It seems like there is no escaping it.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur were hit with a tidal wave of Aaron Rodgers questions at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis.
“You always want to be respectful because I know it’s a lot to take on,” said LaFleur. “He’s got a lot to think about. Certainly, I’m making sure that I consistently communicate with him. But also want to be respectful of his time and the process that he has to go through.”
Do you see what I see? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. LaFleur didn’t just say it once, he mentioned it twice. I think that’s awesome. Obviously, LaFleur wants his back-to-back MVP to return, but Green Bay’s head coach that is heading into his fourth season also knows how important it is to give the future first ballot Hall of Famer his space.
The Packers, as we all know, are in a precarious position. They are waiting on a decision before they can make a determination on Davate Adams, De’Vondre Campbell and others.
So this waiting game isn’t just testing the Packers’ patience, it is testing their words. They know that if they make any kind of a misstep, it could mean that No. 12 will opt to not come back through retirement or a forced trade.
Rodgers remained the topic du jour at a place and time that is reserved for NFL prospects. Obviously, this whole process hasn’t been easy on anyone and it would be simple for the Packers to show frustration at a time like this, but I think it also shows that there has been real growth between both sides from last year to this year.
“I do think, specifically with Aaron, he’s got a very tough process that he goes through to get himself ready to play every season,” said Gutekunst. “It’s a big commitment, and he’s done that for a long time, and it certainly shows in the results. I think he feels he needs to do that to be ready to play at the level he plays at. So I know that weighs on him, but I think he’s going through that now.”
So both LaFleur and Gutekunst are taking the right approach here. The only way to combat this is with a tall glass of understanding. The ball has been in Rodgers’ court because the Packers have said over and over that they would prefer to have their four-time All-Pro back.
The roster cannot be assembled until Rodgers makes a decision, so there’s no use complaining about it. The number that continues to be floated around is near $50 million. If that’s the case, then Russ Ball, the Packers Director of Football Operations, has a big task ahead of him in order to put together a championship football team.
But in the meantime, the Packers are going to give Rodgers his space, respect his time and let him come up with a decision.
Even if the Packers were to bang their fists on the table, it wouldn’t make Rodgers decide any quicker.
Rodgers has until Tuesday. Go for a long walk or finish up that novel you’ve been reading. It’s going to be awhile.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on “Clubhouse Live” and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn