NFL
By: Mark Wilson
The Green Bay Packers are sinking. With the NFL trade deadline looming, the whispers were that the team would look to make a deal to bring Aaron Rodgers help on the offensive side of the ball. Most notably, the receiver position. The Chicago Bears made a move to snag Chase Claypool for a 2nd round pick while the Packers just sat back and watched. What does that mean for Rodgers and the Packers moving forward?
While not getting him the help he needs, this sets the stage for the offseason. Rodgers may decide to walk away from the NFL. Let’s also mention that the Packers decided to draft Jordan Love in 2020 instead of upgrading the skilled positions. Now, Rodgers may not best the best person to work with as he and the front office have not seen eye-to-eye lately. But does that mean you don’t throw all your cards on the table for a chance at a championship?
This offseason, Aaron Rodgers, and receiver Devante Adams were up for new deals. However, Adams decided to make a move of his own and head to the Los Angeles Raiders. Rodgers, on the other hand, signed a new deal in Green Bay and since then, he and the Packers have struggled.
The trade deadline was their moment to right their wrongs, but nothing happened.
Analysts are tossing out names who would not have helped the Packers. Claypool is not the player Rodgers needed they’re saying. The Texans wanted too much for Brandin Cooks. The New York Jets didn’t want to part ways with Elijah Moore either. The Denver Broncos have a nice core of receivers, and yet, Rodgers still didn’t get the help needed.
From the outside looking in, it appears that the Packers are just willing to let Rodgers walk off into the sunset. Either that or they’re hoping for some magical turnaround this campaign. But there is another issue here. If you could not make a move for a receiver, why not just totally hit the reset button and move Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers is still on the books until 2025 but can he continue a high level of play? But not all this falls on his shoulders. Rodgers can do just what he can but if no help is given, then what? What they need is for the young guys such as Romeo Dobbs and Christain Watson to step up. The Packers are willing to bet the remaining years of Rodgers’ career that they will do so. But what happens if they don’t? This is what the trade deadline was all about. The holes are glaring but they were just ignored.
What Were The Green Bay Packers Thinking?
Why not try to get something in return for a QB who will be 40 next season? Yes, it will be a culture shock to the fanbase of the Green Bay Packers and those who follow the NFL as a whole. But teams have done this in the past. Think San Francisco 49ers or the Indianapolis Colts with Joe Montana and Peyton Manning. When it’s time to move on, it’s time to move on. If you’re not going to upgrade a position that your QB needs, then why is he still there?
If they truly believe in Love, then turn the keys over to him while getting a nice haul from a team you trade Rodgers to. Start the rebuild before this season blows up in your face. Because truth be told, the entire NFC North (give the Lions time) is improving while the Packers are treading water.
Let’s be honest, Love is not the answer. Nothing about him screams starting caliber QB and the Packers are just hoping that one falls into their lap. The team is 3-5 on the season and for them to make the playoffs, they will need to right the ship plus get plenty of help from teams that appear to be on a roll.
This could be the end of an era and the Green Bay Packers have no one to blame but themselves. Saying that Rodgers has been a headache over the last two seasons gets them no sympathy. You let Adams walk and replaced him with Sammy Watkins and a slew of newcomers who must adjust to Rodgers when there is no time to adjust.
The Packers have always been in win-or-bust mode and this season more than ever. The moment Adams decided to leave for another team is when they should’ve started fielding calls for Rodgers. It will hurt the fanbase to see one of the All-Time greats depart but preparing for the future is how contenders stay contenders or easily become the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Detroit Lions.
