Aaron Rodgers is in a positive position with the Packers as a decision on his future looms

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ words have spoken as loud as anything over the past year. He accepts His MVP . Award Thursday evening and thanked – by name – Green Bay President/CEO Mark Murphy and General Manager Brian Gutekunst, among others. That was noticeable.

After spending a week talking to those familiar with Rodgers’ looming decision, two facts are clear:

• The relationship is in as good a place as it has been for a long time, leading to optimism and hope from many involved that he would choose to return.
• No one knows for sure what Rodgers will do, except for Rodgers, and no one will rush him to do so.

Rodgers told the NFL Network after winning another MVP award – his fourth in his career – that he would enjoy the next few weeks and then make a call about his future.

“I’ve had good conversations with Green Bay, and I’ll think about a few things and make a decision here quickly,” Rodgers said.

When Rodgers and Packers modify his contract Before the season, he halted the final year of his deal and canceled it after the franchise window closed, meaning Rodgers would be unrecognizable after the 2022 season. He will be a free agent. There was also a verbal agreement to discuss potential trade to a mutually agreed location if Rodgers wanted.

Assuming he stays, Rodgers will need a new deal for the 2022 season, and sources say the Packers are willing to offer a deal that would make him the highest-paid in the NFL on an annual basis – likely short-term, perhaps two years, with revocable years at the back end to make it Operate with max. It would also allow the team more flexibility to tag wide receiver Davante Adams, along with other off-season moves.

After the last season, Rodgers spoke candidly about I wonder what the future will bringand when he finally came back to the team with a refurbished contract, he was just as much Openness to mistrust and frustration With the team’s front office.

And so the two sides spent the next year working on it. There was increased communication, more input and simply a better framework for the relationship. He seems to have succeeded and been appreciated by Rodgers.

In short, it’s a complete 180.

Rodgers has always had a strong relationship with coach Matt LaFleur, and that continued even when he had issues with the front office. The fact that Rodgers stayed Three or four more days in Green Bay After losing a brutal playoff to meet LaFleur and others to help plan the game for the future was another positive development.

While the entire NFL world awaits a firm and final decision from Rodgers, at least from the outside looking inward, the Packers seem to be in a positive place for that.