Packers take another shot at Aaron Rodgers on the way out
By Mark Powell
The Green Bay Packers, whether they meant to or not, made a rude comment about Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers after his trade to the Jets.
Aaron Rodgers is a New York Jet. The trade is finally a reality, after months of waiting.
Just days prior to the NFL Draft, and Packers and Jets pulled off their long-awaited blockbuster, sending Rodgers to New York in exchange for all kinds of draft capital.
The trade signaled a win for Green Bay, as they got Rodgers off their roster, plus acquired a first-round selection in this year’s draft and potentially next should he play 65 percent of the snaps. That doesn’t include the second rounder and sixth rounder this year, either. With Thursday night’s showcase (at that time) just days away, Green Bay could look at their draft board in a whole different light.
Packers: Did Brian Gutekunst take a shot at Aaron Rodgers?
We all know Rodgers doesn’t have too many years left in his playing career. Heck, Rodgers knows that, but for Gutekunst to say it out loud is jarring.
“Aaron is obviously up there in age. I think he’s got some really good football left in him. As we got through the offseason, this made sense … Having (Jordan Love) sit for another year would’ve really delayed (his development),” Gutekunst said.
To his credit, the Packers general manager did follow up his “obviously up there in age” sentiment with several compliments, if only because he realized how it would come across.
Much like the Brett Favre saga, Rodgers left Green Bay with a bad taste in his mouth. He didn’t like how the franchise treated veteran players prior to getting dealt. Now, he really gets it. Gutekunst did mention how he wished he could have contacted Rodgers personally to discuss the deal, but that never came to be.
All wounds eventually heal. For now, this one is fresh.