The Jets’ reported trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers elicited a number of reactions from around the NFL on Monday, including an interesting soundbite from a key figure at the center of the negotiations.
Shortly after the news broke, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stepped to the podium for his pre-NFL draft press conference, which expectedly became all about the megadeal. When asked why the time was right to trade Rodgers, Gutekunst raised quite a few eyebrows with his reply, as the GM praised his ability to still play at a high level but emphasized his age as a reason behind why the club was ready to move on. Gutekunst also cited the Packers’ desire to elevate fourth-year QB Jordan Love, the No. 26 pick in the 2020 draft, into the starting lineup to avoid further delaying his development.
“Aaron is obviously up there in age,” Gutekunst said, per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “I think he’s got some really good football left in him. As we got through the offseason, this made sense … Having [Love] sit for another year would’ve really delayed [his development].”
To some, Gutekunst’s comment could be viewed as a backhanded compliment, considering the fact that Rodgers, who turns 40 on Dec. 2, wanted out after things soured between the four-time MVP and the organization. The apparent disconnect between the sides was also evident after Gutekunst told reporters he wanted Rodgers’s input during negotiations but found it “disappointing” that he didn’t follow through, per FOX6’s Lily Zhao.
While the possibility of lingering tension may still exist, the Packers and Rodgers will now officially go their separate ways after a nearly two-decade partnership. The No. 24 pick in 2005, Rodgers accumulated a Hall of Fame-worthy resumé in Green Bay, including 10 Pro Bowl nods, four first-team All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl XLV MVP.
