Aaron Rodgers return: What does it mean for Packers?

Early Monday afternoon, it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was intent on playing in Green Bay for at least the 2021 season.

In the end though, what does his return mean for Green Bay going forward?

Let’s take a deeper look into what’s at stake for both sides.

Reason #1: It gives Aaron Rodgers a say in his future

This is a re-worked contract that will give Rodgers much more of a say in 2022 and possibly beyond. Basically, this means he’ll have a say in where he wants to go in 2022 or if he’s happy and wants to sign long-term, he could have that option as well.

It gives him more flexibility to choose what he wants to do after playing out his contract. The final year in Rodgers’ contract reportedly could be voided with no franchise tags being allowed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It also means that his newly reworked deal would be adjusted to allow more cap room as it stands now. Lastly, per Schefter, the agreement between both parties as described in the deal would allow Green Bay to “review” Rodgers’ situation post-spring in 2022 and if he still feels things aren’t going well within the organization, they can choose to trade him in the offseason.

Reason #2: Aaron Rodgers now has reached a common ground with the organization

After months of speculation about whether or not he’d play in Green Bay, Rodgers finally had to put up or shut up in the end. With a re-worked contract now nearly finalized, the organization has basically given in to his demands, thus also giving him much more control over his future.

In the end, it wasn’t about the money, Rodgers has plenty of it, it was about the amount of control the organization would let him have. Now, with this nearly finalized deal in place, both sides are at a common ground. In short: it’s a win-win for both sides.

Reason #3: If it is going to be Aaron Rodgers’ last year, he’s going to make it count

Even though the numerical details have yet to be released, Rodgers’ contract will at least keep him in Green Bay for the 2021 season. With that being said, Rodgers himself will definitely be making it count.

Having had his greatest season ever statistically in 2020, you can bet your bottom dollar that he’s going to try even harder in 2021. Being the leader of the team for over a decade, he knows the shortcomings that have happened time and time again for the team. It’s time to get over the hump, and 2021 may just be the year Green Bay does.