Everyone who’s anyone has a take on what will happen with Aaron Rodgers and his future with the Green Bay Packers. However, the words of those close to him should merit more consideration. On Tuesday, Charles Woodson gave his thoughts on the matter on NFL Network, and it was quite an angle.
Woodson was asked what he would like to see Rodgers do, and Woodson decided to delve into the Packers’ viewpoint.
“I’m just looking at the situation and, if I’m putting on my GM hat and I’m saying, ‘What are we going to do next season?’ And I look at the roster we have, you know what? I’m thinking about trading Aaron Rodgers and see what I can get in return for him. Maybe I can get a quarterback that can help steady my quarterback room and get some competition for Jordan Love. I’m telling (Matt) LaFleur, ‘Hey. Jordan Love does not leave the building this offseason, we’re gonna get him prepared to play.…’ If I’m the Packers, you flirted with it a little bit last offseason, life without Aaron Rodgers. You know, now you’re really thinking about the future, so I’m thinking about trading Aaron Rodgers this offseason if I can.”
What’s most fascinating about Woodson’s remarks is that he viewed it through Green Bay’s prism instead of Rodgers’. He also mentioned a rising young defense and the Packers’ salary cap situation as reasons to trade Rodgers. In doing all of this, Woodson did Rodgers a solid.
Rodgers has long noted his close relationship with Woodson. What makes it more peculiar is that Woodson not only suggested a trade but looked at the situation from Green Bay’s perspective. This isn’t a nobody bringing this to the table; it’s Charles Woodson. There are plenty of people who live and die by the Green and Gold who respect what he has to say. It could open up their minds to the possibility that a Rodgers trade could be in the team’s best interest. If Rodgers asks out, what Woodson said could resonate with some as being best for both sides.
The predictable route would’ve been for Woodson to take Rodgers’ side. Instead, as he puts it, he put on his general manager cap and considered Brian Gutekunst and Russ Ball’s mindset. It’s hard to argue with what Woodson said.
Green Bay just can’t get over the hump, even with Aaron Rodgers. This really felt like the year for the Packers to do it, and they fell flat on their face in the postseason again. That’s back-to-back years the season has ended at Lambeau Field in the playoffs, something that would’ve been unheard of at one time.
Rodgers isn’t the reason they falter, although he was abysmal against the San Francisco 49ers this time around. Oftentimes, he’s the reason they get as far as they do. But if the team’s ceiling is just getting to the playoffs, which appears to be the case, why should Green Bay live in purgatory for the next two or three years?
Let’s make one thing clear: Green Bay will not be better off without Aaron Rodgers right away. If they aren’t going to get to the promised land with him, though, why waste any more of your time or his time? Get a haul back for him now at age 38.
That’s how Woodson is viewing this whole situation.
Green Bay has a lot of young and proven pieces on the defense. Joe Barry looks to be an incredible hire as a defensive coordinator. Rich Bisaccia was just brought in to overhaul the special teams unit. Why not cut ties with Rodgers now, send him to as good of a situation as he has in Green Bay, and build around a young offense that can afford to play a little catch-up while leaning on a solid defense and running game.
That’s what Woodson is suggesting. While some will find it foolish, it’s intriguing to see him view it through Green Bay’s perspective and not Rodgers’. Perhaps that was his plan.
