Why Jordan Love sitting this season really stings

Jordan Love got one opportunity to play in 2022. The problem for this offseason is that he didn't get to play more.

Let me make one thing clear before I really get into this post.

I do plan on writing about many more topics other than just Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. I know we've already gotten plenty of think-pieces about the offseason quarterback drama, so I won't continue to overpopulate that topic.

However, I just really need to get most of my thoughts down in one space before moving on.

And I, like all of you, have many thoughts.

A long time ago, in a stock report far, far away, I wrote about how the last thing I want to have happen this season is for the Packers to go on a mini-run, have Aaron Rodgers play the whole time, and then fizzle out and finish 8-9 with a mid-round draft pick - which is exactly what happened (ugh).

Because the worst part about that happening isn't the fact that the Packers missed the playoffs or won't pick earlier in the draft.

To me, the worst part is Jordan Love didn't see meaningful time on the field.

Which makes this offseason quarterback drama even cloudier.

This will be the third season now that Rodgers has held the Packers organization hostage for months at a time with all of us asking the same question: Will he come back and play for Green Bay?

In each of the last two offseasons, Rodgers had leverage over the front office and the organization because of his on-field play. He won back-to-back MVPs, leading the Packers to multiple 13-win seasons before sizzling out in the playoffs.

The other reason why he had leverage? Well, Rodgers provided the team its best chance at winning.

Love was not ready to play yet. Rodgers was playing like the Hall-of-Famer he is. End of discussion.

Except now is much different than then.

In a season to forget, 39-year-old Rodgers finished with some of his worst end-of-season statistics to date. His passer rating of 91.1 was the worst since 2006 (when he attempted 15 passes that season). This season was only the third time he posted double-digit interceptions (12) in his career, and the first since 2010 (11).

On top of that, his numbers in elimination games over the past few seasons have, well, not been good.

Now, Rodgers' leverage isn't his on-field play. It's the contract that the Packers front office tied themselves to last offseason that guarantees Rodgers over $40 million if he returns.

There are ways the Packers can partially get out of it, but ultimately there is still a pretty big cap hit for whatever does happen (retire, come back, trade).

Which brings me back to the main point: The winning streak was fun while it lasted, but Jordan Love not seeing the field was the worst part of it.

I very much understand that, by now, the coaching staff and the front office probably know what it has in Love. They know better than any of us whether he's the man for the job or not.

However, it would make the decision about who the quarterback of the future is much easier if he had played more than just the Philadelphia game this season.

If he played a few games and stunk - good. The Packers have Rodgers on contract for two more seasons.

If he played a few games and played well - great. The Packers have good reason to move on from Rodgers and start planning for 2023.

The problem is, the sample-size is so small that it really muddies the waters.

Time is running out. Rodgers is almost 40. Although the Packers could technically pick up Love's fifth-year option, as of now he's headed into the final year of his rookie contract next season.

And mumblings are already going around that Love thinks he is a starter in this league. He won't enjoy sitting behind Rodgers for a fourth-consecutive season.

If the front office is ever going to make the switch, it might be now or never.

Love remaining on the sideline in 2022 only makes the decision that much harder.

__________________________

Gunnar Davis is a lifelong Packers fan and a recent graduate of Simpson College, where he was a 3-year letterwinner on the offensive line and graduated with a degree in multimedia communications. You can follow him on Twitter at @Gunnar57Davis.

__________________________

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

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16 points
 

Comments (141)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
T7Steve's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:27 pm

Gunnar, WE might have learned something more about Love, had he played more. Do you believe it would make any difference with the front office and coaching we have now?

If they ever pull the trigger, not playing him might just have saved some useless miles on his legs and arm. Face it. With the way our O-line was dominated the majority of the time, it wouldn't have been a fair test to Love. I think him getting the most 1st team practice snaps during the week probably helped him more from a learning standpoint than actual game play would have, because if he did poorly in a game, it would hurt his confidence and turn fans against him.

-3 points
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GunnarDavis's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:38 pm

Fair point. In my opinion, game experience always trumps practice reps. Regardless of situation, I think him playing would've done more good than bad.

10 points
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T7Steve's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:35 pm

I agree, he would have learned, but might have gotten hurt for no reason or done bad, which would hurt his trade value, which now might be higher than Rodgers.

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:50 pm

Yes. Do you think Rodgers changed dramatically in terms of what the team saw between 2007 and 2008? Clearly they had hope, but not enough to stop them openly drafting Brohm and Glynn in spring 2008 to compete. Why? As Ted implied, there’s no substitute for meaningful live action and the Dallas game (much more and more meaningful than Love has had) wasn’t enough. One can’t know till it’s tested. TT knew that and I expect Gute does too but is just not afforded TTs authority.

11 points
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Untylu1968's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:03 pm

Maybe, just maybe, the line looks a little more competent, with a QB getting the ball out in a timely fashion, along with snapping the ball before 0:00 is left on the play clock. One can speculate until the cows come home, on how Love would perform, but until we see him in extended game situation, with the starters, we'll never know. I'm not saying he's the next HOF QB, but one doesn't know jack shit, either way until he gets a legit shot..

6 points
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PatrickGB's picture

January 19, 2023 at 06:25 pm

Wow, a lot of comments here. But seeing as how we know that the staff preferred Rodgers, there must be a reason. I hope it was the right one.

0 points
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Bitternotsour's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:05 pm

The issue for me is they are now at the precipice of having to pay Love on a second contract. The point of taking a quarterback (in the first round) is that you're hoping upon hope that you get some cap relief on a first contract with someone who actually plays. We're heading into Kirk Cousins territory with the Washington Football team, where they just paid him full bore for multiple years by utilizing the franchise tender without actually benefitting from having drafted him.

stupid. stupid. stupid. Love should have been playing in year 3, and we should know by now that he deserves a second contract. shame on Mark Murphy.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:43 pm

The front office is getting what they deserve for caving to Rodgers. You drafted Love. You have to play him. Rodgers is old. Even if he's not bad, he's on his way to being so. He was below average in any sense of the word last year.

As Nagler keeps saying - look at the Saints. Kicking the salary cap can down the road forever, and not replacing a declining Brees has killed that Franchise. We are well on our way to that, when we could have had Love getting experience, and three 1st round picks, as well as getting out of cap hell.

It makes me sick.

24 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

January 19, 2023 at 04:16 am

In fairness, New Orleans refused to do a rebuild when Brees retired. They went 9-8 in 2021 and 7-10 in 2022. That refusal has no led to a worse scenario. The Saints cannot cut enough contracts to comply with the cap. They have to extend everyone who earns any significant money in 2023, convert that money to signing bonuses and kick the can down the road by another year.

The Packers haven't reached that truly dire situation. The Packers can still rip the band aid off by trading AR, or having him retire. If they bring the whole gang back, they will be gaining on that situation the Saints now have. I'd have to run the numbers, so maybe the Packers can go all-in for one more year, but that is not clear to me. I truly think it is best to rip the band aid off now: $40M dead can be dealt with, but $68M in dead money probably can't be. It would be $76M in dead money for 2025 if AR plays two more years on his current deal, and that does not sound feasible unless the cap really explodes. It might be easier to handle $76M in 2025 than $68M in 2024, for example.

8 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 01:05 pm

Spot on, TGR. Going all in for one more year when we don't even have a real chance of winning a SB would make us a bottom feeder for years to come, as New Orleans will be.

2 points
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pete-nado's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:48 pm

More snaps with Love would have helped us see what a Matt LaFleur offense looks like with Love. Or with someone other than Rodgers...who changes plays and seems to have oversized influence on the offensive scheme. Aside from evaluating Love, it would also be good game experience for Love regardless of what you end up doing.

5 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

January 18, 2023 at 12:58 pm

Rodgers fizzled this year. He couldn't elevate an unhealthy and inexperienced team. The team went on a mini run, not because of Rodgers, but because of others. And then the Lion game. Another elimination game of poor to mediocre play. That elimination bothers me the most.

I believe that Rodgers compounded coaching issues. Sure, I never want to see a third and four and the DB's playing off by 8 yards. And the delayed decisions to bench poor performers. That offense from 2020 and all of its plays are long gone and I sense that Rodgers had a lot to do with it.

So Rodgers has given the front office an out. He is okay being traded to a contender. So let's get out of cap hell, trade him, get draft choices to rebuild, keep as many of our good players. And dump Barry.

Probably the best team in the NFC right now is the 49ers who are playing with a rookie 7th round QB. We no longer need a $50 million aging QB who can't win a tough playoff game

18 points
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baldski's picture

January 18, 2023 at 06:36 pm

SF just might win a SB with Purdy.

6 points
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Packers1985's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:12 pm

I dont think success with a 7th rd qb works for every team. They had studs in almost every side of the ball and they play very physical football which Gb are not known for. They are well coached team and i dont think that works with team with our current coaching staff and mentality. We have been drafting top rd picks on defense and they no way played like one compared to how 49ers had played last few years.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:05 am

Nor did Rodgers though and hasn’t in a decade, the recent part of which we had some good rosters. The answer is the superhuman didn’t do it, now he’s a little less so snd the rosters are not as strong. The time has just passed and yet we have not accepted that and, as you say, don’t have a coaching staff likely to make silk from a sow’s ear.

4 points
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RichBeckman's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:18 am

"I believe that Rodgers compounded coaching issues. Sure, I never want to see a third and four and the DB's playing off by 8 yards. And the delayed decisions to bench poor performers. That offense from 2020 and all of its plays are long gone and I sense that Rodgers had a lot to do with it."

THIS!!!!!

2 points
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whysoserious's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:51 am

You do not need overpaid quarterbacks to win anymore. Look at who is left in the playoffs:

1. Jalen hurts - rookie deal
2. Daniel Jones - Rookie deal
3. Brock Purdy - Rookie deal
4. Josh Allen - 7.83% of cap
5. Trevor Lawrence - Rookie deal
6. Joe Burrow - Rookie Deal

The two outliers: (both in the 30+ million cap hit this year)
Dak prescott
Patrick Mahomes

No quarterback since 1994 has won the Super Bowl with having more than 13.1% of his teams cap.

8 points
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MooPack's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:18 am

This article should have been lead off with this.

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 01:04 pm

True True True!!! Which is why we need to lock up Jordan Love now cheap(ish) for the next 3 or 4 years!!

Besides, in the case that he does flop, having him cheap will make it easy to move on.

0 points
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Nate-1980's picture

January 19, 2023 at 07:39 pm

Packcheese500 yeah lock up a qb that hasn’t proved shit yet for millions and years, about the dumbest comment I’ve heard..

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

January 18, 2023 at 01:19 pm

Blaming Rodgers and his less than stellar season, compared to the former two, is, well, asinine at best. Ask this question, honestly. Do you believe that Rodgers' game has taken the cliff dive, or do you believe it was more the play calling and the decision-making making from the HC and Coordinators? Yes, you can use the no-show OTA's and other how you wish. Don't discount the issues between Rodgers and MLF, either.

I think GB needs a change, but I don't believe for a second that Rodgers is now a mid/low, second-tier level QB. Whether Love is the change required or is able to become more than he seems, this team under this FO, and HC makes it an unfavorable decision either way. Is there a win-win or a lose-win scenario, or just a lose-lose?

-7 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 18, 2023 at 01:37 pm

The lose lose is to keep pushing cap forward to run it back with less and older. Everything that history says is a bad idea in one easy package. Unless one really believes that this roster and cap plus rookies can transform this team and that the team is capable of such development, this strategy is a dead end not only now but for the next few years.

7 points
7
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Untylu1968's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:42 pm

Rodgers is a good QB, making a gross amount of money, all while his arrow is heading south. We're at his mercy, which, in my humble opinion, will turn into a lose/ lose for a number of years.

4 points
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jurp's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:20 pm

Look at the stats. Rodgers is average to slightly above average at best. Unless you're on steroids (looking at you, Mr. Bonds), you don't get better with age. Forty is NOT the new 30 when it comes to athletes. HIs comments on his winning another MVP and not the team a Super Bowl tell you all that you need to know about his attitude - an attitude that we don't need in Green Bay.

8 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

January 18, 2023 at 04:54 pm

Stats never tell the whole story or the whole truth. What are the reasons for a drop in stats? Surely, you can't think it's all about Rodgers' age? I never bought that bs about 40 being 30 etc. Why so upset about Rodgers and his MVP statement and not about the ORG doing enough to only win another Division Title. It's the same personal accolade mindset, less one is an ORG, but, still.

Perhaps Rodgers cannot be the younger version, but is his knowledge of what to do better than what Love hasn't proved? This has been the question with Brady also, does his game smarts and aged ability still outweigh another QB's better ability with less game smarts? Which hurts you more? Less ability or less smart?

Rodgers is now the new Brady. Is there a team willing to take him for those reasons, and has Love shown enough to make that move. Manning was Brady before Brady in this scenario, and both Manning and Brady proved smarts overcame ability and both won an SB. I think Rodgers could also, based on smarts, whether his ego and who he plays for allows it is another question, but one that needs to be addressed seriously in GB. I don't believe GB is where he can pull it off, and I seriously doubt that Love will before this all-in salary cap issue dissolves so the team can make a new start, with or without Love.

0 points
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5
baldski's picture

January 18, 2023 at 06:44 pm

My eyes see a lot of choking by Arod in big games. What do your eyes see?

8 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:45 pm

A lot of choking by AR12 in big games.

Well, you asked.

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:24 am

Agree, but I also witnessed Fumbles by Jones in NFC CH and the latest must-win game. Big Drop from Big Dog in the redzone, 2021 Divisional contest. Missed tackles and whiffs on 3rd and 8, 2021. No TE capable of separation for the gold zone. No #2 WR to offset Devante's double coverage. No OT depth to cover for Bhak's absence, but let's continue the Witch Trials.

1 points
3
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Nate-1980's picture

January 19, 2023 at 07:49 pm

Jb finally a reasonable way of thinking and not just blaming our qb.. Y’all are crazy idiots thinking Love will lead us anywhere and is ready, you’ll get what you deserve soon enough, turncoats..

-1 points
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Oppy's picture

January 19, 2023 at 05:19 am

Manning didn't win a SB with denver due to his game smarts.

Manning won a SB in denver because he allowed the system to dictate how he ran the offense, and let the defense do the rest.

Rodgers problem is what it has been for the last decade - he's so sure he's the smartest guy in the room that he doesn't trust anyone else knows how to succeed at winning a football game. He fights against the system rather than work with it.. because he thinks he knows better.

Let me say it slowly one more time, with feeling:

Aaron Rodgers is the most talented coach killer I've ever seen.

6 points
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jurp's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:10 am

To your point - Brady is (until recently?) and Manning was a Team-First player. Rodgers is a Me-First player.

5 points
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Oppy's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:48 pm

I believe it was the play calling and the decision-making making from the QB.

5 points
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SwedeBayPacker's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:38 pm

So, according to you, it's the game plan for Rodgers to chuck the ball deep into double coverage on 3rd and short?

6 points
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whysoserious's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:07 am

Rodgers needs a very good supporting cast to stay at top level quarterbacking. His deep throws are not accurate (blame the thumb if you want but at age 39 his health is going to be an issue), his mobility has gotten much worse, his leadership is awful (calling out teammates and coaches in press conferences and interviews - not in a good way), his attention grabbing theatrics every offseason and his playing GM.

Enough is enough. Maybe he can go to Miami or Las Vegas.

5 points
5
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stockholder's picture

January 18, 2023 at 01:54 pm

I'm ready to take a Qb with the #1 pick.
Get what you can for Love. Vet WR. Picks whatever.
And draft Loves replacement. Not Rodgers.
It's not a gamble.
He's going to hold the Packers Hostage too.
Let someone else worry about the 20 mil.

-16 points
4
20
jannes bjornson's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:43 pm

As I mentioned, move both of them.

-6 points
2
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stockholder's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:14 pm

Bobby Lane was a Detroit Lions QB.
They traded him and he cursed the lions.
It's been 50 plus years!
Maybe thats what Gutey is afraid of.
A curse.

-3 points
2
5
jannes bjornson's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:31 pm

Rodgers keeps the brain trust employed. Will Levis has some Josh Allen in his game. I don't like stasis and the gears have glue applied, instead of machine oil,@ 1265 Lombardi Ave. I would take him if he fell to #15.

-1 points
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jurp's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:22 pm

We already have a young first round QB on the roster. Why don't we just play HIM and draft him some help with the 15th pick?

7 points
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2
BirdDogUni's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:48 pm

Especially since he's had 3 NFL seasons to see what is expected of him. Time and money invested in him. All the talent he'll ever need. He just needs an OL, decent weapons, and some great coaching.

Oh shit, he's screwed...

6 points
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Oppy's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:50 pm

why are so many of you so stupid?

You want to trade a QB you spent a #1 on and has three years of development to draft a new QB in the first and start over?

Stupid. I'm done with pulling punches. You guys are stupid.

12 points
14
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 18, 2023 at 07:02 pm

You're in over your head.

-6 points
3
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BirdDogUni's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:51 pm

No he's not. He's one of the few making sense.

There were guys who wanted to trade Rodgers instead of Favre to NYJ...

I for one am glad we didn't.

It would be complete lunacy to trade Jordan Love right now.

(You should know this, because stockholder is all for it.)

11 points
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stockholder's picture

January 19, 2023 at 07:46 am

I want to win. Love is not a winner. He's never proved that!
The character assassination of Rodgers is ridicules.
Further more; the trading of Favre shut many windows,
of other players. Winning wasn't the priority.
Moving on from #4 was in TTs eyes. (For Just a#3 pick ?)
(That way there would be No QB controversy. )
And even when Brohm was drafted. TT made sure Rodgers started.
Unlike today with Love vs Rodgers.
There is a QB controversy. Love was the wrong pick to Win!
A Wr was called for back then. And still is Now.
Look at how sides are chosen.
Trade Love! Let him go while we can.
(And you won't deal with over-paying him later too.!)
The sad part is: Love is wrecking Rodgers Legacy.
And Gutey caused it!
Job appreciation only works if you win.

-8 points
2
10
Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:37 am

Love is doing nothing to Rodgers’ legacy, Rodgers did nothing to Favre’s. Love is just the next guy up, for how long we don’t know, but even without Love there would be another guy waiting,

As far as winning goes, it’s possible Rodgers could win with a Jets type roster at this point, as Brady did with a loaded Tampa. However, the one thing for certain is the we are not going to be able to provide him with that. We are cap poor and have years of late picking: this is not a roster littered with top picks. He also had much more effective coaching around him that year.

Rodgers plus this roster is a guarantee that neither he nor we win anything. Older expensive core in the slide, the exciting talent on a curve to peak when that older core disappears. No money for impact free agents, a number of years at a significant cap disadvantage to the league as a whole.

Rodgers in Green Bay is not going to get a Super Bowl. The only way that happens is if we let go and retool and have players able to be around and compliment the likes of Watson. That includes winnowing out whether Love or someone else is the answer. No guarantees but a chance to contend. At this point the only guarantee is that Rodgers and this roster (and I believe this coaching staff) will not. It is over. The only question. Is how long we are going to futilely chase the ghost of lost chances.

To win, Rodgers needs to be elsewhere and the Packers need that too before they will. Everything points to that hard, cold reality, except closed eyed emotion.

5 points
6
1
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:49 am

That was painful to read. Not the message, the forming of the message. Try harder.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:51 am

I am just saying the kid from Kentucky is a better prospect. Will they push Rodgers out the door? They have to extend Love before May. They can dump two contracts and build the O line, add some nasty to the D and snag playmaking WR and RB. This current squad has some top-heavy contracts tied to non-producers. Just finance. My point of view has always been if Love was the guy, he should have started 2022. Reload=Rebuild.

1 points
2
1
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:19 am

P.S. Now some are speculating Indy will swap with the Bears and take Levis with the # One overall selection.

0 points
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0
Oppy's picture

January 19, 2023 at 04:34 am

I'm sorry, weren't you the guy predicting lots of touchdown passes from Rodgers during the game vs. the Lions?

I know your type. The hard core draftnik who despises the GM because he's sure he could do it better. It's all so easy on paper. You know you'd be a better GM, the proof is in your yearly fantasy football standings. You dominate.

0 points
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2
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:12 am

Obsess much? The mock work is just a hobby, but I've been at it since the 70's. Joel Bushsbaum consistently out-performed NFL personnel departments with his draft predictions. At the time, anyone could attend the Combine and hang a few rows above the NFL scouts; hang at the Cocktail lounge etc. Never played fantasy football in my lifetime. I just find that line of thought on these blogs. I believe Doubs dropped one TD. They ran the ball at the goal line for nada and again on the next series which gave us the 4th and one, double reverse for a loss. I do not believe Rodgers called that particular play, or the 4th and Inches fiasco. The HC makes the decisions to punt or not to punt and play the Law of Averages...I hit on Watson, Wyatt, Tariq Carpenter and Walker(OT). They should have kept the two picks in lieu of Walker (LB) and taken McBride and Abe Lucas.

1 points
2
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Oppy's picture

January 19, 2023 at 07:33 pm

I missed on the Fantasy football.. but thanks for proving me right about the rest.

1 points
1
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Leatherhead's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:07 am

I'm with you. THERE IS A PLAN. The Plan began when we drafted Love. We've been working on the plan for about 4 years now, starting with scouting Love and looking at every play of his college career. Thousands of man hours, and millions of dollars, have gone into The Plan.

So let's just throw all that in the crapper and start over. Clearly, this is how you run a half billion$$ organization.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:14 am

Read CWs article slow. He's been wrong before.
But the coaching is getting to many negatives.

-1 points
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1
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:25 am

LaFleur has demonstrated throughout the past few weeks, he doesn't have a clue on 4th down; cannot scheme an off-tackle blast for one yard on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and goal etc. The early season mis-management of the O line etc.

4 points
4
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:16 am

If that was the Plan, Love would be starting in 2022. As we know in the Construction Business, many Plans are flawed, or incomplete. The Errors and Omissions can sometimes lead to unstable structures and sometimes Fatalities.

0 points
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0
ArlenWilliams's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:06 pm

Packers, get rid of the occultist doper.

1 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:15 pm

Packers should do one thing and one only, Give Rodgers a date to make up his mind by and if he doesn't put on trade block or cut him. About time the Packers get some balls with whacko and get it done. This BS of him dictating who is this team because of some cockeyed buddy system of his is BS! Guys like Cobb etc. were good but just because Rodgers wants them around or is it best for the team going forward?

13 points
15
2
jurp's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:23 pm

It's not what's best for the team, it's what's best for Rodgers. So, yes, they'll be back if they want to be back. And they'll be a drain on the salary cap while they're here.

1 points
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3
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:51 am

Funny, cuz Rodgers already set a date: Before free agency. Live with it.

1 points
1
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Packers0808's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:38 am

Live with this, he should be given the deadline, not prima donna BS he pulls every year for the last so many. Sorry I am tired of people like you and the Packers being held hostage and in limbo by a guy who is for himself and not a team player!

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:16 am

I don't see any point in being confrontational here. The organization isn't being held hostage. The season isn't even over yet, Free Agency doesn't start for two months,the draft is more than 3 months away. The team is doing what it would be doing regardless......scouting, looking at our free agents, etc.

Rodgers has said he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild, and we're looking at replacing half the offense that dresses out each week. We carry six WRs, and only Watson, Doubs, and Toure are certain returnees. We carry 3 RBs, and only Dillon is coming back for certain. We need to add several offensive linemen if we intend to upgrade Hanson and Newman off the roster. We have one returning TE.

Rodgers isn't a dope. He can see this as easily as I can. And if the front office thinks that running it back with Lewis, Cobb, Lazard, Jones.....the same guys who couldn't get it done this year....then they aren't as smart as I've thought they are.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:44 am

Hey, you get a cookie.

2 points
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0
Packers0808's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:01 pm

Not at all confrontational just tired of the year and year out Bullshit drama by the same guy!

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:38 pm

The management allows it! Ask them why? They could have ended this years ago but they keep extending Rodgers and doing whatever they do to keep him happy. You should look at the other side of this situation and ask why these people allow it and why they aren't held accountable. It's not just about Rodgers it's about both sides of this on going, annual situation.

Murphy and Gute need to put on their big boy pants and do their jobs. Until they do the beat goes on.
Thanks, Since '61

1 points
2
1
TPCheese's picture

January 20, 2023 at 06:27 pm

This guy gets it! Preach brotha!

0 points
0
0
Packers0808's picture

January 22, 2023 at 05:41 pm

Sorry disagree and think your thinking is all wonky!

1 points
1
0
Rarescope's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:29 pm

"If he played a few games and stunk - good."

Except that it would have hurt his trade value. I'll admit I was a huge Rodgers fan prior to a couple of years ago, and I'm still willing to give any player wearing the green and gold the benefit of the doubt. As always it seems to come back to management trying to jump in two directions at once. Seattle traded their franchise QB for a bunch of great picks. Pittsburgh hung on to their beloved aging veteran until it was clear he couldn't perform anymore, resulting in a high draft pick to use on your next QB. Try to do everything = be good at nothing. Obviously we have to wait and see w/ Love and GB QB situation this year so in the mean time I'm going to enjoy the playoffs but...

"I know we've already gotten plenty of think-pieces about the offseason quarterback drama, so I won't continue to overpopulate that topic."

...author goes on to do exactly that.

4 points
6
2
NickPerry's picture

January 19, 2023 at 05:05 am

Big difference between Pittsburgh situation and the Packers is Pittsburgh didn't give Big Ben a contract that crippled the franchise and gave Ben so much control.

9 points
9
0
Minniman's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:34 pm

As we all know, Rodgers now holds most of the cards - but not all.

If he is adamant that he and his "glue guys" posse are a package deal, and MOST must return (or none) - and no opportunity to amicably trade him presents itself - then the solution is clear:

Trade back out of the first round and load up on picks for 2024 and 2025.

Gute has proven himself quite the active and able "dumpster diver" to acquire lower cost serviceable talent to supplement next year - but whatever happens cap-wise to enable this, Rodgers and Bakhtiari should be designated mandatory 2024 cap casualties (and their restructures need to reflect this)....... heck, even publicly announce it (hell, hail or high-water, this is Rodgers last year in GB).

If they load up on picks and remove those 2 cap hits for 2024, then they give Love and the 2024 team a chance.

If Rodgers wants to "reload not rebuild" in 2023, then he and his posse need to be part of that solution.

I'm keen to hear alternate takes on this - or if I'm missing something.

-1 points
2
3
EnemyTerritory's picture

January 18, 2023 at 07:51 pm

Actually not a bad solution. The cap hit will be severe but short term and the draft picks will hopefully bring an infusion of talent. A lost season versus five lost seasons

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:56 am

You move down in the first rd to gain another two pick for This Year. You try to use some of 2024's picks to also attempt to snag a two pick This Year. The strength of this draft is in round two. Just as it was in 2020 through 2022.
The objective is to win, now. If Love starts this season, then he must have stability around him via sound draft selections.

0 points
1
1
ricky's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:36 pm

I used to be a staunch supporter of "the coaching staff and front office know whether Love is ready or not." Now, after a season where the OL was a mess due to putting in guys who weren't as good as the backups, the decline in Savage, and the fiasco that was Amari Rodgers trying to catch kicks, and the team's refusal to try someone else, and my faith was shaken. Add the promotion of Butkus to replace Stenavich, and the promotion of Stenavich to OC, that was not good. Although the team could well have moved him up due to a promotion awaiting him by another team. But the maintenance of the status quo became totally unsupportable when Lafleur decided that bring back Barry was a good idea, due to improvement during the season. So, when this group decides that Love is not ready, I'm going to look for the nearest salt shaker. Watching games where the QB was given called runs, or sprinted for first downs when there were no open receivers, I couldn't help but think of Rodgers in his prime- or Love, now. Trade Rodgers for whatever you can get, take the $40 million cap hit, and move on.

19 points
19
0
PackyCheese500's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:57 pm

I would take two seconds for Rodgers, honestly

2 points
5
3
Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:58 am

I would do it because we need to and for the cap relief alone.

3 points
3
0
NickPerry's picture

January 19, 2023 at 05:08 am

"Trade Rodgers for whatever you can get, take the $40 million cap hit, and move on."

Yes, yes, & yes!

7 points
7
0
brenner's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:54 pm

As packer fans, we've been fortunate to say the least for the past 30 years with favre, then Rodgers. We haven't had to worry about drafting the franchise savior every year like Cleveland had to. Point is love was drafted for a reason. I don't want to see them take his 5th year option, then franchise tag the year after, and turn into the next coming of Kirk goddamn cousins. Sign love to a moderate 4 year deal now because hes not going to get any cheaper to do so. Use the draft to fill the glaring holes like TE and S among others. Let Rodgers play this upcoming year if he decides to come back because there's not much choice in that matter, and hand the team over to love next year at the latest.

3 points
5
2
splitpea1's picture

January 18, 2023 at 02:57 pm

Does the FO and coaching staff really know better whether Love is the man for the job or not? But what is the job--to duplicate the play of Rodgers in his prime or to execute the Shanahan offense the way it's supposed to be?

Sure, we're just fans, but on the other hand, aren't we a little past the point where we give the FO and coaching staff the benefit of the doubt on some of their judgments?

8 points
8
0
Fubared's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:41 pm

According to Gutt the genius, he said today that they've seen enough of Love to know what they have. What the hell that means no one knows for sure. I do know they dont know how much to compensate him for but unless they see an advantage to trade Love away he is not going anywhere for two years.

-2 points
0
2
Turophile's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:02 pm

I thought the Love pick was fine back when it was made (many, many posters didn't like it). It spoke of looking to the future, rather than being obsessed with the now.

Since then Rodgers has had two good years (two MVPs), so coming into this season it made it hard for the management to move on from him - his trade value would have been at the highest level before the 2022 season. I advocated that the Packers move on, back in.... what was it, March ?

Now at the end of this season, saddled with a monstrous sized contract that also makes it impossible to cut AR, management is paying the price for being too timid to move on from him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against AR, I've enjoyed his stellar play over the years..............but this is business, the right business decision was to be brave and move on.

Maybe Love could be the future at QB, maybe not, but he would have had a legit shot at being the man and the Packers would have been no worse off than they are with Rodgers having played all year (they may have lost more games, maybe not, but they missed the playoffs with Rodgers at the helm).

Now that short-term thinking by management has come back to bite them. The final hurrah has failed. In the last year they have lost a great deal of trade value with Rodgers. They still have his terrible contract to deal with (not to mention all the other contracts that have had money pushed into the future) and they still don't know how Love will perform with extended starts.

Now I expect management to do what so many managements do all too often, double down on failure.

I believe they will go into the 2023 season with Rodgers again, they will probably lose Love who is desperate to start, they will also likely run back the same coaches too..........and we fans can probably expect something of a similar result in 2023 as happened in 2022.

If I had one piece of advice to the Packers management, it is this. "BE BRAVE. Make the tough decisions and plan for the future." The bad mistake they made before the 2022 season need not be repeated in 2023 - admit you got a decision wrong and change things. Nothing is set in stone at this time and it's ok to admit you made a mistake - all management make mistakes, but good management sees what they have done wrong and corrects it.

12 points
12
0
Minniman's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:30 pm

It would be a serious mis-step of Love’s to force his way out this year.

He is the heir-apparent and the Packers need to either pick up his 5th year option in 2024 or sign him to a contract.

If he flames out in 2024 then he’s still set up (from a financial standpoint). If he forces his way out now, plays in 2023 and flames out (on the last year of his rookie contract) then he’s another log on the rookie QB-bust pyre.

My gut instinct is he’s clearly not lighting it up consistently in practice - else he’d already be starting and\or Gute wouldn’t have entertained any of Rodgers’ shenanigans during the last contract renewals.

There’s a reason why it’s year 3 and he’s still not on the field - even with Rodgers nursing a broken thumb.

-5 points
2
7
Turophile's picture

January 19, 2023 at 04:20 am

Three things.
First, you must ask yourself. First, is Love willing to wait a fourth year, or will he try to force his way out of the Packers to start for another team. Even if the Packers forced him to stay, you don't want someone on the team who doesn't want to be there, especially a QB, who has a lot of influence on other players.

Second, Rodgers play is declining. He's not awful by any means but he isn't playing like the guy the Packers are paying huge money to. His deep throws are not the pinpoint lasers of the past (he can still do it sometimes, just not all the time now). Love can only improve once he is given time as a starter - there is no substitute for on-field experience. Will he overtake Rodgers, possibly, but who knows, when he doesn't get to start.

Third, Rodgers being on the field has as much to do with his power over the team as his play on the field. As a multi-MVP winner and sure hall of fame first ballot entry, he is assured of people listening when he talks.............and he will never voluntarily relinquish being a starter, except by retirement.

my gut instinct is obviously a different gut than yours. I suspect Love looks good in camp by now, good enough to be worth putting on the field as starter as soon as possible, if only the Packers didn't have to deal with Rodgers if/when that happens.

5 points
5
0
Minniman's picture

January 19, 2023 at 05:32 am

We’re both in agreement that Rodgers has the Packers FO by the proverbials, and yes, his play declined, and yes, it would be good now to see what the Packers have in Love.

To your lament at his erratic deep balls this season, I’ll add his increasing ability to be strip sacked as a pet peev.

Right or wrong for ceding control in the first place, Gute’s locked into 2023 with Rodgers and everyone else just has to deal with it (including Love).

Which brings me to my main point about Love. The Packers will be the most likely place to have the patience in him to allow him to develop and succeed. Look what they did with Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, AJ Dillon and Savage - and what they are doing to a lesser degree with Stokes and Wyatt.

In contrast, teams like the Browns and Jets have churned and burned top QB picks already.

If Love pans out to even Dak Prescott’s level, then he will have a reasonably tenured career, and one more year won’t hurt him - it’ll just frustrate the fan base watching 2023 play out.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:49 am

It is not just Rodgers. Until he goes, the Packers will not be forced to face to the other equally glaring weaknesses. Rodgers is not just a question of cap versus performance, he’s the locking cap on anything really progressing on field and off. As long as he’s here he will demand as much status quo as possible, and that alone will defeat us.

If he goes then the organization will have no choice but to look hard at its performance. If that takes a too pick or two, that’s in them, but their successors will finally have an opportunity to build a team for the then Future not on the basis of what could have been in the past. This organization needs to move in in the worst way, and it’s clear that the only way that will happen is for Rodgers to have first.

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:37 am

They chose to give Rodgers the deal. The pressure is on the Brain Trust to justify their position.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 03:03 pm

Good luck with that, but it’s frustrating waiting around watching the entropy while that’s is proved absolutely.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:08 pm

Turo.....very well stated! Thanks!

1 points
1
0
canadapacker's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:23 pm

I am not a particular fan of this article . Regurg regurg regur and to quote the statistics is just not correct. Now I am not an AR hater like some on this blog - nor am I an AR lover nor an apologist. I got dumped for not being a real Packer fan when I hoped that we would lose and then it would give Lafleur the rationale to see what we had in Love. But we didnt. Now AR only had one extended play /relief game against Dallas when he supplanted #4 - so maybe all we need is to see how he practiced and those few snaps against Phillie to make the move.
Now to argue #12's stats when we had an absolutely horrible Oline at the start and couldnt run the ball and no receivers on the same page as anyone at the start - is ludicrous.

So Love is going to be the starter no matter what #12 wants. Fully believe that. If he says he is coming back he will be told Love is the starter. That decision will not be made soon - as 12 holds that decision card. But Gute and the boys hold several other cards - First card is the decision to pay Love his 5th year option money. Second cards are the decisons on Cobb and Lewis. Both are No brainers IMO.

So when those 2 cards are played May 3rd for Love. March 16th 4 pm free agency starts and if the Packers sign a receiver - then maybe Cobb's writing is on the wall.
In any case - this is going to be Love's team.

2 points
4
2
wildbill's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:25 pm

Matt Flynn turned in one of the Packers greatest, one game, QB performances and was rewarded with a nice contract by the Seahawks. How did that work out? Yet Kizer 2.0 looks good against a team with a commanding lead playing a soft, keep the clock running, defense and he is starter material.
I’ve got nothing against Love but if he was anywhere near starting QB level the Packers would have never given Rodgers that huge extension.
Don’t want to hearing you Love Fest groupies crying when Rodgers is gone and we turn into the Browns

-9 points
4
13
Fubared's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:38 pm

Matt Flynn is a God. Someone who was paid an un godly amount of money to do nothing.
Gets huge contract with Seattle but Wilson shows up out works him and gets the starting job and Flynn sits but with suitcases full of money.
Then he gets traded to the Raiders, huge contract and gets replaced by Carr who they draft with a one pick and now Flynn has uhaul trailers full of money.
Brilliant!

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:56 am

Flynn’s elbow went. Sad but true. The Seahawks were rewarded though for not putting all their eggs in one basket and bringing in Wilson. That and the freed up cap worked pretty well for them.

TT had a similar strategy with Brohm and Flynn brought in before handing the reins to Rodgers. Favre remained the better QB for a year, maybe 2, before falling off a cliff. We gradually ascended. Under your logic, we never would have and someone else would have benefitted from Rodgers. It’s pat time and you need to face it.

0 points
1
1
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:05 am

Youre ignoring the fact that Flynn sustained a bad shoulder injury before he could even start a game for the seahawks and then got Russell Wilsoned. Also, Flynn was a 7th round pick for a reason. He didnt have Love's arm or athletic ability. Using Flynn's story as some kind of warning tale against Love is just plain ridiculous. Kizer 2.0? What cuz hes a black quarterback hes gotta be the next Kizer? Thats literally all Love has in common with Kizer. Where do you people come up with this crap?

8 points
8
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 03:51 pm

He’s played more than Rodgers did. He’s as ready as he’s going to get.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On offense, you need the engine: A QB, a RB, and a WR. The Big 3. And you need a good complementary cast as well, because it's a long season. IMO, the engine isn't strong enough to do the job and isn't likely to get better without replacing some parts. We have a few good pieces, like Watson and Dillon and Love, but we're going to need better complementary players. Doubs is one. DeGuara is another. But we need to add a TE, RB, and WR to that skill group that dresses out for games.

Play Love. Trade Jones. Draft a RB on Day 2 to pair with Dillon. Use the $10 to help elsewhere. Add a TE on Day 2. Improve the Oline . IMO, that helps a lot more than bringing all the older vets back: Rodgers, Lewis, Crosby, Cobb, Jones, Amos, Lowry.

Bakhtiari is an exception because it doesn't look like we save very much money from cutting or trading him, and he's a pretty good LT. If we bring back our starters, (Bakh, Runyan, Jenkins, Tom, Nijman) and at least ONE of Rhyan/Walker/Jones improves, AND if we add in the draft, we could have a much better offensive line than we did this year going into the season.

I don't see how Rodgers, Cobb, Lewis, et.al.......get us to where we want to go. Rodgers has stated he's not in the mood for a rebuild, and that's exactly what we should call it: We're rebuilding the engine. Theoretically, we could add 12 guys to the offensive team we dress out. An RB (maybe 2), a TE (maybe 3), 3 Offensive Lineman (to upgrade Hanson, Newman, and Walker), 1 QB, and 3 WRs.(to go with Watson, Doubs, Toure).

OK. It's a rebuild. Over half the guys we dressed out on offense would be replaced. It's a rebuild on offense. I hope Rodgers can figure it out.

5 points
7
2
MooPack's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:20 pm

I agree with you.

One thing I'd do different, depending on if a trade of Aaron Jones happens, And if this RB is available with the Packers 15th pick, is draft Bijan Robinson. I get that we can get RB later and they are not usually worth a 1st pick. I believe Bijan is different. He is worth a 1st pick. Has the vision, cutting ability, and especially receiving ability that Jones has. And he is bigger. 6'0" 220. I'd be surprised if he is still available then, but 1st round RB's can drop.

Also, I'm totally with you on Oline. They need a mauler with a killer attitude. Paris Johnson is the obvious choice. Don't think he'll fall that far. Skoronski is a Guard. He may or may not be there. OT Broderick Jones would be next and probably fits the mauler profile best.

So, if both are there, it's a tough choice. I'm going to go with Bijan, because high end skill players are harder to get and if Jones is traded they need that RB more. This is my opinion. For the most part GB has done a better job at Oline picks, barring Sean Rhyan, although, we don't know what they have yet.

If Bijan is gone, no brainer. Take Broderick. Defense, Bah, that depends on if Joe Barry is still the DC. If he is, why waste more draft capitol on a defensive scheme that minimizes talent.

Also depends on Rodgers. If he is still QB, who cares.

1 points
3
2
Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 07:05 pm

Moo Pack,the Packers don't take skill position players in the first round. Javon Walker in 2002. Bubba in 2000. That's it. We take defenders, mostly, QBs, (twice) and occasionally an offensive lineman (not since Derrick Shephard in 2011). I like Bijan a lot but I don't think we're taking an RB in the first round. I'm thinking more like Day 2.

1 points
1
0
MooPack's picture

January 18, 2023 at 09:18 pm

I appreciate what you are saying. I'm also thinking this year may be different for a couple reasons. Gute wasn't here in those earlier years you mentioned. IMO, Gute understands that drafting skill receiver positions is somewhat wasted since Rodgers controls who he passes to. Why waste a 1st round pick that won't be passed to for a year or more likely two. From what we are told TE is even more difficult to learn. Don't necessarily believe that, but it is what has happened. You really have to get into the psyche of Rodgers to understand that. RB's on the other hand are different. They can and do start and play to a higher level earlier. Rodgers can't discount them on the same level. He can downplay them to a certain extent, as we have seen, but not completely. He has to hand off for a bare minimum. Otherwise he is exposed as a fraud.

Again, this is completely dependent on what happens to Jones. I like him quite a bit, but his cap and age work against him. With this FO, we don't know for sure, yet. Too early to project. But if Jones is gone, I can't discount a 1st round draft of Bijan. If Bijan is gone by 15, then by all means take OT Broderick or other.

"We take defenders". Yes, that has been the mantra. The common theme is that we are a defender away from making the Big Show. I'm done with that. I don't believe it anymore. The DC's have really done this team in for years. With Barry, nothing is going to change. My hope is that Gute finally see's that and invests on offense this time. If he takes Oline, I'm good with that. RB? depends on Jones. WR or TE, depends on Rodgers.

-1 points
0
1
Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:34 pm

Gutekunst is a long-time member of the personnel department and was mentored by Thompson. He's taken a defender, a defender, a defender, a QB, a defender, a defender and a defender in the first round. (Alexander, Gary, Savage, Love, Stokes, Walker, and Wyatt.) He understands why the organization takes defenders, not skill position players (because we can get good WRs and TEs and RBs on t he second day of the draft).

0 points
1
1
BirdDogUni's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:57 pm

Now if he only understood those defensive players need a viable coach, we'd be set!

4 points
4
0
Guam's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:59 am

Gute might well understand, but the HC and therefore the coaching staff report to Murphy.

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 19, 2023 at 10:23 am

BDU, we're an average-ish defense. We finished 17th, with 371 points surrendered. Take away the 14 garbage time points we gave t o Minnesota, and we're at 357 points, which would put us at 13th. Dallas was #6 with 342, which is only 15 points fewer over a 17 game season.

We gave up 30+ points one time. Nearly half our opponents couldn't get past 20.

I think the defense is better than they were given credit for, and I think Barry has been maligned unfairly. Add Stokes and Gary and another stud defender and this will probably be an above average defense this year.

-3 points
0
3
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:17 am

*Derek Sherrod - It is too bad he got hurt in KC. Was never the same, but he was looking like a total bust before he got hurt.

I would almost bet my house we don't take a RB in the 1st round.

As bad as Barry is, we probably need to draft the best pass rusher we can find in the 1st round, just to counterbalance his poor schemes and calls. Sad part is, I'm not joking.

If everyone is honest with themselves watching the divisional rounds, the guys that will win this weekend are the ones getting to the QB when it counts. So getting to the QB and protecting the QB (no matter who is our QB) makes all the sense in the world.

As many have pointed out, Gary might not be back until November or even December? We needed more pass rush this year and it's not going to get better unless we invest in more pass rush. Right now the only way we can afford to bring in a pass rusher is through the draft. To win in this league you have to be able to pressure the QB with 4 men rushing. Clark can push the pocket, PSmith is decent, Wyatt shows promise, but we need that new shiny pass rusher opposite PSmith. Draft the Pass Rusher, let him play early and often and when Gary comes back, he can be worked in slowly so he's ready when it counts late in the season.

Drafting at #15, we should be able to get a superior Pass Rush prospect, we'll need him next season for sure and the future even more. (Lh - I agree, RB Day 2!)

0 points
1
1
PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:56 am

Don't take a RB. First round RBs are iffy, look at Clyde Edwards Helaire of the Chiefs. Take a Tight End like Michael Mayer. GB needs more pass catchers, and TE is one of our biggest needs. He is an all around player, great at receiving and blocking.

The OTs are deep this year, if we really want we could get one in round 2 or 3 or 4. Maybe we want OG Andrew Vorhees of USC in round 2, perhaps? In my opinion, OL is a need we cna address next year. Tight End is #1 because the TE class this year is very good, and we have a chance to get a generational replacement

0 points
0
0
PackyCheese500's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:56 pm

Let RB slide until day 3. Goodson and Taylor can operate in tandem as the #2 back behind Dillon. We will need a safety, and the 2023 class is very good. I would suggest either Brian Branch of alabama in the 1st, JL Skinner of Boise St. in the 2nd, or Ji'Ayir Brown of Penn St. in the 4th.
We will need another OLB to replace Preston, who I am assuming will be traded in the offseason.
OL is not the biggest need. Tom will come around to be a good LT. Jenkins is already here. Myers may make a leap in year 3, and Runyan is serviceable as is Nijman. I would give that line at least one year, and if any of them do badly, we can replace them in 2024. We have bigger needs, like TE, WR, S, DL, and OLB

-2 points
1
3
MooPack's picture

January 18, 2023 at 06:17 pm

Brian Branch is definitely in play. I think they could trade down a bit to get him and fill a glaring need. But, Big but, is Joe Barry still the DC, if so, why? What is he going to do with him? Play him even further back than the CB's? He would be at top of list for defensive picks, along with Tyree Wilson. Other top DL won't be there. I just don't see how a defense with Joe Barry is going to be any different. They'd be wasting a pick that would be better served getting offense talent to outscore other teams with today's rules against the defense. This defensive scheme is not going to keep the Packers in games. A game or two maybe. Season long? NO.

I think you are overselling the Oline. They were pushed around pretty consistently when it counted in short yardage. They need a legit OT/RT mauler to be nasty in the run game. 4th and 1 or goal is indisputable evidence.

I like Goodson and Taylor. My comment is completely dependent on Aaron Jones. If he is gone, They need a play maker that is not just serviceable, but above average in every phase. I don't think the aforementioned are that. Bijan Robinson will be.

TE and WR will TOTALLY depend on if Rodgers is QB. They will be another rookie class that Rodgers won't pass to. Even with the great need at TE, he doesn't pass to that part of the field. That's a sorry reality.

4 points
4
0
Packers1985's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:32 pm

Completely agree with your approach on this. Most of our goal line woes are defnitely becuase of our oline easily getting pushed back. So trading down int he first rd makes sense and drafting a safety in the late first rd and get an extra 2nd rd and use it on oline and TE. We can go for 3 rd OLB and then 4th rd wr. 5th-7th may be rb and oline and some kicker or punter or returner.

Given that there many teams looking for a qb i see about 7-10 teams looking for qb. So i think we will definitely get some studs in the first 50.

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 06:59 pm

We can replace Aaron Jones with a Day 3 guy?

Tom will be better. Jenkins is a stud. Myers is certainly adequate. Runyan and Nijman.

So what happens when guys get hurt? Who are we putting in then? Newman? Hanson? Caleb Jones? Listen to this: Nothing happens on offense unless people get blocked.

3 points
4
1
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:00 am

Aaron Jones was a 5th rounder right?

Hanson and Newman shouldn't be anywhere near GB come OTAs... Pretty sure Gutey will draft at least one, if not two OL. No idea what rounds, but if it were me, I'd say the 4th, which has been good for us and one of the 5ths...

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 19, 2023 at 02:38 pm

Newman was a 4th rounder. There's certainly no guarantee that a rookie 4th rounder is going to be better than a 4th rounder with 2 years of experience.

Assuming we bring back the people we can, the first five is Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Runyan, Nijman, and Tom. I'm fine with that.

The second 5....which has the guys who'll be starting for us in the playoffs.....has Myers, Newman, Hanson, Rhyan, Walker, and Jones. (yeah, that's 6, I know). We need improvement from the second year guys, but we need some better guys, too.

Aaron Jones was a 5th round guy. I think he's a very atypical 5th round guy, and that we certainly can't count on replacing Jones with another 5th round guy.

IMO, we trade down a little and end up with 6 picks in the Top 114. We take a defender with the first pick, then we get TEs, OLs, RBs with the other 5.

0 points
0
0
canadapacker's picture

January 18, 2023 at 06:36 pm

I agree also except - no point in trading Jones - even though he has fumbled twice now in big games and one can argue cost us both games - Lions and Bucs. But he still has a lot of tread left and we do not want a whole bunch of dead cap for him. So renegotiate to move his salary - to the next 2 years after and if he needs to be cut then do it in 24. In the meantime - Love still will have the big 2 in his run game. Same with Bak - still playing at a pretty high level and maybe with one more off season = can fix his knee and they know how much off time during the season he needs. Resign Jenkins - and hopefully Rhyan gets over his PED issues and becomes a player. Now the draft can be spent on first a tight end , next faster linebackers, Dbacks and hopefully a big Dline guy. As far as free agents receivers - might need somebody when Cobb, Lazard and Lewis are gone and since Watkins was a bust - dont sign a project.
It will be good for Love to start with a solid Oline = and 12 did not have that to start this year to go along with all rookies ( new receivers) except Lazard and Cobb. Not necessarily a winning lineup in year 1 of Love but might even be a bit stronger that what AR had. The D has pieces as long as it gets some additional parts and somebody teaches them about discipline.

2 points
2
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Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 07:01 pm

"""no point in trading Jones -"""

Except it cuts $10 million off the salary cap. Bakhtiari is different.....we basically save very little by trading him.

0 points
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2
canadapacker's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:10 pm

When a guy is productive ???? - and still under contract ???? And will you find a team who will pick up his salary and you will end up with a bunch of dead cap money with a guy playing for a competitor Khalil Mack is 24 million against the Bears and where is he playing. No thanks and why would anybody want to do that?

0 points
1
1
Leatherhead's picture

January 18, 2023 at 11:43 pm

It's not about wanting to. It's about having to. We're $15 million over the projected cap for next year. Where do you intend to cut $15 million?

0 points
1
1
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:10 am

They'll restructure Bakh and Jones and already be under the cap. Then, they'll restructure a bunch more just to operate and like the Fram Oil Filter Commercial, we'll pay later...

I don't like it, but that is what they'll do.

3 points
3
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:50 am

A stupid way to operate when there is nothing we will be contending for in 2024 except mediocrity or badness

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 03:13 pm

That’s the point. I love Jones, but unless we seriously believe that we are likely to contend over the next two seasons, I’d have to say we should let him go and he probably should want to. I’d love to keep him as a bridge if Rodgers goes, but we need to shed cap to get better and I think that’s going to being greater benefits. If we keep Rodgers he’s just a part of the illusion that this team is a true contender.

-1 points
0
1
canadapacker's picture

January 20, 2023 at 05:51 pm

Again - my point is this - if we are going to start Love - he will need a running game. If we trade Jones - what do we get and what is the impact to Dead Cap - The Dead cap is important in that you subtract that money from the Cap to start and that means that you are not getting anything meaningful for those bodies but they are part of the team's salary cap. So as I have stated before Ryan and Julio Jones are counting $56 Million against Falcons 2022 salary cap - now how many players could they sign to be competitive ??? It is bad enough that we may have issues if and when AR leaves - but why add more for a guy who is still at the top if his game, can help a young QB and we can get under this years cap by restructuring.

1 points
1
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:50 am

If we trade him post june 1st we save 17 million of cap money. That can cover the '23 rookies

0 points
0
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:24 pm

That a boy Leatherhead and I agree! :)

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

January 19, 2023 at 05:19 pm

The smartest thing in your post is the lack of Myers on the OL...

0 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 18, 2023 at 04:32 pm

Back in the Rodgers Favre transition, the Packers made a leap of faith in then-unproven Rodgers when they shipped Favre to the Jets. It is time for the Packers to make that same leap now; there is no way we will be serious contenders in 2023 no matter what, and keeping Rodgers and trying to contend will make sure that we are a rebuilding, bottom feeding team for years to come.

As for Rodgers, He has said he may want to play elsewhere. I think the Jets are a good candidate to get him, but another, under the radar trade partner may be the Falcons.

The Falcons have 56 million of cap space in 2023, and can get 12 million more if they cut QB Marcus Mariota, which seems likely. They have a good offensive line (ranked no 9 by pff), a plethora of young weapons in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Tyler Allgier, and high draft picks. Also, they play in the worst division in football. Between bringing in big name free agents to build a roster around Rodgers to having an excellent long term cap outlook, the Falcons could be an ideal destination for Rodgers and transform themselves into contenders next year.

It would also give rookie QB Desmond Ridder, who obviously needs some work, a mentor to learn behind for a few years before taking the reins when Rodgers decides to hang up the cleats

4 points
4
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pantz_bURp's picture

January 18, 2023 at 05:55 pm

I opened a fortune cookie last Saturday. It stated, "patience grasshoppers". Not sure what this was pertaining to, but wanted to share.

3 points
3
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:25 pm

Love the humor! Thanks!

1 points
1
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Fubared's picture

January 18, 2023 at 10:34 pm

Diva boy is not retiring. He has 56 million reasons why he is not retiring. Love is screwed in that he has no leverage and cant really demand anything because he is under contract and can be extended whether he wants to be or not.

1 points
1
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jurp's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:27 am

Can Love decline the 5th year option, should the team offer it? If so, he has leverage, but at a fairly steep personal risk - what kind of money would he command elsewhere as a FA? If he can't decline the option, then he's screwed, but $20 million (?) richer.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

January 19, 2023 at 03:06 pm

It’s a team option, so no. He can sit out the season, but that just tolls the option.

0 points
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BuckyBadger's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:19 am

This site has become a joke. The act like the don't know what will happen with Rodgers this year.

-3 points
1
4
dgtalmn's picture

January 19, 2023 at 08:51 am

Waste of a first round draft pick and Rodgers made sure of it.

-2 points
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4
The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:20 am

Just like he made sure Amari Rodgers never amounted to anything. Rodgers is sabotaging his own team at this point.

-3 points
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3
BirdDogUni's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:41 am

*Amari Rodgers made sure Amari Rodgers never amounted to anything.

To blame Aaron Rodgers for Gutey picking a complete bust is extraordinarily silly...

1 points
1
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:45 am

It is not Gutey's fault. Amari could have developed into a quality WR, and after a half season in Houston, he is already showing some of his potential. He had a pretty impressive TD grab in one week. Blame MLF for restricting him to special teams and not using him more on offense more, which i sure would have liked to see.

0 points
1
1
jannes bjornson's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:02 pm

Thanks, I was Just going to add the Amon-Ra St Brown whiff to the Story.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 19, 2023 at 02:46 pm

Well, Amari Rodgers caught 12 passes in 6 games for Houston, which is more than he caught....or even had thrown to him....in two years in Green Bay.

-1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:44 am

Blame MLF for not using Amari more on offense. I would liked to have seen more of that, not hopelessly sticking him back at returner

0 points
1
1
LambeauPlain's picture

January 19, 2023 at 09:26 am

It has been painfully obvious for years that Rodgers cannot carry the team in the playoffs anymore.

This season, the pain spread to the regular season.

I suppose Rodgers could lead the Packers to a SB again with a healthy O line, a few more weapons, and a top Defense. The 7th rounder Mr. Irrelevant is poised to do it in SF with these additional assets.

And I maintain Jordan Love could, too, with those assets. I think he might do it more effectively and efficiently than Rodgers. The O line might be good in '23...but with MLF's delusional devotion to Barry Ball...forget about it.

And the Cap is becoming even more menacing.

7 points
7
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 11:48 am

Spot on, LP. I think that a rebuild would be the quickest path to contending for a SB again, and even then, I could not see us doing so before 2024, with a new coaching staff as well.

2023 will be an un-competitive season no matter what. if we keep Rodgers, we will just drive ourselves further into the ground and position ourselves to be a constantly rebuilding bottom feeder for years to come.

2 points
2
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 19, 2023 at 12:47 pm

I will never forget how most everyone thought it would take 3 years for the Packers to become competitive again and be playoff worthy when Gute took over after the 2018 season. Gute signed 4 FA's and the rest is history with 3 consecutive 13 & 3 seasons. Gute has continued to mine quality FA's from under rocks year after year on the cheap. I do not expect this to change. Gute is a master of finding talent in FA. 2022 draft it appears he hit a home run! For those of you who do not like Gute you need to R E L A X.....

Everything I have seen from Jordan Love in 2022 when at the practice field, Friday night scrimmage, and the Philly game combined with statements from players like Campbell that "Jordan Love is better than many NFL starting QB's" screams to me Jordan Love is the real deal. Yea, I know some of you will find a negative way to to say 'I don't know as I haven't seen enough of Jordan playing to know'. I say bullshit! Jordan was a blue chip talent leading up to the 2020 draft and highly thought of. Anyone who watches him can see he has all the talent in the world. He was a 1st round draft choice. He has sat behind behind a Hall of Fame QB for 3 years soaking up everything AR does. The guy is ready to play and I truly believe he will be a very good player. No, I cannot say he will be another Favre, or Rodgers but he will be a very good player. A player who can lead the Packers to the playoffs and win games. Jordan Love is the Packers future and all he needs is playing time. He needs playing time to grow. I would absolutely fall over in disbelief if Gutey was to trade Love. Not happening!

I am absolutely convinced that if Jordan Love played all of 2022, or even the back half the Packers would have won at minimum what the team did with Rodgers in 2022. It is time for Rodgers to go for so many reasons both on and off the field. His 2022 stats were significantly below what they should be for the salary he demands. I do think he can play very well for another 3 seasons, but just don't want it to be with the Packers. He is way too divisive with teammates/front office, and with fans. He manipulates the media. All you have to do is read these posts from us CCTV fans. If Rodgers comes back in 2023, I seriously hope management/coaches have made it very clear to Rodgers & Love (and the team) that the starting QB will be whomever plays and performs the best. Should this actually happen I really do not think Rodgers would stay with the Packers, but if he did return it is my belief that Jordan Love at this stage of development is physically a much better QB in all regards. The fact that Gutey drafted Love for the future will be looked back on as one of the smartest things he has ever done. Believe it!

How quickly the Packers rebound and become playoff contenders again is going to depend a lot with what is done with AR this offseason. Obviously, with several extra draft choices from trading AR it would greatly help the Packers. The Packers have well identified holes in their roster we all know it but those extra draft picks would go a long way of turning the Packer fortunes around. Combine those draft choices with Gutey continuing to mine FA's and the team very well might surprise all of us in 2023. Should AR return and the Packers do not receive those extra draft choices I'm guessing the team rebounding competitively is pushed back possibly 2 seasons.

4 points
4
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PackyCheese500's picture

January 19, 2023 at 02:53 pm

Very true! I also like what Gutey has done with the team a lot during his tenure.

I don't think we'd trade Rodgers for the capital as much as for the cap relief in the future. I would honestly take two seconds, even though that is probably the least the Packers would be willing to trade him for.

If they do all the right moves this offseason, my guess is that we could be competitive as soon as 2024.

2 points
2
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jhtobias's picture

January 19, 2023 at 02:27 pm

Look with rodgers it is simple time to move foward . Either he is on the team 32 million cap hit or is traded or retires 40 million cap hit. Either number sucks but is reality.

Let aaron know today he will be wnd string behind jordan if he comes back.

We are not competing for a superbowl nexr yr either way and here is why .

Except for rich b the coaching staff is a clown show.

I dont blame berry anymore he cant employ himself .

Lafluer is a real problem when it xomes to picking coordinators minus Rich B .

1 points
2
1
LambeauCalrissian's picture

January 20, 2023 at 05:10 pm

:

0 points
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LambeauCalrissian's picture

January 20, 2023 at 05:13 pm

Who gives a shit if Love enjoys sitting behind Rodgers another year? Boohoo, he signed the contract.

0 points
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LambeauCalrissian's picture

January 20, 2023 at 05:13 pm

Who gives a shit if Love enjoys sitting behind Rodgers another year? Boohoo, he signed the contract.

0 points
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TPCheese's picture

January 20, 2023 at 06:31 pm

“This will be the third season now that Rodgers has held the Packers organization hostage”

Rodgers isn't holding anyone hostage. The front office traded up to draft a QB in the first round in 2020. Two years later they willingly signed Aaron to a $150 million dollar contract pretty much guaranteeing that Love, a first round pick, sits the bench for at least four years unless they want to pay out the rear in dead cap money.

The FO has full control over who is on this roster. If they want to drop Rodgers tomorrow and roll with Love they can. If they lose loads of money because of it, it's because they're the ones who signed up for that. They also could have gotten a king's ransom for Rodgers after last season but they chose not to. If they decide to roll with Rodgers this next year and have a 1st round pick (1st&4th) sit on the bench for four years then that is also on them.

Rodgers just won back to back MVP's. Skillset doesn't magically fall off a cliff. His age was never an issue until he lost his top two receivers and had to get two rookies up to speed in an instant whenever they were able to make it on the field due to injury. Tom Brady played pretty well at age 44. Aaron is 39.

Yes, Rodgers didn't play at an MVP level this year(GASP, how dare he!). He had some bad throws and threw more than 10 int's (He's finished!). Of course, he wants to play he's a competitor. He's not going to retire just because some people think he should be nice to Jordan Love and give him “his turn.” Of course Rodgers has an ego, there aren't many athletes playing at that level that don't have one. It's up to the FO to do what is best for the team, and right now they have gotten themselves into quite the pickle.

1 points
1
0