Ex-NFL HC Mike Smith believes Aaron Rodgers and Packers drama could go on till first week of 2023 NFL Season (Exclusive)
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are once again in the offseason headlines. The quarterback and franchise are reportedly at an impass and the four-time NFL MVP might've played his final season with the Packers last season.
On "The Ballfather" podcast, former NFL head coach Mike Smith chimed in on the Packers-Rodgers situation. He noted that the drama between the two parties could last through this offseason and into the 2023 season.
Smith said:
"Maybe he's [Aaron Rodgers] figured out what he wants to do but it's a tough situation. And I believe that the Packers gave the [New York] Jets permission to talk to him because they've got a decision coming up.
"If I'm not mistaken, I think it's a $58.3 million option bonus that can that between March 15th, in the first week of the season.
"That's when they have to make the decision for the first you know the first day of the league year up to the first game of the season. So this drama with Aaron Rodgers could go on all the way through the total offseason training camp up to the first week of the season."
He added:
"So we're talking about it now. I don't know that we will still be talking about it in the first week of the season. Who knows?"
Prior to the start of last season, Rodgers signed a three-year extension worth $150.8 million with Green Bay. Yet, there's a chance that the 10-time Pro Bowler might seek to play his 19th season with another franchise.
Will the saga between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last through the start of next season?
To Mike Smith's point, it stands to reason that Aaron Rodgers could stay with the Green Bay Packers and get his $58.3 million.
At 39 years of age, he threw for under 4,000 yards this season for the first time since the 2017 season. He also threw double-digit interceptions for the third time in his future Hall of Fame career last season.
If Green Bay decides to hold onto their franchise quarterback, there will be questions over how it impacts Jordan Love's future with the team. Love was drafted in 2020 to be the heir apparent to Rodgers but hasn't seen much action on the field in his young NFL career.
If what former Atlanta Falcons head coach Smith said is true, it looks set to be another long offseason for Packers fans in 2023.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Ballfather podcast and H/T Sportskeeda.