REPORT: PACK WILLING TO DEAL RODGERS
League sources told ESPN that the Packers are considering trading quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The sources believe the franchise prefers to move on from Rodgers, just as it once did with Brett Favre. Those sources also believe that Rodgers is well aware of the Packers’ feelings on the situation.
Rodgers, 39, said this past week on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he is “open to all honest and direct conversations” with the Packers and that a trade “wouldn’t offend me, and it wouldn’t make me feel like a victim.”
The four-time MVP did say that he has not decided if he wants to play moving forward, but it seems likely he will play as he is due $59.5 million in guaranteed money in 2023 and another $49.25 million in 2024.
The Packers are projected to be $16 million over the salary cap, and Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard and Mason Crosby are all free agents.
The team also has to decide on quarterback Jordan Love’s fifth-year option that would be worth roughly $20 million fully guaranteed by May 1.
“They drafted my replacement, and if I didn’t win two COVID MVPs, this conversation probably would’ve happened earlier,” Rodgers said during the interview Tuesday. “But in a year where I’m not going to win MVP, it allows for all the different conjectures of if Jordan is ready and if it’s time to move on.”
Dolphins add Fangio as DC
The Dolphins reportedly have reached a deal with former Broncos coach Vic Fangio to become their defensive coordinator.
Fangio, who had been one of the most sought-after defensive coordinator candidates this offseason, was Denver’s coach from 2019-21, going 19-30. Before that he was the defensive coordinator for the Bears under John Fox (2015-17) and Matt Nagy (2018).
The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer after three seasons.
Miami finished the season ranked 18th in total defense, 27th in passing defense and tied for 24th on third downs as the team dealt with various injuries.
Fangio, 64, a respected defensive mind, figures to mesh well with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and the talent Miami has on defense. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins had a career year, totaling 98 tackles. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips and rookie cornerback Kader Kohou both had standout seasons.
More coaching news
Niners defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is heading to Houston this week for a second interview and reportedly will be offered the Texans’ coaching job. A former linebacker, Ryans played his first six seasons (200611) for the Texans. The Texans have had four coaches in the last three seasons: Bill O’Brien and Romeo Crennel (interim) in 2020; David Culley in 2021; and Lovie Smith in 2022. The Texans own the second overall pick (behind the Bears) in the NFL Draft.
◆ The Cowboys and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore reportedly have agreed to part ways. Coach Mike McCarthy will take over play-calling duties. Quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier is also expected to depart.
Moore was a finalist for the Panthers’ coaching job, but the team hired Frank Reich.
◆ Broncos co-owner and CEO Greg Penner reportedly flew to Ann Arbor, Michigan, last week to interview Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh had a virtual interview earlier this month before announcing he would stay with the Wolverines.
Surgery for Herbert
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had surgery on the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder last week. He is expected to be ready for the offseason program in mid-April.
The Chargers made the postseason for the first time in Herbert’s three-year career but lost to the Jaguars in the wild-card round after blowing a 27-point, first-half lead.
Herbert was second in the league in completions (477) and passing yards (4,739) . He was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl Games but will be unable to participate.