Even with some hazy sunshine there was plenty clearing of the air on the first practice day of the Green Bay Packers 2021 training camp.
The fact the team worked out on Ray Nitschke Field in front of fans for the first time in two years got lost in the casting call for media availability before and after the workout. For you see, Aaron Rodgers was on the turf in his red #12 jersey. Not many thought that was possible during the past three months but the quarterback and Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst stepped front in center to discuss the stand-off and the resolution. Gutekunst was first to appear in the media auditorium before the players even dressed for practice.
Masked members of the media, cleared through continuing Covid protocols (myself included), allowed in the building for the first time since the pandemic began, started firing questions toward the GM on how Rodgers agreed to come back to Titletown.
When the Packers finally jogged out of the Don Hutson Center following stretching to begin practice, fans cheered at the sight of the three time MVP.
But it was after practice when everyone got the explanation they’d been waiting three months for.
I have to admit, it wasn’t what I expected. In a more than 30 minute session with reporters, Rodgers carefully presented his case of dissatisfaction with the only organization he’s known in his 16, going on 17 year NFL career, and what led him to consider never coming back.
It was a fascinatingly honest exchange and Rodgers admitted retirement crossed his mind which was basically his only option because of his existing contract. Once he began working out in earnest, he knew he wanted to play and could still play at an MVP level. When asked directly if he wants to be in Green Bay, Rodgers replied, “I do, I do.” No promises were made about 2022 but Rodgers says he’s all in for this season that just got started today.
We also heard from Davante Adams after practice and he made no bones about his situation, entering the final year of his contract. He said he has earned the right to become the highest paid receiver in the NFL and the numbers might bear that out. The Packers and Adams were in talks all spring but Adams broke off negotiations as he arrived in Green Bay. Adams said he’s not going to be a baby over it, he’s in and preparing for the season. Whether his quarterback is on the team next year may have a significant impact on those discussions.
Former receiver Randall Cobb sent out a tweet declaring he’s coming home. Details on the trade with the Houston Texans are still being worked out but Rodgers, Adams and Head Coach Matt LaFleur all commented on the prospect of bringing him back into the fold. Aside from compensation (reportedly a fifth or sixth round draft choice), the dollars could be an issue for a team already tight to the salary cap.
As for the practice itself, the team worked out in helmets and shorts for about an hour and 40 minutes. When the first team period arrived, the offensive line had a new look. Elgton Jenkins was at left tackle for the rehabbing David Bakhtiari with Jon Runyan at left guard, rookie Josh Myers at center, Lucas Patrick at right guard and Billy Turner at right tackle.
On defense, with Za’Darius Smith and Kevin King on the Reserve/Non-Football injury list and working on the side, veteran free agent De’Vondre Campbell stepped in at linebacker and number one draft choice Eric Stokes worked at right corner.
It was a short stay on the NF-I list for linebacker Tipa Galeai as he was in uniform and working.
The best play of the day was put together by perhaps the Rodgers to Adams combo of the future. In a red zone period, Jordan Love lofted a perfect fade to the left corner of the end zone where third round pick Amari Rodgers rose up to pull it down over Chandon Sullivan.
At the end of a long, first day, credit the Packers for putting the dominating storylines of camp front and center. Adams won’t have to explain his contract negotiations anymore but more importantly Rodgers and Gutekunst both cleared the air on the testy off-season and the team can now get down to the business of, what do you know?, football.
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