Throughout much of the offseason, there have remained uncertainty around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ long-term future with the Green Bay Packers. It has been a situation that has remained out of his control despite his stable standing with the franchise. In light of that, Rodgers just sent a strong message to his doubters.

Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Packers

In the months ahead of the 2020 season, there have been endless questions concerning Aaron Rodgers’s long-term future in Green Bay.

All that chatter stemmed from the Packers moving into the first round of this year’s draft to take former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. Despite that, Rodgers has remained professional with the situation as he’s embraced mentoring Love ahead of his rookie year.

It has also put into focus Aaron Rodgers’ contract situation as he’s in the first year of his four-year, $134 million extension. However, the final two seasons have significantly less dead-cap hits. Rodgers will be a $17.2 million cap hit for the 2022 season and $2.8 million for 2023. The financial figures alone suggest that Green Bay could move off their star quarterback at the tail end of their deal.

With that in mind, Aaron Rodgers just sent a clear-cut message to his doubters.

Aaron Rodgers’ stellar outing in Week 1 win over the Vikings

Today was Aaron Rodgers' 5th career game with 350+ pass yards, 4+ pass TD, and 0 INT.

That ties him for the 3rd-most such games by any player since 1950 … trailing only Drew Brees (11 entering today) and Tom Brady (10)

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) September 13, 2020

Despite the lingering questions concerning Aaron Rodgers’ future, the star quarterback didn’t disappoint in Week 1 action.

Rodgers guided the Packers to a convincing 43-34 win over the Vikings behind completing 32-of-44 passes for 364 yards with four touchdowns to zero interceptions, and a 127.5 quarterback rating. According to NFL Research, the 36-year-old’s performance was the fifth career game that he had at least 350 passing yards, four touchdown passes, and zero interceptions.

It’s an impressive feat that ties him for third all-time since 1950, which he only trails fellow future Hall of Famers Drew Brees (11) and Tom Brady (10) entering Week 1 action. Rodgers torched the Vikings defense with his arm as he utilized his receiving options with three different targets for a touchdown reception.

Rodgers put together a vintage performance that shows that he has plenty left in the tank to play at a high level. It may just be one game, but it was a statement outing to begin the 2020 season. The Packers will need Rodgers to continue to play at an elite level to compete for a Super Bowl.

Packers hoping to keep it rolling

The Packers are coming off a 13-win campaign, but many have pegged them to take a significant step back in 2020.

Much of that stems from the belief that Green Bay’s lack of notable talent at wide receiver beyond Davante Adams. That wasn’t the case in Week 1 as Rodgers registered a touchdown passes with three different players. Their top three receiving options in Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Allen Lazard, had at least four catches for 60 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Pro Bowler Aaron Jones didn’t have had a massive game with 66 rushing yards and a touchdown, but he’s a highly dependable option. Jones is coming off his first 1,000-rushing yard campaign, which he should have a chance to replicate in 2020. The Packers are not viewed as the top Super Bowl favorites in the NFC, but they are certainly in the picture.

The San Francisco 49ers are the toast of the conference, but it will be Rodgers that could be what pushes the Packers through to the Super Bowl. Only time will tell what will unfold in the 2020 campaign.