Rodgers tones down frustration
An offseason of change for the Packers has been met with occasional displeasure by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
He took a more measured tone with reporters Tuesday at Lambeau Field. On the first day of the team’s offseason program, Yahoo! Sports reported that sources close to Rodgers say he had grown “frustrated” by the team making big moves without consulting him and that the lack of input could factor into negotiations toward a contract extension. Rodgers has fallen to ninth among quarterbacks with an average salary of $ 22 million.
“I know my role, and that’s to play quarterback the best that I can,” Rodgers said. “You just have to trust the process. This process works, and it hasworked for [ coach] Mike [ McCarthy] for a number of years. Obviously, that’s why he’s still here in his 13th season. We’ve had a lot of success here.”
Part of that process was replacing offensive and defensive coordinators and making rare splashes into free agency by adding tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson.
The release of receiver Jordy Nelson was especially hard on Rodgers. Their on- field connection was born from an off- the- field bond.
Olsen no lock to play again
Panthers tight Greg Olsen told ESPN that if the network were to offer him the analyst job for “Monday Night Football” this season, he’d consider taking it.
Olsen, who is set to become a free agent next offseason, interviewed last month for the MNF job previously held by Jon Gruden. He said his first choice is to play the rest of his career for the Panthers but the sides haven’t had “significant” contract talks.
Olsen would count $ 9.75 million against the salary cap under his current contract. The Panthers could reduce the number by spreading it out with an extension.
Miller said he did no wrong
Broncos linebacker Von Miller said he didn’t do anything wrong on a recent shark- fishing excursion in Florida that has drawn the interest of conservation officials.
In his first public comments about the excursion, Miller said he’s an avid hunter and fisherman who always follows the rules. He said he was “shocked” to catch a hammerhead shark in the first place. Miller later released his catch back into the water.
Ex- Jets C Mangold retires
Former Jets center Nick Mangold announced his retirement after 11 years as one of the game’s best centers. Mangold didn’t play last season after being released by the Jets in February 2017. He played in only eight games in 2016 because of ankle and foot injuries.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has started running in his rehab from torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee. Wentz still is targeting a return in the season opener.
ProFootballTalk. com reported that former Eagles cornerback Daryl Worley cleared waivers after the team cut him following his arrest for driving under the influence and disorderly conduct.
Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah signed his franchise tag, signaling his return to the team. He’s guaranteed $ 17.143million this season.
The NFL will release the regular- season schedule at 7 p. m. Thursday on NFL Network and NFL. com.