LaFleur: Packers want Rodgers 'back in the worst way'
The standoff between the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers continues with no resolution in sight, but head coach Matt LaFleur reiterated Friday that the team wants nothing more than to reconcile with its star quarterback.
"I've got nothing new to update," LaFleur said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We still obviously feel the same way. We want him back in the worst way. I know he knows that and we'll continue to work at each and every day."
Rodgers reportedly rebuffed the Packers' offer to make him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback, fueling speculation the reigning MVP's issues with the club stem from more than just wanting a long-term commitment.
The 37-year-old is reportedly adamant about not returning to Green Bay unless general manager Brian Gutekunst is fired. His issues with Gutekunst are primarily tied to the GM taking Jordan Love in the first round in 2020 without informing Rodgers beforehand.
Rodgers reportedly mocked Gutekunst in group chats with his teammates while referring to the executive as Jerry Krause, the former Chicago Bulls general manager who drew Michael Jordan's ire.
Green Bay has repeatedly said it won't trade the signal-caller.
With Rodgers' future in doubt, the NFC North squad signed former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles to a one-year deal Wednesday to reinforce its depth at the position. Rodgers and Love were previously the only passers on the team's roster.
"Shoot, he led his team to the AFC championship (in the 2017 season)," said LaFleur, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. "They almost knocked off the (New England) Patriots."
Rodgers won his third career MVP Award in 2020 after throwing for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns against five interceptions.