Cory's Corner: Packers & Rodgers Need Each Other

It made sense at the moment. 

Jordan Love was drafted in 2020 because Aaron Rodgers only started seven games in 2017 and won six games in 2018. The organization was left with a tough decision as the 2019 season approached: Either stick with Rodgers because he has proven time and again that he can do it or with Rodgers approaching 36 years old, it’s time to think of an insurance policy.

Like I said, I liked it back then. I didn’t like where Love was drafted and that general manager Brian Gutekunst traded up to get him. Love had the raw ability, but after starting two-and-a-half seasons at Utah State University and being largely average, it was apparent that Love needed seasoning.

But that was before Rodgers decided to prove everyone wrong. This season, at 38 years old, he is playing some of the best football of his career. After winning the NFL MVP last year by throwing 48 touchdowns and completing over 70 percent of his passes, Rodgers is the slam dunk to win his fourth MVP. That would put Rodgers second all-time to Peyton Manning’s five MVPs.

The time is now. If that means the Packers have to pull a Tom Hanks and tearfully say, “I’m sorry Aaron,” then by all means do it. And the reason is simple. Rodgers is clearly the best quarterback in the game. He is running circles around everyone else mainly because of how efficient he is. 

Is it really worth watching a talent like that go when you don’t know what you have waiting on deck? Granted, we got to see Love start against the Chiefs on Nov. 7, but he showed that the game is still too fast for him. His presnap decision making isn’t there and he is very skittish when the pocket begins to crumble. 

The next order of business is money. The Packers and Rodgers would have to meet in the middle. The 17-year pro is due $46.1 million in 2022, which is impossible for Green Bay — especially with the Packers’ cap space set at $3.5 million according to OverTheCap.com. 

Not only is Rodgers good for the Packers, the Packers are good for Rodgers. Rodgers is meshing with third-year head coach Matt LaFleur, he is comfortable in the play-action offense and he knows exactly what is expected of him. The Packers have one of the best offensive lines, a solid 1-2 punch at running back and a plethora of pass catchers. 

Then there’s Davante Adams. He is the best receiver in the NFL. Adams is justified going after an average contract over $20 million a year. But what’s the point of signing a long-term deal with a different team if you’re not 100 percent confident that the quarterback can consistently get you the ball? I’m willing to bet that Adams is at least willing to listen to Green Bay if Rodgers comes back. If Adams wants to be considered a top three wideout of all-time, he stays and continues to pile up amazing stats. 

Rodgers was clearly hurt when the Packers picked Love. Now it’s time for the Packers to make it right. Trade Love away for a third and fourth rounder. A team like the Browns or Panthers would probably pounce on that given their inconsistencies at the most important position in sports. 

The Packers just need to be honest and realize that Rodgers staying in Green Bay for the foreseeable future and adding another Super Bowl trophy and MVP award would make it all worth it. 

The Packers can have all of the pieces in place, but without an elite quarterback, they would quickly turn into Cleveland. The Browns would’ve beat the Packers with average quarterback play on Saturday, but the Packers escaped with a 24-22 win.

That’s where the Packers are. They need to look at themselves in the mirror and see who they want to be. Do they want to be good enough or do they want to be elite? This is a fork in the road question that should be easy to answer.