Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre is expecting a statistical drop-off from superstar wide receiver Davante Adams following his trade to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Favre told TMZ Sports in an interview published Saturday it all comes down to the difference between the quarterbacks, the Packers' Aaron Rodgers and Raiders' Derek Carr, saying he'd be "shocked" if Adams maintains the same numbers after the deal.

"I think Derek Carr is a very good quarterback," Favre said. "But he's not in Aaron's league yet. May never be. And that's no disrespect."

Adams emerged as one of the NFL's best receivers during his eight-year tenure in Green Bay. His 69 touchdown catches over the past six seasons are nine more than any other wideout.

He's coming off a terrific 2021 campaign where he recorded career-high totals in receptions (123) and receiving yards (1,553) while finding the end zone 11 times in 16 games. He earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and second straight first-team All-Pro selection.

In all, the 29-year-old California native tallied 669 catches for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns in 116 contests with the Packers.

Adams' longstanding desire to become the NFL's highest-paid receiver ultimately led to the end of his time in Green Bay, and he got his wish as he signed a five-year, $140 million extension with the Raiders that includes a $28 million average annual salary.

He already has a built-in rapport with Carr after the duo played college football together at Fresno State. The receiver caught 38 touchdowns in 26 appearances between 2012 and 2013.

While that should make for a smooth transition, the question is whether his stats will remain among the league's elite following the move.

For his part, Adams told reporters in June he thinks Carr's skill set isn't that far off from Rodgers':

As far as talent and ability, it's really similar, if I'm keeping it real. They throw the ball a lot different. Derek's gonna fire it in there, and you gonna know that thing's coming quick. Aaron's got the ability to tighten that core up and flick that ball to you. So the release is a lot different, but being able to get the ball to you late, if they see you coming out of a break, not many quarterbacks can get it to you before you get to the sideline if you're outside the numbers already. Having two guys like that with really strong arms, and understand the game, the mental part of it, is another similarity that they have. They both obsess over it and they know everything that's going on out there.

That said, the other factor in play is the Raiders' pass-catching depth, which is better than what the Packers showcased in recent years.

Adams was the unquestioned top target in Green Bay, and while he'll still be the No. 1 WR in Vegas, his new team also features a top-tier slot receiver in Hunter Renfrow and one of the league's best tight ends in Darren Waller.

So it's possible his numbers dip a bit in 2022 through no fault of Carr or himself. It just figures to become a more balanced passing attack than he dealt with alongside Rodgers, where he averaged 153.5 targets over the past four years.

Even with a more modest target share, Adams is a strong bet to remain among the NFL's most valuable offensive playmakers this season.

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson got some advice from a helpful source after making his NFL debut.

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported Wilson spoke with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Wilson explained to Rodgers how he was going over tape after finishing 20-of-37 for 258 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a 19-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Per Breer, Rodgers suggested that was the wrong course of action because the rookie was unnecessarily overwhelming himself.

Breer wrote how it was reflective of a larger issue for Wilson, who "had too much going through his head" and was "trying to do too much too fast."

The 22-year-old struggled as a rookie, finishing with 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 13 starts. He completed just 55.6 percent of his passes and was sacked 44 times.

Many figured Wilson to be a bit of a project when he was coming out of BYU, though, so some early hiccups weren't totally unexpected. And the exchange with Rodgers shows how much the adjustment to the NFL extends beyond reading defenses and making quicker decisions in the pocket.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh was careful to manage expectations for his young signal-caller, but Wilson should be in a nice position to take a step forward in his development in 2022.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams told reporters that it's "apples and oranges" when asked to compare his current quarterback, Derek Carr, and his ex-signal-caller, the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers.

"That's a tough question," Adams said (h/t Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk). "I mean, it's tough to compare. It's really apples and oranges there. I mean, it's just such a different ball game. Obviously, you have Aaron, who is cemented as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. That's just like comparing me to Jerry Rice. It'd be tough to do because Jerry's put together what he's done and it's undeniable respect for him. And me, I'm still going. There's still a lot that I've got to do to be mentioned with Jerry and I'm aware of that. And I think Derek is also aware of that, from a big-picture."

Adams played with Carr at Fresno State before the Green Bay Packers picked up the ex-Bulldog in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played with Rodgers for eight seasons before being traded to the Raiders during this offseason.

As far as career accomplishments go, Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks the game has ever seen. He's a four-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler with 448 touchdowns and just 92 interceptions since becoming the full-time starter in 2008.

Carr has been good in his own right since entering the league in 2014, making three Pro Bowls along the way. While Rodgers has clearly been the better quarterback, Carr is consistently among the top half of the league's signal-callers at worst year after year.

He notably finished 14th in quarterback rating and ESPN's QBR stat last year, per Pro Football Reference.

The story of Carr's career is far from being finished after just eight seasons in the league, and Adams feels that he and Rodgers are similar in terms of "talent and ability":

“But as far as talent and ability, I mean, it's really similar, if I'm keeping it real. Derek's arm strength—they throw the ball a lot different. Like, Derek is going to fire it in there and you're going to know that thing's coming quick. And Aaron's got the ability to just tighten that core up and just flick the ball to you. So the release is a lot different, but being able to get the ball to you late if they see you coming out of a break—not many quarterbacks can get it to you before you get to the sideline if you're outside the numbers already."

Adams also praised their mental aspects to their games, saying that the two quarterbacks "obsess over it and they know everything that’s going on out there."

The Raiders are looking to build off a 10-7 season that ended in the AFC Wild Card Round. Adding Adams can only help as the offense appears to be in great shape with a pass-catching trio of the ex-Packer, wideout Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller in the mix.

The Packers finished first in the NFC standings before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. Losing Adams is tough for the Packers as they search for a return trip to the playoffs, but they did add an exciting rookie in North Dakota State wideout Christian Watson in the draft.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love said he tries to avoid the endless talk about his future with the organization, though it can be difficult at times.

"I am human," Love told reporters Thursday. "And that stuff's going to be there, regardless. But I think I do a pretty good job at compartmentalizing it. I don't even want to think about that stuff."

The 2020 first-round pick is entrenched as the Packers' backup because Aaron Rodgers has continued to play at an elite level, winning the NFL MVP Award each of the past two seasons, which has raised questions about whether Love will eventually have to switch teams for his shot as a starter.

"I can't control what's going on. I have no idea what might happen," he said. "So rather than stressing about things that might happen, things that might not happen, I'm just here right now. I'll take what I'm given and run with it."

After a few years where Rodgers' future in Green Bay was questioned amid rumors of discontent, he declared Tuesday he's "definitely" going to finish his career with the team. He jokingly added that stance will hold "unless they trade me."

The 38-year-old California native didn't put a timetable on how much longer he's going to play, saying he makes the decision on a year-to-year basis and then becomes "100 percent invested" once he makes the choice to keep playing.

"This is my 18th season. Of course you think about the next chapter and what's next in your life all the time. It doesn't mean you're not fully invested," Rodgers said.

While it's rare for an athlete in a major sport to play beyond the age of 40, Tom Brady has kind of broken the age curve for quarterbacks as he continues to post terrific numbers into his mid-40s. Brady briefly retired this offseason before returning for his age-45 season.

Given the way Rodgers has played in recent seasons, it's plausible he could follow a similar path if the competitive fire continues to burn in the years ahead.

In turn, the Packers are going to face a key decision on Love next offseason.

That's when they'll either have to exercise or decline the fifth-year option in his rookie contract for 2024. The value is dependent on a variety of factors, including the average salary at the position and performance.

For this year's group (the 2019 draft class), the basic quarterback option was worth $19.6 million for players who didn't reach any thresholds based on playing time or Pro Bowl appearances, per Over The Cap.

So Love's option will likely check in a little over $20 million based on the rising salaries for QBs, and that's an untenable figure if he's going to remain a backup.

The franchise tag, which also comes with a lucrative one-year salary, won't be an option in that scenario, and the Packers wouldn't want to lose a player who was a first-round investment for nothing.

It makes a Love trade next offseason a probable outcome if Rodgers' intentions haven't changed.

The 23-year-old Utah State product made six appearances last season, including his first career start while Rodgers was going through COVID-19 protocols.

He completed 19 of his 34 throws for 190 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 13-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He added 23 rushing yards.

It was a modest performance, but not much more could be expected from a player who's received such limited first-team opportunities since being drafted.

Love explained Thursday he's happy with the progress he's made given the circumstances.

"What it comes down to is, I'm always confident in myself, but it's about being a lot more comfortable, relaxed and being able to process things at lot faster," he said. "And that all ties into it. I definitely feel very confident in myself right now."

Love is likely going to get an opportunity to become a full-time starter in the NFL at some point, but whether that happens in Green Bay or elsewhere remains a mystery.

The uncertainty surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a driving factor in wide receiver Davante Adams' desire to leave the Green Bay Packers.

Vic Tafur of The Athletic reported Adams said being unsure about Rodgers' timeline with the Packers was "a big factor" in pushing to be traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Adams also said he is "having the time of [his] life" with Las Vegas.

Rodgers recently opened up about his future and told reporters he will "definitely" retire with the Packers even though he is taking things year by year and isn't sure how much longer he will play.

Green Bay and the future Hall of Famer agreed to a four-year, $200 million contract extension in March, but it wasn't that long ago the partnership seemed to be on the verge of ending. During the offseason before the 2021 campaign, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Rodgers didn't want to return to the Packers.

He ended up skipping the team's offseason programs before returning for training camp.

The uncertainty now is less about whether Rodgers will lace up for another team and more about how much longer he will lace them up at all. He told TNT's Ernie Johnson this offseason he thinks about retirement "all the time" and can "definitely see the end coming."

Adams is just 29 years old and likely is much further from retirement than Rodgers.

Not only did the quarterback's contract extension make keeping the wide receiver that much more difficult from a cap perspective, but Adams also apparently wanted some more stability as he enters the next stage of his career.

That will come in the form of playing alongside college teammate Derek Carr on the Raiders. It also doesn't hurt that Las Vegas gave him a five-year, $141.25 million contract after it traded for him.

The Raiders now have one of the best wide receivers in the league who has five Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections. He led the league with 18 touchdown catches in 2020 and surpassed 1,300 receiving yards in three of the last four years.

Putting up those numbers without Rodgers may be more difficult, but he at least doesn't have to worry about some of the question marks surrounding the quarterback's future.

Aaron Rodgers told reporters Tuesday he will "definitely" end his career with the Green Bay Packers.

The quarterback also said he is taking it year by year when considering retirement.

Rodgers agreed to a four-year, $200 million extension in March, securing his future with the team after years of uncertainty.

The 38-year-old has spent his entire career in Green Bay, although the partnership seemed to be coming to an end when the team used its first-round draft pick in 2020 on quarterback Jordan Love.

The next offseason, Rodgers reportedly wanted to be traded and skipped the Packers' offseason programs before returning for training camp.

Even after winning his second straight MVP award last season, the quarterback was unsure about his future in Green Bay.

"I'm gonna take some time and have conversations with the folks around here, and then take some time away and make a decision—obviously before free agency," Rodgers said after the Packers' divisional-round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Now he says he doesn't want to play for any other team, although it's unclear how long he will play.

Rodgers discussed retirement with reporters Tuesday:

Aaron Rodgers: “This is my 18th season. Of course you think about the next chapter and what’s next in your life all the time. It doesn’t mean you’re not fully invested.” pic.twitter.com/bjtZM4yOd3

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 7, 2022

He also said earlier this month that he "can definitely see the end coming."

The 10-time Pro Bowler will at least be on the field in 2022 as he looks to bring home his second Super Bowl title.

Aaron Rodgers does not appear completely comfortable with his new, younger receiving corps for 2022.

“I like production over potential. There’s some production and a lot of potential," Rodgers told reporters Tuesday. "So we need to temper expectations and heighten accountability.”

The Packers traded Davante Adams, Rodgers' top wideout for the last six seasons, to the Las Vegas Raiders in a blockbuster deal in March. The trade came after Adams requested a move and allowed him to sign a massive new extension in Las Vegas but left Rodgers without a clear WR1.

Green Bay also lost Marques Valdez-Scantling in free agency, leaving Rodgers with a crop of past-their-prime veterans and unproven young players. Rookie Christian Watson, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb project at the top of the depth chart at the moment, and the Packers also signed veteran Sammy Watkins.

“I was 100 percent on board with that," Rodgers said of signing Watkins. "I think it's important you get guys who have a lot to play for, and I think Sammy has the opportunity to continue and travel down a new path in his career. We can help him here as he continues to improve and get opportunities. ... I love the disposition. I really enjoy the person.”

Aaron Rodgers on signing Sammy Watkins: “I was 100% on board with that. I think it’s important you get guys who have a lot to play for, and I think Sammy has the opportunity to continue & travel down a new path in his career … I love the disposition. I really enjoy the person.” pic.twitter.com/fAX0UWXFIm

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 7, 2022

Watkins is actually the receiver on the roster who has the most recent 1,000-yard season. Unfortunately for the Packers and Rodgers, that came in 2015.

The onus will arguably be heavier on Rodgers than it's been at any point in recent memory. Until Rodgers has the trust in his new collection of talent, don't be surprised if the Packers heavily feature running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers has reported to his team's mandatory minicamp on Monday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The news comes after the quarterback missed the Packers' organized team activities, which were voluntary.

Head coach Matt LaFleur said last month he remained in contact with Rodgers while he was away, but the quarterback was expected to report for minicamp.

Rodgers missed the Packers' full offseason program last year, including the mandatory minicamp, after requesting a trade and even considering retirement. He eventually returned for training camp and didn't miss a beat on the field, winning his second straight MVP award and fourth of his career.

The 38-year-old had a league-leading 111.9 quarterback rating with 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record as a starter and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Though the team fell short of its goal of a Super Bowl, there was less drama involving the quarterback this offseason as he signed a four-year, $200 million extension in March.

Green Bay once again has its sights on a championship in 2022, but it could still afford to not have Rodgers during early offseason practices.

"Aaron doesn’t need reps at this time of the year," quarterback coach Tom Clements said during OTA's. "So, obviously, it would be nice to have him here. But he’s seen these things 1,000 times. He’ll be ready to go when training camp starts."

With Rodgers now returning to the practice field, the preparation for next season can truly begin.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows his playing career will end sooner than later.

Speaking to TNT's Ernie Johnson on the QB Talk special that aired after The Match (h/t Zach Ragan of AtoZSports.com), the reigning two-time NFL MVP said he thinks about retirement "all the time."

"When you commit, you're 100 percent," Rodgers added. "But the older you get, the interests change, and the grind, I think, wears on you a little more. The football part is the easy part. That's the joy. It’s the other stuff that wears on you and makes you think about life after football. Tommy (Brady) obviously set the bar so high with playing so many years, but I can definitely see the end coming."

There was speculation after the Packers' 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round that Rodgers might retire.

Rodgers addressed the topic during a Jan. 25 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show (h/t SB Nation's Justis Mosqueda), noting he would make a final decision before the start of the franchise-tag period in late February.

"I understand that my decision does impact a number of other people's decisions and I want to be very sensitive to that. I'll definitely make a decision sooner rather than later," he said.

Rodgers ultimately decided to come back, signing a three-year contract extension that runs through 2026 and averages $50 million per season.

This was a swift decision compared to how long Rodgers dragged things out after the 2020 season. His return last year wasn't reported until July 26, when ESPN's Adam Schefter noted the 10-time Pro Bowler and team agreed to multiple conditions that addressed certain issues he had.

While the Packers did get Rodgers back for the upcoming season, the offense he plays in figures to look very different from what we have seen in recent years.

Davante Adams, who accounted for 28.5 percent of the Packers' targets and 30.6 percent of their receptions in 2021, was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. They also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard and rookie Christian Watson figure to be the top three receivers entering the 2022 season.

Rodgers will turn 39 on Dec. 2. He has shown no signs of slowing down to this point in his career. The five-time All-Pro has thrown for 8,414 yards and 85 touchdowns in 26 starts over the past two seasons combined.

The Packers were the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs in 2020 and 2021, but they have been unable to reach the Super Bowl since beating the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2010 season.

Aaron Rodgers talked a big game heading into Wednesday's edition of Capital One's The Match. Then, he and Tom Brady did just what they set out to do: beat Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in an all-quarterback charity golf event.

Rodgers made a 15-foot putt on the 12th and final hole at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, lifting him and Brady to victory in the sixth iteration of The Match. The veteran quarterbacks won by one point over the youngsters Mahomes and Allen, who played well despite entering the event as the clear betting underdog.

As you might expect, there was plenty of trash talk and a lot of reaction to this event. It was the first time in The Match series that no professional golfers were taking part.

Allen provided one of the best hot takes of the entire event. The Buffalo Bills quarterback had a reason why Rodgers was having so much success on the greens on Wednesday.

"This guy's pretty good at golf. That's what happens when you don't go to OTAs," Allen said during the round (h/t Bradley Gelber of Bills Wire).

Of course, Rodgers has proved he can have success during the regular season and get the Green Bay Packers into the playoffs even if he doesn't attend every offseason workout. But Allen was right about Rodgers' golf game, as he's the clear best player among these four quarterbacks.

Allen wasn't the only person who took a jab at Rodgers' football career while connecting it to golf. Skip Bayless of Fox Sports 1 tweeted:

Entering Wednesday, Brady had been 0-2 in his previous appearances in The Match series. He twice teamed with golf legend Phil Mickelson and lost both times, falling against the teams of Tiger Woods/Peyton Manning and Rodgers/Bryson DeChambeau.

But many pointed out on social media that Brady largely had Rodgers to thank for the victory:

However, there was praise for Brady's golf game, too:

Mahomes and Allen made their debuts in The Match series, and they showed they could hang on the golf course with two more experienced QBs who also have had more time on the greens in the past. That was especially the case for Mahomes.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback showed that he should likely be invited back for more The Match appearances, as he sank some impressive shots. He made a birdie putt on the fifth hole, and he even had his team in the lead late during the event.

It could be entertaining to watch Rodgers and Mahomes face off on the golf course again, perhaps even with some pros as their teammates. It's clearly not their top sport, but they were the most impressive two golfers on the course Wednesday.