It’s almost March, and we could receive unsurprising news of Aaron Rodgers’ NFL future at any moment. Or, it could happen in a few days. Maybe another week or two. At this point, aside from Rodgers, who knows when the four-time MVP will decide what’s next.
But, like some figures in the football world, it sure seems like the Green Bay Packers are understandably growing impatient with the star quarterback.
As the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off in Indianapolis on Tuesday, GM Brian Gutekunst gave a usual state-of-the-team address. With Rodgers’ future still supposedly up in the air, Gutekunst was even-keeled in response to a question.
He complimented the QB while maintaining, “there’s been some contact back and forth.”
A little bit from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with the Packers media. He’s heading to the national interview room next at the combine. More on ESPN to come. pic.twitter.com/MHUQMBDn4Z
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 28, 2023
So, even with a “darkness retreat,” nothing much of note has changed that much in the last few weeks, huh? Shocker.
What was interesting from Gutekunst’s press conference was how he talked up Jordan Love. The former 2020 first-round pick will enter his fourth NFL season with 83 career pass attempts. When asked about his capacity to start (with the Packers or otherwise), Gutekunst offered up a concise and strong endorsement of the young QB:
Gutekunst said Jordan Love is “absolutely” ready to be a starter and they’ve been in regular communication with him and his agent about what’s happening.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 28, 2023
Hmm. If I didn’t know any better, that response almost reads to me like the Packers are trying to put more pressure on Rodgers as he bides his time.
There is the possibility Gutekunst is trying to play up Love’s talent for a potential trade. But with the free agency period around the corner, I think it’s more likely the Packers want to commit their primary signal-caller for the 2023 campaign very soon. If that’s Rodgers, so be it. And if it’s Love, so be it.
But all the cards remain in Rodgers’ hands for now, so the Packers don’t appear to have too many options. And a strange holding period in Green Bay seems to have somehow gotten even more awkward.