After a devastating 13-10 loss in the Divisional Round against the 49ers, the Packers will now face many questions regarding the future of the team, such as… what will transpire for their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and their star wide receiver, Davante Adams, both of which will likely hit free agency this off-season.
Obviously, the team is hopeful to bring them back, but due to the cap situation, it seems unlikely.
Rodgers, who is an all-time great in Green Bay, seems to be moving toward a change, whether that be testing free agency or retiring completely. Rodgers has had an extremely successful career with the Packers where he totaled 55,360 yards, 93 interceptions, and a Packers record of 449 touchdowns in 17 seasons. He also led the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XLV, in addition to being named NFL MVP three times in 2011, 2014 and 2020.
Rodgers went on the Pat McAfee show on Tuesday to talk about his looming decision:
To stretch it out past free agency would be disrespectful to the organization … and that will one-hundred percent not happen.
Pat McAfee Show
If Rodgers chooses this route, it is most likely that Adams will follow suit, as he has never played without the QB. He has totaled 669 receptions, 8,121 yards, and 73 touchdowns from 2014-2021 and was selected All-Pro twice and selected to five Pro Bowls.
It is possible, but not very likely that the dynamic duo could team up elsewhere. A report from ESPN’s Jordan Schultz suggested this:
Some other possible key departures due to cap space, as the Packers are expected to be roughly $44M over the projected cap, could be outside linebackers, Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, a two time pro bowler.
With the possible vacancies of at least two of the Packers’ best players, you may think they would head into a rebuilding stage, but Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur stated that they are not planning on rebuilding at this time:
There is no plan for a rebuild [in the Packers organization]
Packers Post-Game Press Conference
After back to back seasons as the #1 seed in the NFC, the future of the Packers is uncertain and this off-season will give answers in terms of the direction of the organization.
