GM claims Packers’ talks with Aaron Rodgers “never happened” because the team couldn’t reach him

Packers general manager Brian Gutkunst sensationally revealed that he tried unsuccessfully to talk Aaron Rodgers on multiple occasions this season before he was told by quarterback representatives that the four-time MVP was asking for a trade.

The 39-year-old met Jutkunst shortly after Green Bay’s season ended with a 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions that snapped the Packers’ three-game streak. Gutekunst said they planned follow-up talks.

‘Those never showed up,’ Gutkunst said. ESPN. It was a time where we had to make some decisions, so we went through his representatives trying to talk to him (about) where we were going with our team. And at that point, they informed us that he would like to be traded to the Jets.

This account contradicts what Rodgers said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 15.

Rodgers said he wished the Packers had told him earlier in the offseason that they intended to move him in the 2023 season.

Instead, Rodgers said that after returning from seclusion last month, he “heard from several people I trust in the league—mostly players—that there was some shopping going on, and that they were really interested in moving me.”

“The Packers want to go,” Rodgers said. They told me that in so many words. They let others know with their direct words.

“I wasn’t holding anything back at this point,” he later added, revealing, “It was the compensation the Packers were trying to get for me, kind of digging their heels in.”

Gutekunst said he wanted to have more discussions with the 2011 Super Bowl champion earlier in the season to discuss how the veteran quarterback might fit into the Packers’ future plans.

(With) our inability to reach it or respond to it in any way, I think at that point, I had to do my job and reach out, understand that trade could be possible and see who was interested,” Gutkunst said.

Rodgers’ deal will pave the way for Jordan Love’s 2020 first-round pick to take over the starting quarterback role for Green Bay.

Gutekunst was asked if there was any scenario where Rodgers would start another game for two players.

“I think now all options are on the table,” Gutkunst said. It’s not trending that way, and we’re very hopeful that we can facilitate this (the trade) and make that happen. But he came back under certain circumstances before where he probably wasn’t the happiest with everything that was going on and he played very well. So we’ll kind of see how that all plays out.

“I think it’s Amal heading in the right direction of what everyone wants, and we can hopefully conclude that.”

Gutekunst also dropped a hint about the terms involved in any deal for Rodgers, surprisingly revealing that he doesn’t need a first-round Jets pick, but wants ‘fair value’ for what many consider to be the greatest Packer of all time.

“Yeah, I guess it’s not a necessity,” said the 49-year-old of a deal centered around a first-round pick. “But at the same time, player value – he’s a key player, so getting excellent shots back for (excellent) players is important.”

Gutkunst and Jets general manager Joe Douglas discussed trade talks involving Rodgers, who announced his intention to play next season at Florham Park earlier this month on “The Pat McAfee Show”.

Rodgers is still under contract with Green Bay but said he wants the Packers to do “the right thing.”

There were some fruitful conversations. We are clearly not where we need to be yet. But I feel like we’re in a good place. Douglas said, adding that he’s “very optimistic.”

Gutekunst said that “we hope we can come to an agreement sooner rather than later” but indicated he could wait until May or June to make a deal if necessary.

“Yes, I think so,” Gutkunst said. Again, not much going on right now.

So, again, I think it should work for both parties and I think we’re both obligated to figure that out. It’s kind of in their court now. We’ll kind of see where it goes.

For his part, Rodgers has not made any public statements since Gutkonst’s remarks at the NFL’s annual meeting on Monday in Phoenix, Arizona.

A reunion of all 32 NFL coaches will take place March 26-29.