PACK WOULD HONOR RODGERS’ REQUEST
Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy confirmed that the team granted the Jets permission to talk with Aaron Rodgers and would honor a trade request if the four-time MVP makes one.
“We’re really hopeful that we can reach a resolution that works not only for Aaron but for us,” Murphy said.
Murphy’s comments follow reports that Jets owner Woody Johnson, coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas visited Rodgers’ home in southern California earlier this week.
Murphy was asked if there’s any scenario in which Rodgers returns as the Packers’ starting quarterback. Murphy said he could envision that possibility but added that “I think it’s trying to find what he wants and what we want. Hopefully we can find a win-win situation.”
Murphy said he wanted a resolution on Rodgers’ future by the start of free agency.
Also in Packers news, Greg Williams was hired as defensive passing-game coordinator, Ryan Downard was promoted to defensive backs coach and the team added the assistant head coach title to special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
♦ The Vikings released wide receiver
Adam Thielen for salary cap relief, ending a remarkable 10-year run with his homestate team as an undrafted underdog.
♦ The Cowboys created about $30 million in salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott and right guard Zack Martin.
♦ The Dolphins informed quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa they will be picking up his fifth-year option.
♦ Patriots safety Devin McCourty retired from the NFL after 13 seasons, which included three Super Bowl titles.
† The Rams released ex-Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd after three seasons.
GOLF
2 share lead as storms halt players
The second round of The Players Championship was suspended by rain with Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa and Adam Svensson of Canada sharing the lead at 8-under par.
World No. 1 golfer Jon Rahm withdrew shortly before the start of the second round because of a stomach illness.
♦ Attorneys for Tiger Woods said he never had an oral or written tenancy agreement with former girlfriend Erica Herman, who sued a trust — that she claims Woods controls — for at least $30 million.
MISCELLANEOUS wizards’ lead over bulls at half-game
Trae Young scored 28 points, including a key three-pointer with 1:17 remaining that helped the Hawks hold off the Wizards 114-107. The Hawks are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, and the Wizards are a half-game up on the Bulls for 10th.
♦ Joel Embiid (39 points) made a fade-away jumper from the foul line with 1.1 seconds left to give the 76ers a 120-119 comeback victory over the Trail Blazers.
♦ Mavericks star Luka Doncic will miss Saturday night’s game against the Grizzlies because of a left thigh strain, and Kyrie Irving’s status is in question after he missed practice for personal reasons.
♦ Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader has a left oblique strain and might miss the start of the regular season. ✶