Matt LaFleur addresses possibility of trading Aaron Rodgers
Expectations for the Green Bay Packers franchise have always been to win a Super Bowl. Especially when you have a special quarterback such as Aaron Rodgers, the Lombardi Trophy should be coming home to Lambeau Field.
Unfortunately, the 2021 season was another season without a championship for Green Bay. Frustrations have boiled over with Rodgers after failing to go further than the NFC Championship over the past decade.
Rumors of Rodgers wanting to leave the franchise this offseason have floated around — enough for Matt LaFleur to comment on the situation. He was asked if the Packers would consider trading their star quarterback but the head coach said they want Rodgers to stay in Green Bay.
“I just want to do everything in my power to get him back here and make sure he’s comfortable with the direction of our football team,” LaFleur said on Monday.
Rodgers played at an MVP level this season throwing for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He did enough to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC but fell at home to the San Francisco 49ers via a last-second kick from Robbie Gould.
From a contract perspective, Rodgers could be a free agent this upcoming season but it would cost the Packers a good chunk of change. If he demands to leave, trading him will make the most financial sense for the organization.
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However, LaFleur insists the quarterback is going to be back next season, some work will need to be done. One might include signing wide receiver Devonte Adams to a long-term extension as he will be a free agent as well.
LeFleur expands on future of Aaron Rodgers
The head coach expanded more on where the franchise stood with Rodgers after their Saturday night playoff loss. LaFleur said he wants to respect how the quarterback handles this offseason but hope he returns next year.
“I sat down and talked to Aaron today for quite some time. I think we’re all a little numb to the situation right now and, so, I would say that what we talked about, I’m definitely gonna keep between him and myself, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be back next year, obviously,” LaFleur said.
“This guy has done so much for such a long period of time for this organization, for this city, for this team, and, so, I want to be respectful of his process. Whatever he needs to go through to make the best decision for himself, and, certainly, we would love for him to be a Packer and be a Packer until the day he decides to retire.”