GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WSAU) — Likely #1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence suddenly isn’t the center of attention in the hours leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft.
Several reports are claiming Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to return to the team, telling insiders that he his relationship with the front office has been broken beyond repair.
The news came after reports that multiple teams had reached out to Green Bay to inquire about Rodgers’ availability on the trade market ahead of Thursday’s first round.
Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is so disgruntled with the Green Bay Packers that he has told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team, league and team sources told ESPN on Thursday.
More on NFL Live now….
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
The team is reportedly aware of his feelings – and team president Mark Murphy, general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur each fly out on separate trips to meet with Rodgers throughout the offseason. Neither side has moved, as the Packers have made it known they aren’t interested in trading Rodgers.
Multiple teams have reportedly reached out with trade offers, but have been quickly shut down. According to ProFootballTalk, Rodgers has a desire to be traded to a team on the west coast. That would put him closer to family and his new fiance.
Rodgers’ contract contained a $6.8 million roster bonus due in March. It could have been converted into a signing bonus that would have freed up more than $4.5 million in salary cap space for this season. It’s listed as an automatic conversion in Rodgers’ contract, but even that has to be signed off on by both parties. It’s not known if the Packers tried to convert and Rodgers refused to sign off on it, or if they did not attempt a conversion.
There never has been an NFL MVP traded after winning the award in the previous season. The only MVPs not to return to their team in the season after winning the award were Norm Van Brocklin (retired after winning MVP in 1960) and Jim Brown (retired after winning MVP in 1965). https://t.co/hH8kZfuI0A
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
Multiple other NFL insiders including FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer have confirmed Schefter’s information
Neither Rodgers nor his representation has commented on the situation. No formal statement from the Packers has been released either as management crams ahead of the draft.
As it stands Green Bay holds the 29th pick in the first round unless it’s traded.
Casey Nelson from WTAQ in Green Bay contributed to this report
Comments