The Packers reworked Rodgers’ deal in 2021 to help grease the wheels for his return, a move that also opened the door to this season having been his swan song in Green Bay, but they’re cautiously optimistic at the moment. That’s because instead of immediately jetting out of Wisconsin following the playoff exit at Lambeau Field, Rodgers reportedly stuck around to gauge where head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst are looking to take the team next season, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The organization is taking that as a good sign, but they’re also well-aware Rodgers can change his mind at a moment’s notice, and there will be no shortage of interest around the NFL if he does. One hypothetical scenario sees him suiting up for the Denver Broncos in 2022, particularly after seeing former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett land the job as head coach in Colorado.
From there, you could point at several other teams who’d go after Rodgers — hard.
The 38-year-old will take a moment to process what he feels should happen next in his career, but noted he wouldn’t allow the situation to drag out and that the Packers should have his answer before free agency begins in March. Until then, they can only wait to see what he’ll decide, also knowing his decision will have a massive impact on free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. Rodgers hasn’t ruled anything out regarding his future, and has made it clear he’s also not interested in playing for any team that’s rebuilding.
The Packers hope he doesn’t view them as the latter, but instead the only team he’ll ever want to play for, which would be a vast departure from what occurred on the back end of Brett Favre’s career — something the Packers remember all too well.
