Packers GM explains why he traded Aaron Rodgers to the Jets
It's not often that a team agrees in principle to trade the best player in franchise history on the same day that the general manager holds a completely unrelated press conference. But alas, the Green Bay Packers-Aaron Rodgers-New York Jets saga is a tradition unlike any other. It's honestly refreshing that we don't have to […]
It's not often that a team agrees in principle to trade the best player in franchise history on the same day that the general manager holds a completely unrelated press conference.
But alas, the Green Bay Packers-Aaron Rodgers-New York Jets saga is a tradition unlike any other.
It's honestly refreshing that we don't have to wait for the follow-up presser. It was just like ripping off a band-aid on Monday – Brian Gutekunst spoke with the media and explained why he decided to trade Rodgers to the Jets.
"I think where our team is at, obviously Aaron's up there in age and has however many years he has – I think he's got some really good football left in him. But I think for us, it was just as we got through the offseason and started talking about where we wanted to go, this made a little bit of sense for us," Gutekunst told reporters Monday. "… I think as we move forward, we're really excited about where Jordan [Love] can go. He needs to play [and] having him sit another year would really delayed kind of, you know, where we're going to we're trying to build."
It's an eerily similar situation to that of Brett Favre's departure in 2008, except Rodgers didn't un-retire and make things awkward. But, outside of that, everything else lines up with the goal for a young, first-round pick to take over as the team's signal-caller.
And now, Gutekunst thinks it's time for Love to take over.
"I think obviously we think we've seen steady growth throughout the first three years here," said Gutekunst. "… He didn't get nearly as many opportunities we would have liked last season during games, but when he did, he certainly answered the bell and I think it's just natural maturation as a person.
"… You guys know what is put on a quarterback in the National Football League… There's a lot to that, not only on the field, and they're gonna go through a lot of challenges. But I think we started to see him grow into that role and feel more confident."
The Aaron Rodgers era is officially over in Green Bay. It remains to be seen what the Jordan Love era looks like, but it's clear the Packers have the confidence in him to get the job done, which is the most important aspect, right now.
Love is taking advantage of his opportunity, so far, as well.
"I think he's excited," said Gutekunst. "He popped in a month ago or so for a few days and obviously has been back since maybe a week, four or five days before the offseason program started. I think he's eager for his opportunity."
