Packers: Richard Rodgers signing with Philadelphia Eagles
Richard Rodgers is joining the Super Bowl champions.
This doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The Green Bay Packers spent big to sign Jimmy Graham earlier on in free agency, and from that moment it felt like Richard Rodgers would depart.
He’ll now be joining the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal.
The Eagles made it official via Twitter.
Roster Move: #Eagles and TE Richard Rodgers agree to terms on a one-year contract.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/WENsJju56p
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 4, 2018
The star of the “Miracle in Motown”, Rodgers had a number of big moments in Green Bay. The Packers led that game for exactly zero seconds of regulation, but Rodgers’ stunning Hail Mary grab with no time left on the clock gave the Packers one of their all-time great victories.
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But Rodgers has had less to celebrate in recent times.
The tight end made just 12 receptions for 160 yards and one touchdown last season. According to Pro Football Reference, he played on just 305 offensive snaps, which works out at 29.13 percent of the team’s total. Aaron Rodgers played more, and he missed over half the season with a broken collarbone. He played almost half as many snaps as the season prior (604).
Rodgers’ best season came in 2015. That year he made 58 receptions for 510 yards and eight touchdowns, including the famous Hail Mary grab.
The Packers are yet to re-sign any of their unrestricted free agents. Rodgers becomes the third to leave Green Bay, following Morgan Burnett (Steelers) and Jeff Janis (Browns).
Ahmad Brooks, Davon House, Jahri Evans, Quinton Dial, Ulrick John and Brett Goode remain unsigned.
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New general manager Brian Gutekunst has made some big signings, though, landing Graham and Muhammad Wilkerson, before reuniting with Tramon Williams, who left Green Bay in free agency three years ago.
Graham and Lance Kendricks sit atop the tight end depth chart. It’s possible the Packers address the position at some stage in this month’s draft.
What are your thoughts on the Packers’ decision not to re-sign Rodgers?