Packers Catch Heat from NFL Twitter Over Lack of Trades at Deadline
Nov 1, 2022
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: A general view of the Green Bay Packers logo prior to a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 45-21. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Fans wanted a trade. Aaron Rodgers wanted a trade.
The Green Bay Packers front office, apparently, did not.
The Packers were unable to complete a trade for an offensive difference-maker by Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline and watched idly as the rival Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears each made blockbuster deals.
"I was kinda hoping there might be some news during this show that we can break," a seemingly disappointed Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
Meanwhile, the Vikings added tight end T.J. Hockenson and the Bears acquired Chase Claypool—with Chicago seemingly scooping the Packers in the process.
Suffice it to say there were tweets.
Many of them.
The trade deadline is fun for literally everyone except Packers fans.
Of all the teams quiet today around the NFL trade deadline, the Packers are the most mystifying to me.
At 3-5, you've got to make a significant move to upgrade the offense. If not, then sell a few spare parts in hopes of getting better for '23 and beyond.
The Packers have spent most of the season struggling mightily to find consistency in their passing game after trading Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. Rodgers, coming off back-to-back MVP seasons, is currently 27th in QBR and hasn't topped 255 passing yards in a game all season.
The trade-deadline punting is arguably par for the course for the Packers, who have consistently declined to make moves aimed at immediate improvement. Much of Rodgers' falling out with the organization in 2020 and 2021 was related to draft moves that showed no urgency—particularly the decision to take quarterback Jordan Love in the 2020 first round.
This quiet deadline is more of the same, and it appears fans are fed up.
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NFL Exec: Packers 'Can't Please' Aaron Rodgers at WR; 'Nobody Is Good Enough' for QB
Oct 31, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers is apparently the worst person to shop for at Christmas.
The Athletic's Mike Sando spoke to an NFL talent evaluator who acknowledged the need for Green Bay to get help at wide receiver but argued it may not help the situation:
There is so much there (in Green Bay) that we don’t know when it comes to Aaron Rodgers and his wide receivers. It is almost like, ‘Why would we spend premium draft capital on someone the quarterback probably will not like?’ That is what it comes across as to me. Rodgers plays a part in it, too, like nobody is good enough. They can’t please him.
A case in point was how the 10-time Pro Bowler spoke about Amari Rodgers, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft who caught four passes for 45 yards as a rookie, a month ago:
Aaron Rodgers on Amari Rodgers' fit in offense: "Yeah, he's returning for us now. That's all I got on it."
For years, people have cited Rodgers' lone Super Bowl appearance as evidence of how badly Green Bay has failed to capitalize on having a Hall of Fame quarterback for 15 seasons as a starter.
No front office is above criticism, and there's some truth to the notion former head coach Mike McCarthy was holding the franchise back at times.
When it comes to Rodgers' supporting cast, though, the Packers do occasionally get a bad rap. Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams were all drafted by the team, and everyone played a meaningful role in the aerial attack.
Green Bay's draft record has been far more mixed of late. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a fifth-rounder in 2018, might be the biggest success story, and he's no longer part of the team.
However, the talent evaluator laid out why selecting a wideout is easier said than done when you sense your quarterback has exacting standards.
As much as it's general manager Brian Gutekunst's job to identify the right talent, Rodgers has a role in helping to set his teammates up for success. And he isn't exactly doing that this year.
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Packers Must Trade for a WR or Risk Wasting Season, Aaron Rodgers' Remaining Career
Oct 31, 2022
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers' time is waning. His powers are no longer at their height.
Instead, a transference of power occurred in real time when watching Sunday Night Football. The superhero qualities once displayed by the four-time NFL MVP had been bequeathed to a proper successor in the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen.
Much like in the DC Films production Black Adam and the upcoming sequel to Shazam!, the powers of the protagonists can be shifted to others, who then become the world's mightiest mortal. The description is apt for Allen's current standing in professional football.
The designation previously belonged to Rodgers. What everyone saw Sunday during the Green Bay Packers' 27-17 loss at Highmark Stadium is a once-elite quarterback in decline, incapable of carrying an offense without the requisite tools to execute consistently at a high level.
Change is necessary, and it's needed quickly. The trade deadline just so happens to be Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Green Bay should be buyers despite its disappointing 3-5 record.
The Packers essentially waved the white flag a couple of times in what became their fourth straight loss because the roster had multiple injuries at wide receiver and an offensive line in a constant state of flux.
On 3rd-and-16, with 1:06 left to play in the first half and down by two touchdowns, Rodgers handed the ball to running back Aaron Jones.
On 4th-and-1 from Buffalo's 26-yard line and down 17 points early in the fourth quarter, the 10-time Pro Bowl signal-caller again gave Jones the ball, despite concerns along the offensive interior.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers rushes during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
"I was taken aback. I was like, 'Hey, y'all gotta start passing the ball, don't y'all?'" Bills edge defender Von Miller said when asked about his team's reaction to the Packers' conservative approach.
To illustrate how little confidence the team has in its wide receivers, the offensive line and Rodgers' ability to make something out of nothing, the 38-year-old veteran attempted only 16 passes for 74 yards with 10 minutes to play and still trailing by 17 points. Eventually, the offense tacked on a 37-yard touchdown pass to rookie Samori Toure in garbage time.
Toure, a seventh-round selection, and fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs being the only two to make any plays of significance in the passing game screams incompetence in properly building around the league's highest-paid quarterback at $50.3 million annually.
"Nobody's going to give us a chance going to Buffalo on Sunday Night Football with a chance to get exposed," Rodgers told reporters last week. "Shoot, this might be the best thing for us."
Rodgers hit the nail on the head, just not in the way he intended.
The quarterback thought the contest could become a catalyst for a regular-season revival. The opposite happened.
If those in Green Bay's locker room hadn't realized it already, the Packers aren't on the Bills' level. Rodgers and Co. aren't serious Super Bowl contenders with the current roster construction. Some late offensive movement doesn't change that fact.
Green Bay must take an aggressive approach to fix the roster.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Christian Watson #9 of the Green Bay Packers receives attention after suffering an injury during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Going into Monday's game, Randall Cobb (ankle) and Allen Lazard (shoulder) had already been ruled out due to injuries. To make matters worse, second-round rookie Christian Watson suffered a concussion in the first quarter.
Those injuries still don't excuse the fact general manager Brian Gutekunst and his predecessor, Ted Thompson, consistently failed to place high-end skill position talent around Rodgers.
The running gag at this point is that Green Bay hasn't selected a wide receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. To put that number into context, Watson had yet to turn three years old when that happened.
Very little time remains to rectify this situation, especially after trading the game's best wide receiver, Davante Adams, to the Las Vegas Raiders this past offseason.
Adams proved to be an anomaly. The 53rd overall pick in the 2014 draft developed over time to eventually become Rodgers' security blanket. He learned from veterans Jordy Nelson and Cobb. Recently, the young options haven't had the same luxury. And they've disappointed.
"Guys who are making too many mistakes shouldn't be playing," Rodgers said during his most recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (h/t The Athletic's Matt Schneidman). "Gotta start cutting some reps."
So where do the Packers turn for the help they so desperately need? A few names should be in the mix.
"The Packers have held talks about acquiring a receiver, sources say, but nothing has transpired as of yet," NFL Network's team of reporters noted. "GM Brian Gutekunst will keep talking, and time will tell if they can come to a deal—which has been a rarity for Green Bay."
According to theScore's Jordan Schultz, Green Bay prefers a deal for a wide receiver still on his rookie deal. Currently, the Packers have $7.5 million in financial flexibility to make a move, per Spotrac.
Three immediate options jump to the forefront based on need and preference.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 30: Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) breaks up a pass attempt to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during the game between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 30, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Chase Claypool-to-the-Packers rumor has been floated over the last few weeks because a potential deal makes sense.
The Steelers are invested in Diontae Johnson and second-round rookie George Pickens. Claypool has flashed, but he's been highly inconsistent.
For Green Bay, the 6'4", 238-pound target can immediately add a weapon to work outside the numbers and down the field. Watson was supposed to fill that role, but he struggled with injuries, which has hampered his development.
Elijah Moore wants to be traded by the New York Jets. The second-year wide receiver requested a trade prior to Week 7, per the New York Post's Mark Cannizaro.
Even when the Jets have the shifty threat on the field, he's not utilized. Quarterback Zach Wilson targeted Moore exactly once during Sunday's 22-17 loss to the New England Patriots.
When asked about his lack of usage, Moore told reporters, "I don't even know. I couldn't even tell you. I don't get the ball. I don't know."
The Denver Broncos' Jerry Jeudy is another name that's been bandied about in recent weeks, though he's starting to come alive in the team's offense with 13 receptions for 159 yards over the last two weeks.
Maybe Green Bay opens its wallet a little more and seriously entertain the possibility of the Houston Texans' Brandin Cooks and New England Patriots' Nelson Agholor or Kendrick Bourne. The organization should also inquire about the availability of the Arizona Cardinals' Rondale Moore, Carolina Panthers' DJ Moore and New York Giants' Darius Slayton.
Any of these aforementioned options would upgrade the talent found on the outside of the Packers' offense.
The offensive line may still be an issue as the group continues to shuffle blockers in and out of the lineup. But David Bakhtiari's full-time return to left tackle is a promising step forward. Eventually, Elgton Jenkins will be back from his current foot injury and complete the unit.
When that occurs, and after the Packers make a move at wide receiver to help Rodgers and complement the team's talented running backs, Green Bay may have a chance to make a run, get into the playoffs and try to make some noise.
Right now, Rodgers looks closer to walking out of the door after this season than being excited about what comes next. A little power boost out wide could provide a jolt to everyone in the building, including the locker room's most important voice.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Joel Embiid Trolls Bulls with 'Aaron Rodgers' Post After Staying Undefeated vs. CHI
Oct 30, 2022
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the pre-game show before playing the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena on October 26, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Troel Embiid is officially back.
Fresh off a win over the Bulls on Saturday, the Philadelphia 76ers center took to Instagram and made a reference to Aaron Rodgers as he moved to 12-0 over Chicago in his career:
Joel Embiid posted this on IG and captioned it "Aaron Rodgers" following the Sixers win over the Bulls.
Rodgers has a career record of 23-5 vs. the Chicago Bears.
Joel Embiid has tweeted his support for Rodgers often in the past, and Rodgers has been outspoken about dominating the Chicago Bears over the years.
During Saturday's game, Embiid knocked down a go-ahead three with 18.1 seconds remaining to help spur the Sixers' 114-109 win in Chicago. The win moved the Sixers to 3-4 on the season as they try to right the ship after an 0-3 start.
Embiid has been stellar despite the Sixers' shaky start, scoring 25-plus points in five of six games while he and James Harden continue working on finding chemistry within the offense.
While it was a relatively meaningless game in the grand scheme of things, Embiid getting back to his trolling ways on social media might indicate the Sixers feel they have the ball rolling after their disastrous first three games.
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Aaron Rodgers: Teammates Haven't Pushed Back on Comments About Packers' Struggles
Oct 27, 2022
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on during warmups before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers turned heads Tuesday when he suggested some players shouldn't be playing as much for the struggling Green Bay Packers, but nobody on the team appeared to take issue with his comments.
At least they didn't take issue with them to his face.
"If one of those guys has a problem with it, I'm right here, and I'd love to have a conversation," Rodgers said Wednesday, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "I enjoy those conversations. I enjoy any type of conflict like that because I know the resolution on the other side is going to make us a better unit, a better friendship, a better cohesion on the field. But nobody's come to me and said, 'I've got a problem with what you said.'"
During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the quarterback said: "Guys who are making too many mistakes shouldn't be playing. Gotta start cutting some reps. Maybe guys who aren't playing, maybe give them a chance."
Rather than taking umbrage with Rodgers, head coach Matt LaFleur and wide receiver Sammy Watkins seemed to agree.
"If you're not performing or executing or doing the things that you're supposed to be doing, then I'm with Aaron," Watkins said. "If I'm not playing well and I'm freaking up and busting plays, get me out of the game because that's not helping the team. I think that's a wake-up call to everybody, wake-up call to myself."
LaFleur pointed out Rodgers did not call anyone out by name, adding "we have to be truthful with one another."
The truth is the Packers have been among the NFL's biggest disappointments in the early going this season.
They entered the campaign with Super-Bowl-or-bust expectations after losing in two NFC Championship Games and the divisional round in the last three years. Rodgers won each of the last two MVP awards to bring his career total to four and is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in league history.
Yet Green Bay is just 3-4 and losers of three straight, the most recent of which came against the 3-4 Washington Commanders.
Rodgers' numbers look fine on paper, as he has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 1,597 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions, but the offense as a whole has struggled.
The Packers are 23rd in the league in points per game and 20th in yards per game and seem to be missing star wide receiver Davante Adams, whom they traded to the Las Vegas Raiders this past offseason.
Even the wins haven't been all that inspiring, as the offense scored a combined three points in the second halves of victories over the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Whether that will lead to personnel changes and alterations in playing time for some players remains to be seen, but the Packers will be under the spotlight Sunday following Rodgers' comments when they take on the Buffalo Bills.
Packers HC on Aaron Rodgers' Criticism of Teammates: 'Sometimes Truth Hurts'
Oct 26, 2022
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers talks to Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during overtime against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field on October 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur doesn't mind Aaron Rodgers calling out his teammates over the past week after the team's third straight loss.
"We have to be truthful with one another, and sometimes truth hurts," LaFleur told reporters. "It's no different than when your kids make a mistake, and you tell them about it. I don't think he publicly called out individuals."
Though he didn't mention anyone by name, Rodgers lamented the team's mistakes this season and suggested benching players Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show.
"Guys who are making too many mistakes shouldn't be playing," Rodgers said. "We gotta start cutting some reps."
Rodgers also had an issue with the team's drops after Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Washington Commanders.
"There was probably seven or eight passes that could have been caught for sure, but right now we have to have all of them, because we're just not good enough to win without them," the quarterback told reporters.
He showed his emotion on the field after a drop by rookie Romeo Doubs:
The inexperience at receiver is an issue after Davante Adams was traded in the offseason, although Rodgers himself has also struggled during the team's 3-4 start.
The veteran has just a 40.5 Total QBR through seven games, ranked 26th out of 32 qualified quarterbacks in the NFL. He led the league in the category in each of the last two years while winning back-to-back MVP awards.
Rodgers did say he has to raise his own level "a tick," and his resume will grant him plenty of leeway to turn things around. It's clear he will keep calling out his teammates if the level of play doesn't improve.
