admits that the next five-and-a-half weeks are critical in making that a reality.
“I see both sides of this conflict,” he said. “Hopefully, these people can sooner than later weed through this mess and get this resolved. I firmly believe that Aaron wants to play in Green Bay and the Packers want him to be their quarterback. I’m sure Packer Nation wants this resolved so they can relax knowing that we can get ready to challenge for a Super Bowl with Aaron as our quarterback.”
Training camp begins July 27th and Rodgers will be fined a mandatory $50,000 per day if he doesn’t report, money he cannot recoup.
