Here is how Aaron Rodgers could get the last laugh when it comes to the Green Bay Packers.
It may seem absolutely ludicrous, but yes, there is a way reigning NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers can totally screw over the Green Bay Packers this fall: He can exercise his option to opt-out of the 2021 NFL season.
For the second year in a row, the NFL and the NFLPA will allow opt-outs due to COVID-19, regardless of if they opted out of 2020 or not. One stipulation is any player who finalized a contract before Oct. 1, 2020 can opt-out for any reason, no questions asked. Rodgers falls into that category and has a potential opt-out in his contract for 2022 anyway. It might really be over.
By Friday, July 2, Rodgers could make a permanent decision and be done with the Packers forever.
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers can completely cut ties by opting out of 2021
Though he would not receive a stipend of any kind, Rodgers would not have to give up his $11.5 million signing bonus money or his $6.8 million roster bonus that was earned back in March and will be paid out in weekly installments. Essentially, Rodgers would still be able to keep $18.3 million and tell the Packers to kick rocks, if he feels so inclined. Would he really do this, though?
Of course, Rodgers could temporarily retire and then come back at a later part of the season. However, he could just as easily rest, recover and collect $18.3 million from the same franchise he would theoretically file divorce with next spring. While opting out is way better than holding out because of that eight-figure sum of cash, Rodgers will miss all of his age-38 season by doing so.
If Rodgers opts out by Friday, July 2, this could become one of the nastiest divorces in NFL history.