Packers GM: 'We're not going to trade Aaron Rodgers'
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst insisted his team has no intention of parting ways with Aaron Rodgers despite reports the star quarterback wants to leave.
"No, we're not going to trade Aaron Rodgers," Gutekunst said following the conclusion of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
"He's our quarterback. He's our leader," Gutekunst added, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "We've been working through this for a little while now. I just think it might take some time. But he's the guy that makes this thing go."
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly contacted the Packers to inquire about Rodgers' availability prior to the draft, only to be rebuffed by Green Bay. The NFC West club then selected quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick.
Gutekunst confirmed after the bombshell reported dropped that he had a "very brief" trade call about Rodgers, but didn't say if the 49ers were the ones who rang, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly the reigning MVP's preferred destinations.
Rodgers' agent apparently held several meetings with Green Bay brass over the last month, but the quarterback refused to restructure his contract and instead wants an extension.
The 37-year-old secured his third career MVP award in 2020 with one of his finest seasons to date. He threw for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns against five interceptions.