Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy Hopes The Aaron Rodgers Saga Is Nearing An End

Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy said Friday that he hopes the Aaron Rodgers soap opera has some closure by the start of free agency on March 15.

Multiple reports have said the Packers are ready to turn the page from Rodgers to 2020 first round draft pick Jordan Love next season. The New York Jets sent a contingent of team officials including owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to California on Tuesday to meet with Rodgers.

The NFL’s legal tampering period begins Monday and free agency starts Wednesday. And during a statewide broadcast of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association girls state basketball tournament, Murphy said it would be in everyone’s best interests to have some finality before free agency arrives.

“I think we’d all, both sides, we’d love to have it resolved by the start of free agency,” Murphy said. “It’s in everybody’s interest to resolve it sooner rather than later.”

Murphy confirmed that the Packers gave the New York Jets permission to talk with Rodgers.

“Yes, we did give them permission,” Murphy said. “But I can’t really get into the details. We’re really hopeful that we can reach a resolution that works not only for Aaron, but for us.”

Murphy also said Green Bay would honor a trade if Rodgers requests one.

“Yeah. Oh yeah, we would,” Murphy said. “Yeah.”

Rodgers is coming off arguably his poorest season since he became Green Bay’s starter in 2008.

His quarterback rating (91.1) was the lowest in that time and his yards per completion (6.8) were his second fewest. Rodgers’ 1.53 touchdowns per game and his passing yards (3,695) were both career lows, as well, in years where he’s played a full season.

Green Bay also went 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time in Matt LaFleur’s four years as the Packers’ head coach.

Rodgers has played 18 NFL seasons, including the last 15 as Green Bay’s starter. He’s been contemplating retirement since the 2022 season ended, and Murphy said that remains a possibility.

“Yeah, I think so. He’s got a lot of years, a lot of wear and tear,” Murphy said. “It’s a lot to go through getting ready for a season and a season. But he’s a competitor, too, and I know he wants to keep playing, all things considered.”

Murphy said the door hasn’t been closed on Rodgers returning to Green Bay, but acknowledged the Packers are trying to find him the right fit with a different team.

“He’s obviously a great player and four-time MVP,” Murphy said. “But I think it’s trying to find what he wants and what we want and hopefully we can find a win-win situation.

“I think things have been very professional. We’re very appreciative of what Aaron’s meant to the team and the organization and we want to be respectful and also help him achieve what he wants.”