Matt LaFleur backs Aaron Rodgers in a big way
By Scott Rogust
The Green Bay Packers head coach backs the veteran, despite trading up to draft Jordan Love
General manager Brian Gutekunst might not have thought it during the NFL Draft, but he created a quarterback controversy on the Green Bay Packers. After the team fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, many thought the front office would reward Aaron Rodgers with a wide receiver in the stacked position class. Instead, Gutekunst traded up in the first round to take Utah State signal caller Jordan Love, despite Rodgers being signed for the next four years.
But on Sunday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur silenced said controversy by telling the media that Rodgers is going to be the guy “for a really long time.” Yet, he did say he doesn’t know how long that’ll be, so take that for what you will, Packers fans.
LaFleur on Rodgers: “Right now, most importantly, Aaron’s our quarterback and I see him here for a really long time. However long that is, I don’t think anybody knows. Nothing’s guaranteed in this league. But I feel so lucky to be able to work with him on a daily basis.” pic.twitter.com/JTsp4SdmZM
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 2, 2020
Even if Rodgers is the guy, the Packers did him no favors
Despite LaFleur giving Rodgers the coveted vote of confidence, he did essentially leave the door open for Love to move in as starter one day. Rodgers’ deal expires at the end of the 2023 season, which would be Love’s fourth year in the league. Maybe Rodgers stays for the long haul, a la Brett Favre. Or, and we say this hypothetically, the veteran quarterback demands a trade to a new team if things sour in Green Bay.
LaFleur has said recently that the Packers lacked explosive players on offense. Yet, the team did little to address the need. Their lone addition on offense was former Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Devin Funchess, who understandably opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It certainly stings for Rodgers after seeing teams in the conference like the 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks all improve their rosters to make them serious contenders. Instead of doing so, the Packers opted to build for the future, which still boggles the mind.
Related Story. Devin Funchess opting out makes the Packers look even worse for not drafting a wideout. light
Make no mistake about it, Rodgers will be the guy in 2020. How long after this season is anyone’s guess. All we can say is keep your eyes peeled on what’s bound to be a drama-filled saga.