NFL

Aaron Rodgers plans to play for Packers in stunning turn of events

Aaron Rodgers may remain a Packer after all.

The star quarterback “has indicated to people close to him that he does plan to play for GB this season,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, and the “expectation” is that will happen.

Rodgers, 37, originally informed members of the organization that he wanted out in April, and the relationship was thought to be strained beyond repair. Rodgers skipped both mandatory minicamp and OTAs.

The discontent is believed to stem from the Packers selecting Rodgers’ would-be successor, Jordan Love, in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Last week, Rodgers reportedly declined a two-year contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid player in all of football, eclipsing Patrick Mahomes’ $45 million per year. Rodgers currently is in middle of a four-year, $134 million contract with $98.7 million guaranteed.

But for now, with the first practice of training camp slated for Wednesday, the saga seems to be nearing a conclusion.

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers AP

“We want him back, we’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond,” Packers president Mark Murphy said Monday at the franchise’s annual shareholders meeting. “He’s our leader and we’re looking forward to winning another Super Bowl.”

Added Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, whom Rodgers reportedly mocked in a comparison to ex-Bulls GM Jerry Krause: “We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representatives to resolve the issues (Rodgers has raised), and we are hopeful for a positive resolution.”