Aaron Rodgers’ Packers Future Could Depend on a Risky $20 Million Gamble Involving Davante Adams
The Green Bay Packers have clinched a first-round playoff behind another MVP-caliber campaign from star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers’ future beyond the 2021 campaign remains a lingering discussion in Green Bay. All that has already pushed the Packers toward a risky $20 million decision involving Davante Adams that could help or complicate the situation.
Packers secure first-round playoff bye behind Aaron Rodgers’ brilliance
After an offseason filled with uncertainty around Rodgers’ future, the Packers have secured the top overall NFC playoff spot.
Green Bay quickly moved past a shaky season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints to earn its third No.1 seed with the 37-year-old under center. Rodgers has led the charge with what could be a second straight MVP award-winning campaign as he’s ninth with 3,977 passing yards, tied for third with 35 touchdown passes, and first with a 67.8 QBR.
His play has steadied the Packers despite dealing with a broken pinky toe throughout the last several weeks. He continues to put forth highly efficient passing performances, leading the league with only four interceptions while posting north of a 100 passer rating all but five times. Rodgers has set the single-season record by submitting 12 games with multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions.
Beyond that, he has positioned the Packers into a promising spot to vie for a Super Bowl berth. As the regular season winds down, Green Bay appears geared up for a risky decision on the future of Rodgers’ favorite target in the passing game.
Aaron Rodgers’ Packers future could depend on a risky $20 million gamble involving Davante Adams
The Packers sit in a promising spot, but it isn’t too early for the franchise to look beyond the 2021 campaign.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the team is leaning toward placing the franchise tag on free-agent-to-be star wide receiver Davante Adams. Based on his current salary, it would put his 2022 pay at $20 million.
Adams is putting together another impressive campaign as he’s second with 117 receptions, third with 1,498 receiving yards, and fifth with 11 touchdowns. The 29-year-old is Rodgers’ unquestioned favorite passing-game target, and the two are expected to have intertwined futures in Green Bay.
The star quarterback will certainly want Adams’ next deal lined up with his as the two share irreplaceable chemistry. The duo anchors the Packers offense, further underling the importance of keeping them together for the long haul to ensure sustained success. On top of that, Adams previously hinted that Rodgers’ decision could impact his next move.
“Potentially,” said Adams during a recent interview on The Rich Eisen Show. “All my success has been attributed to just being locked in at the moment and enjoying playing ball with my teammates. Going in and producing at a high level, and trying to focus on being the best every week.”
Things could become dicey if Rodgers pushes to play elsewhere, as he will have more say due to his restructured contract. That includes potentially voiding the 2023 year, putting the Packers in a challenging position regarding his next deal.
It may be quite early, but it’s clear that Green Bay is making early steps to keep Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers controls his fate in Green Bay
Rodgers’ decision to restructure his contract put a temporary Band-Aid on the situation and makes the offseason ahead that much more crucial.
The star quarterback knows he holds his NFL future in his hands as he holds the Packers at his will. It’s especially true with Jordan Love proving he isn’t ready. Rodgers recently discussed the impending matter, voicing that he won’t drag it out and will fully commit to his decision.
“It won’t be something where I will drag it on for months and months. I’ll have conversations with my loved ones after the season with Brian, Mark, Russ and the coaching staff. Then make a decision at some point, I won’t hold the team back from anything. Once I commit, and if it’s committing to move forward here than it will be a quick decision,” Rodgers said via Fox 11 News.
Rodgers’ focus remains on leading the Packers to a championship, but the franchise’s future will be in his control quite soon.
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