Despite backing the departure of Aaron Rodgers following his desire to play for the New York Jets, the quarterback is still at the Green Bay Packers.
After weeks of speculation, it looked as though the Rodgers saga was set to end after the quarterback announced he intended to trade to the Jets for the 2023 season. The Packers then authorised for Rodgers to meet with the Jets organisation in person, and it seemed as though a trade announcement was looming.
But that's since stalled, and if things aren't completed before April 17 then things could be awkward over at the Packers facility. They've been set an 'unofficial trade deadline' to avoid any awkwardness with Rodgers, meaning there's less than three weeks to reach an amicable agreement.
That is because the Packers are set to start their offseason workout program on April 17, and if Rodgers is still signed to their roster then he's entitled to show up and participate. The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association state that the Packers are not allowed to restrict him from team activities if he is on their roster.
This could make for an awkward start to their program, as the power is then in Rodgers' hand - as it has been for most of the offseason anyway. Head coach Matt LaFleur doesn't seem too bothered, and is keen to just coach whoever is in attendance.
"That’s all between [Jets general manager Joe Douglas] and [Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst]," LaFleur said on Tuesday. "I’m going to leave that one to them. We’ll coach whoever is on our roster."
LaFleur and Rodgers maintain a good relationship, and the coach wished the veteran well in his future endeavours. He also expressed regret that they didn't manage to win the Super Bowl together, despite going close on many occasions since 2019.
But Rodgers' relationship with the Packers front office isn't as healthy, following his actions this offseason. Rodgers could either stay away from team activities if the move is yet to be completed, or he could choose to show up and participate anyway.
While Rodgers was contemplating his NFL future, he remained distant from the Packers despite general manager Gutekunst reaching out to him on multiple occasions for further talks. Gutekunst was honest on Tuesday at the Owners Meeting in Arizona that he'd have appreciated a more open approach from Rodgers, as he revealed he was 'ghosted' by the quarterback.
