Packers’ CEO ‘hopeful’ about sorting it out with QB Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers reportedly has indicated to some people close to him that he plans to play for the Packers this season after all.
None of the offseason drama will lead to a Rodgers trade or retirement here in 2021, per NFL Network. ESPN later reported that Rodgers and the Packers were close to an agreement that would include voiding the 2023 season from his contract.
Perhaps it will be one “Last Dance,” as Rodgers and wideout Davante Adams intimated a few days ago with a simultaneous post of a Michael JordanScottie Pippen photo.
On Monday, Packers CEO Mark Murphy said: “We have been very clear we’re not gonna trade him.” General manager Brian Gutekunst said he is hopeful for a positive outcome.
Rodgers’ agent and the Packers have had discussions recently to “do something that would bring Rodgers back to the team and make him happy,” per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Rapoport said he is not sure whether Rodgers will report to camp Tuesday, and he said there are some people close to Rodgers who haven’t heard about his intentions to stay.
Rodgers’ public feud and frustration with Packers management has been well documented, but once the NFL draft passed with no deal, teams were low on the capital required to pull off a trade.
Green Bay also had everything invested in making sure Rodgers stayed. And Murphy, Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur all reportedly flew to California in the spring to try to mediate and negotiate a solution.
Rodgers reportedly turned down a contract extension earlier this offseason, but it seems as if he wants to continue playing football and recognizes that doing so in Green Bay is his best option, at least for 2021.
Watson on the block: Neither Deshaun Watson nor the Texans have much leverage in a trade now, but they’re seemingly counting on Watson’s skill to tilt the scales.
The Texans made it known through NFL Network on Monday that they are willing to trade the quarterback and have been listening to offers for some time. And their asking price is exorbitant, per ESPN: a combination of five high draft picks and startingcaliber players. Any package must include three firstrounders, the league’s network said.
Watson, however, is facing 22 separate lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions.
The Houston Chronicle reported Sunday that though Watson doesn’t want to be in Houston and the Texans don’t want him there, “a trade doesn’t appear imminent” and “any move would likely come when his legal issues are resolved.”
Washington signing: Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen agreed to terms with Washington on a $72 million, fouryear contract extension with a $30 million signing bonus, according to his agency.
The 26yearold Alabama alum was a key reason Washington had the NFL’s secondranked defense in 2020. He was fourth on the team with 63 tackles, had two sacks and played a key role in mentoring AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young.
Briefly: Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich will miss the start of training camp after testing positive for the coronavirus . ... Minnesota rookie defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman, a sixthround pick from Pittsburgh who has been recovering from four gunshot wounds, likely won’t play in the first half of the season . ... Cincinnati defensive end Sam Hubbard signed a fouryear contract extension.