Will Pack move on from Rodgers?
GREEN BAY, Wis. – After it was over, a stunning end to this Green Bay Packers season and maybe their golden era, a rookie receiver asked the veteran quarterback to make good on a promise.
When the Packers left Detroit earlier this season, Aaron Rodgers promised Lions firstround pick Jameson Williams a game-worn jersey. Williams approached to claim his award after the Packers season ended with a 20-16 loss, but it wasn’t happening this night. Under a Packers stocking cap, Rodgers smiled, pointed to his chest and informed Williams this No. 12 jersey wasn’t leaving his shoulders.
“I’ve got to hold onto this one,” NBC cameras caught the quarterback saying.
Let the speculation begin. This jersey was special to Rodgers in the way a family heirloom might hold value. At the end of 18 seasons with the Packers, the only team he’s ever played for, Rodgers isn’t sure where his career goes from here.
He knows enough to realize Jan. 8 might’ve been the last time he ever plays at Lambeau Field.
“At some point the carousel comes to a stop,” Rodgers said, “and it’s time to get off. I think you kind of know when that is. That’s what needs to be contemplated. Is it time? Also, what’s the organization doing? That’s part of it as well, but the competitive fire is always going to be there. I don’t think that’s ever going away. Sometimes it gets transferred to other things that might not ever fill that large a void.
“But I feel good about what I’ve accomplished in this league. I wouldn’t have any regrets walking away, but I have to see how it feels like once I get away from this.”
Rodgers has waffled on his willingness to commit to another season before, taking
time to find those answers the past two offseasons. Rodgers said he will not hold the Packers hostage, something Brett Favre did at the end of his career. He has followed through on that promise in the past, signing an extension last offseason before free agency began.
This time feels at least a little different, because Rodgers senses all the uncertainty surrounding him. He’s aware of his increasing age (39) in a young man’s game, and that the few teammates he has close bonds with might not be in Green Bay next fall, from Randall Cobb to David Bakhtiari to Marcedes Lewis. Their futures will be part of his decision, Rodgers said.
Then there’s the part that’s intuitive, hard to define.
“It’s a feeling,” Rodgers said. “Do I feel like I have anything left to prove to myself? Do I want to go back and gear up for another grind? Or is it time? Is it time to step away? Is it time for another voice to be leading this
team? I think I need to get away and contemplate those things. Those are real for me. I have a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished in this league, but I’m also a realist. I understand where we’re at as a team. We’re a young team. There could be changes with some of the older guys, and it could be time to step away.
“But I could take some time and say, ‘Hell no, man. I need to get back out there and go on another run.’ But I’ll have to see what it feels like once I’m away from it.”
Rodgers has indicated he believes the Packers might be ready to give backup Jordan Love, a former first-round draft pick, a chance. GM Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur have said they want Rodgers to return, though the GM gave only a tepid endorsement when he addressed the quarterback situation last month, saying it would be an offseason decision.
Rodgers is guaranteed
$59 million if he plays next season, an albatross on the Packers’ salary cap. He said the guaranteed money does not tether him to another season, referencing the “generational wealth” already accumulated in his career.
Rodger finished this season with 3,695 yards, the fewest in his career. He had 25 touchdowns, tied for his fewest in a full season. His 90.45 passer rating was more than 21 points lower than last season, and also the lowest of his career.
On 3rd-and-10 with 3 minutes, 37 seconds left against the Lions, the Packers needing a touchdown to win, Rodgers chucked a prayer down the right sideline to a tightly covered Christian Watson. Rookie safety Kerby Joseph picked off the pass. It was Rodgers’ 12th interception this season, the most since his first season as starter in 2008.
Could that really be the final throw he’ll make in a Packers uniform?