Packers GM Brian Gutekunst addresses uncertain futures of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams

Another day, another new chapter has been added to the ongoing saga between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. A day after Rodgers said that he has had positive meetings with the Packers’ brass, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed the current situation as it relates to the team and its longtime quarterback. 

Gutekunst said that he and Rodgers agreed last summer to “sit down and work it out one way or another” during this offseason, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. Gutekunst added that a potential trade was never promised to Rodgers. 

All-Pro receiver Davante Adams‘ future with the team was also discussed during Gutekunst’s meeting with several beat reporters. Gutekunst said that using the franchise tag would be a last resort as it relates to Adams, as the Packers would prefer to sign him to a long-term deal. Teams have until March 8 to apply the franchise tag. Adams would take home roughly $19 million next season — all guaranteed — if he plays under the tag. 

Gutekunst said that he is “very confident” that the Packers will be able to field a competitive team should Rodgers and Adam return despite the team’s current salary cap issues. Green Bay, which was an estimated $42.7 million over the cap at the start of the day, cleared significant space by reportedly restructuring defensive lineman Kenny Clark’s contract. Clark’s restructure reportedly saved the team roughly $10.8 million in cap space. 

Regardless of Rodgers’ status, it’s clear that the Packers are intent on keeping Adams in Green Bay, where he spent the first eight years of his career after being the 53rd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. A Pro Bowler each of the past five years and an All-Pro the past two seasons, Adams is second in franchise history in receptions (669), fourth in yards (8,121) and second in touchdowns (73). 

While he did not offer a specific time on when he will make a decision on next season, Rodgers said Tuesday that he hopes it will be a swift process between him and the Packers’ organization. Rodgers, 38, is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he won his fourth league MVP award and his second in as many years. 

“I am looking forward to making the decision and moving forward. I think it’s best for me, it’s best for the team, and it’s best for all parties involved to get this behind us,” he said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I’ve obviously had thoughts about it and have had thoughts throughout the season and throughout the offseason even during [Panchakarma]. There’s conversations to be had and a few more things to contemplate, but it won’t be long. I’m not going to hold anyone hostage in this. I’m not going to do that. Obviously, I want to feel assertive about it and when I do I’ll make a decision and we’ll move on and move forward.” 



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