Aaron Rodgers, Packers Reworking Deal to Keep QB in Green Bay – For Now
Just days ago, Las Vegas sportsbooks were bracing for the thought of a 2021 NFL season without Aaron Rodgers. Now, it appears he will be returning to play for the Green Bay Packers this coming season. Rodgers and Green Bay managed to rework his deal to keep him in a Packers uniform for now. That should also keep the betting odds up for Green Bay as a division favorite, and Rodgers as a potential MVP candidate again.
Aaron Rodgers & Packers close to ‘reworked deal’?
While there had been offseason issues between Rodgers and the Packers, it seems he’s coming back to play. Based on NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport’s report from an inside source, a reworked deal is “in the final stages” between Rodgers and his longtime team. Rodgers wanted more of a say in his contract situation and based on Rapoport’s report, he’ll get that in 2022 and 2023.
Earlier on Monday, an NFL.com report indicated that Rodgers told people close to him that he intended to play for the Packers. The news comes just in time too. The Packers begin their training camp on Tuesday and it appears they’ll soon have their top quarterback available.
Previously Ian Rapoport reported about Rodgers’ frustration with the Packers’ club and management, to the point he would never play for them again. However, when the news arrived during the Packers annual shareholders meeting, it brought comments from general manager Brian Gutekunst and president/CEO Mark Murphy.
“We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representatives to resolve the issues he raised this offseason, and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution,” Gutekunst said while addressing fans at Lambeau Field.
“We want him back. We’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond. We’re looking forward to winning another Super Bowl with him,” Murphy said.
Reigning MVP’s frustration apparent during offseason
Rodgers, who was named the AP MVP for the 2020-21 NFL season, expressed his unhappiness with Green Bay not long after the season had ended. That came as early as NFL Draft Night when it was reported Rodgers told the team he didn’t want to play for them any longer. That helped kickstart rumors of a trade, possibly to the San Francisco 49ers or Denver Broncos for a high draft pick or player.
Tensions continued with Rodgers ignoring the media with the exception of an appearance on SportsCenter for Kenny Mayne’s final appearance. During that time, Rodgers threw some shade at the Packers brass for the offseason issues.
Rodgers’ top receiver, Davante Adams, even got involved in the offseason spat and broke off his long-term contract extension talks with the Packers. Once news of that arrived, Rodgers and Adams shared photos of legendary Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on their Instagram Stories. Their IG Story posts were in reference to the “Last Dance” that the two players might have in Green Bay.
The Packers selected quarterback Jordan Love at No. 26 in 2020, which seemed to make him the heir to Rodgers’ spot. Love was even preparing himself for the possibility of being the starter this season. However, it now appears he’ll continue to play the role of understudy, as the issues between Rodgers and Green Bay are closer to a resolution.
Some sportsbooks believed Rodgers would retire
According to a Sports Illustrated report just days ago, Vegas believed it was the end of the Rodgers era in Green Bay. The Westgate Superbook reportedly closed all NFC North Markets down due to speculation. That included the projected wins, playoff odds, divisional odds, and weekly lines for all four teams in the NFC North.
Based on the rumors another unnamed sportsbook even shortened the odds they had for Patrick Mahomes to win NFL MVP for the upcoming season. Additionally, they pushed out prices on Green Bay to win the NFC North, shortening odds for the other division teams. It was clear that simple rumors sent shockwaves through NFL betting markets.
However, it appears the new reports about Green Bay’s QB should force the aforementioned sportsbooks to change their minds, as Aaron Rodgers looks to be on track for a return to play in 2021.
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