Aaron Rodgers

While Aaron Rodgers didn't make any announcement about his status for the 2022 NFL season, he struck a positive tone Tuesday about his relationship with the Green Bay Packers.

"I would say the meetings were much different than they've been in the past in a positive way, and that there were some real, honest conversations that I appreciated," Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show of his exit interview after the 2021 season ended (via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette).

Last spring, it looked like Rodgers' days in Green Bay might be numbered because of a clear discord between him and the organization.

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported last May that the four-time MVP was "adamant that he won’t return to the team under the current stewardship of general manager Brian Gutekunst."

A few days later, Bob McGinn of The Athletic filed a report detailing how Rodgers compared Gutekunst to Jerry Krause. The former Chicago Bulls general manager was the front-office architect of an NBA dynasty in the 1990s yet widely disliked by many of the Bulls players, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Rodgers publicly addressed the situation shortly thereafter and said his frustrations weren't tied to Green Bay selecting a potential successor, Jordan Love, in the 2020 NFL draft. Instead, the wedge was down to a deeper philosophical divide.

Contrast all of that with how Rodgers is talking about the Packers now. He said the organization made genuine efforts to improve the issues he had laid out behind closed doors.

When ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last July that the Packers and Rodgers reached an agreement that effectively gave him an exit route from Green Bay, many assumed this year would be Rodgers' last in a Packers uniform.

The 10-time Pro Bowler fueled that narrative when he alluded to the Bulls' 1997-98 season, when many of Chicago's key figures entered the year with the idea the dynasty was ending. 

There's still the chance Rodgers retires altogether. He turned 38 in December and has achieved every attainable goal on an individual and team metric.

Assuming he wants to keep playing, it looks more and more likely he won't be going anywhere. 

Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers said Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show that he has not yet made a decision on his future:

It comes after Rodgers thanked the Packers and his teammates in an Instagram post on Monday:

The post also featured several pictures of himself with Packers teammates.

The cryptic post fueled speculation that he could either announce his retirement or a decision to leave Green Bay for a new team in 2022. He previously said on The Pat McAfee Show that he would consider breaking news of his future on the podcast, but it didn't happen on Tuesday.

"There will be no news today," Rodgers said. "No decision on my future."

He explained his Instagram post was not related:

Rodgers was named the NFL's MVP for the second year in a row, leading the Packers to 13 wins for the third straight season. The Packers fell short of the Super Bowl in each of these seasons, most recently losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The 38-year-old remains under contract for two more seasons, but the Packers already drafted a potential replacement in Jordan Love and they can save $19.8 million against the salary cap by trading or releasing Rodgers, per Spotrac. 

After a tumultuous 2021 offseason where the quarterback held out of minicamp and organized team activities, Rodgers' future remains a question mark.

A decision could still come soon. Rodgers said he wants to provide clarity before the Packers place the franchise tag on receiver Davante Adams, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The franchise tag window opened Tuesday and will close on March 8.   

The Washington Commanders reportedly want to begin their rebrand with a franchise quarterback at the helm.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the Commanders are set to pursue a "big-ticket quarterback" and "won't limit themselves" in their pursuit.

Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson are among the high-profile quarterbacks facing uncertain futures heading into the 2022 offseason.

Rodgers, Wilson and Watson essentially control their own NFL futures. Wilson and Watson have no-trade clauses in their contracts, and Rodgers is a free agent after the 2022 season—and at a point in his career where he'd undoubtedly retire rather than not play for his preferred franchise.

The 22 ongoing civil lawsuits filed against Watson accusing him of sexual misconduct or assault arguably make him an impossibility from a public relations standpoint. Washington continues to deal with the fallout of an investigation into widespread workplace misconduct, and owner Dan Snyder is currently the subject of an independent probe into allegations he sexually harassed former team employee Tiffani Johnston.

Members of Congress have harshly criticized the Commanders' inability to create a safe working environment for women. Trading for Watson would only add to the myriad controversies already enveloping the organization.

Rodgers and Wilson would be welcomed back to their current teams and are likely only headed elsewhere if they request a trade. Neither seems likely to push for a deal to Washington, which has a roster that pales in comparison to both the Packers and Seahawks.

A more realistic scenario would see the Commanders acquiring a Jimmy Garoppolo-level quarterback. Garoppolo could compete with Taylor Heinicke in training camp for the starting job and give Washington someone with the pedigree of a "winner," albeit one without a winning stat line.

The team could also look to reunite with Kirk Cousins, who is heading into the final season of his deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins played his first six NFL seasons in Washington before signing with the Vikings in 2018.

New Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has said he plans to build an offense around Cousins, however, so it may be more likely the quarterback signs an extension in Minnesota than heads elsewhere.

It's unclear what the future holds for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but the two-time reigning MVP thanked his teammates Monday for their hard work during the 2021 campaign:

Rodgers told former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show that "everything is on the table" for his football career, whether it's returning to Green Bay, playing for another team or retiring.

Since the Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs, there have been numerous rumors about Rodgers' next step.

He also told McAfee last month he would consider announcing a decision on his future on his show, where he is a frequent guest.

Then came the rumors earlier this month, when ESPN's Jared Stillman reported Rodgers was building a home in Tennessee and that a source said he would be "open" to joining the Titans in 2022. However, Turron Davenport of ESPN later reported the Titans "don't consider Rodgers to be an option" for them next season and are planning to stick with Ryan Tannehill.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last week the Packers were "willing to offer" Rodgers a contract extension to make him the league's highest-paid quarterback, one "worth more than $45 million annually."

ESPN's Adam Schefter added the team was "prepared to go all-in" for the veteran this offseason by "spending as close to the cap this year and spreading it into future years as much as possible."

The franchise is also reportedly bringing back Tom Clements as quarterbacks coach, likely in an effort to convince the four-time MVP to stay. Clements previously served as quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in Green Bay over the years.

Rodgers completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns against four interceptions during the 2021 season.

If he were to play elsewhere in 2022 or retire, the Packers would be left with 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, who has made just one NFL start. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 13-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 7.

If Aaron Rodgers doesn't want to play for the Green Bay Packers in 2022, it seems like he will have to force a trade or retire. 

Per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, the Packers have shown "zero interest" in trading Rodgers despite receiving inquiries from multiple teams already. 

Rodgers has yet to officially say if he will return to the NFL in 2022. He told reporters after the Packers' playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers he would "take some time and have conversations with folks around here" and make a decision at some point before the start of free agency. 

The Packers and Rodgers seem to be in a good place this offseason. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Feb. 13 the team is "prepared to go all-in" to entice the reigning NFL MVP back, including "spending as close to the cap this year and spreading it into future years as much as possible."

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, another option being considered by the Packers is offering Rodgers a contract extension that would make him the highest-paid quarterback in the league on a per-year basis. 

The two sides agreed to a reworked deal in July that made it so the Packers couldn't use the franchise tag on him when his deal voided voided on the seventh day before the start of the 2023 league year. 

One of the teams Schultz mentioned as having reached out to the Packers about Rodgers was the Denver Broncos. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett spent the past three seasons as Green Bay's offensive coordinator. 

If Rodgers returns to the Packers, he will almost certainly have to rework his contract. They are currently $48.45 million over the 2022 cap with Davante Adams and De'Vondre Campbell set to become unrestricted free agents. 

Rodgers, who has won back-to-back MVP awards, led the Packers to their third straight NFC North title in 2021. The 38-year-old threw for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns and completed 68.9 percent of his attempts in 16 starts this season.    

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly bringing back one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite coaches. 

Tom Clements is coming out of retirement to serve as quarterbacks coach for the Packers, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Clements reportedly verbally agreed to the job but has yet to sign a contract. 

Clements previously served as quarterbacks coach for the Packers from 2006 to '11, when Rodgers was still in his 20s. During that time, more specifically from 2008 to '11, Rodgers took his game to the next level.

The now 38-year-old completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 17,037 yards, 131 touchdowns and 37 interceptions in 62 games across those four seasons, leading the Packers to a 41-21 record and a Super Bowl title in 2011. 

Rodgers was also a two-time Pro Bowler, first-team All-Pro and MVP in that span.

Clements then became the Packers' offensive coordinator in 2012 and served in that role through 2014. Rodgers also excelled during that time frame, winning another MVP award during the 2014 season and earning two Pro Bowl selections. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 2014. 

After that, Clements served as assistant head coach for the Packers from 2015 to '16. Rodgers was a Pro Bowler in those two seasons and finished fifth in MVP voting during the 2016 campaign. He also finished second in Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2016. 

The impact Clements has had on Rodgers' career is clear, so it should come as no surprise that the franchise is bringing him back at a time the quarterback's future in Green Bay is uncertain. 

During the week leading up to Green Bay's divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Rodgers said he was "deeply thankful" for coaches like Clements who helped him "understand that facet of leadership and being a quarterback," per Demovsky. 

Rodgers also referenced Clements during the regular season when discussing a pass he threw to Davante Adams in a Week 17 win over the Minnesota Vikings. 

He said, according to Demovsky:

I learned from Tom Clements, we always had three mortal sins [as] the quarterback: Don't throw late down the middle, don't make any blind throws and no premeditated decisions. And so with all apologies to Tom and his excellent training over the years, I kind of had a premeditated decision to throw it to Davante on that play.

While Rodgers does have a great relationship with Clements, it's unclear if his hiring will keep him in Green Bay. It's also uncertain whether he'll return for another season, as he could opt to retire. 

The New Orleans Saints reportedly aren't planning to pursue a trade for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the 2022 NFL offseason.

A source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Thursday there's "no way the Saints will make a run" at the four-time Most Valuable Player.

Neither the Packers nor Rodgers have given a clear indication they've decided to go their separate ways before the start of next season despite the ample speculation, which stems from the quarterback staying away from the franchise for most of last offseason before returning for training camp.

After the team's campaign ended with a playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the 38-year-old California native said he didn't want to wait through a roster reconstruction at this stage of his career.

"I don't want to be a part of a rebuild if I'm going to keep playing," Rodgers told reporters in late January.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur responded to those comments by saying that's not the direction the team is planning to go.

"There's no plan for a rebuild," LaFleur said. "You get this close, obviously win a lot of football games, and we know in order for there not to be that, he's got to be a part of this thing. I don't think that's anybody's intention."

If Green Bay wants to convince Rodgers to stay for another year, the process probably begins with getting his favorite target, Davante Adams, under contract, either via an extension or the franchise tag.

Should the 10-time Pro Bowl selection ultimately seek a trade, the Saints had made sense on paper following a season where they posted a 9-8 record despite being hampered by subpar quarterback play after Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL in October.

Spotrac projects New Orleans is $76.2 million over the salary cap ending the offseason, however, and the $46.7 million cap hit in Rodgers' contract would only further complicate the situation.

The Saints could probably make it work by releasing players and restructuring the deals of others, but whether that would leave a roster that's still at a title-contention level is far from certain.

Rodgers may find it difficult to land in a more promising situation than Green Bay if his main focus is winning another championship.

The Packers are coming off a year in which they posted a 13-4 record to sit atop the NFC standings, and the AFC is loaded with young quarterback talent, so switching conferences would lead to more playoff hurdles.

So, unless his relationship with the front office is irreversibly broken, staying put may once again be his best bet amid another spring likely filled with plenty of rumors about his future.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and actress Shailene Woodley have reportedly split up and called off their engagement.

According to In Touch Weekly, a source said: "While Shailene is supportive of Aaron's career, he put football first and they were barely spending any time together. She felt he neglected their relationship. Neither of them was happy."

The source said Rodgers is an "independent guy" and "got cold feet" regarding marriage.

Rodgers and Woodley announced their engagement last February after they began dating in 2020.

Another source said Rodgers and Woodley tried to make their relationship work but couldn't, adding they are "both adults and decided to part amicably."

The 38-year-old Rodgers has been in high-profile relationships over the past several years with actress Olivia Munn and former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.

Rodgers started dating the 30-year-old Woodley shortly after he and Patrick broke up in July 2020.

Woodley is best known for her roles in movies such as Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, as well as the television series The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Big Little Lies.

Rodgers is a 17-year NFL veteran who has spent his entire career with the Packers and is coming off two of the best seasons of his career.

The future Hall of Famer is a 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro, one-time Super Bowl champion and four-time NFL MVP. He won two of those MVP awards in the past two seasons.

Rodgers has won those awards amid turmoil, as he expressed unhappiness with the organization after the 2020 season and almost didn't return to play for the Packers in 2021.

Green Bay convinced Rodgers to return by agreeing to work with him on a potential trade after the 2021 campaign if he no longer wanted to be a Packer, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

Rodgers was spectacular during the regular season, leading Green Bay to its third consecutive 13-win season and NFC North title, but the Packers again fell short of the Super Bowl, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs.

It is unclear what Rodgers' NFL future holds and where he will be playing in 2022.

Rodgers and Russ drama. Kyler's social posts. Brady "retiring." The Gridiron Heights offseason is here. Who's the leaker?

BR Video