NFC Notes: Aaron Rodgers, Bears, Lions, Packers

Aaron Rodgers

Former Packers WR James Jones and noted confidante of QB Aaron Rodgers offered some hope that the situation between Green Bay and the reigning MVP can be resolved this summer. 

“I truly believe that he will be there for training camp, this will get fixed, and I think the relationship will get much better between him and the GM,” Jones said in an interview with Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd.

Jones added some of the reasons floating around for Rodgers’ discontentment might not be completely accurate, such as his desire for GM Brian Gutekunst to be fired or for a new contract. 

“I’ve talked to Aaron. I talk to him all the time. He’s told me that it’s not about the GM, it’s not about new money, it’s not about the GM. So when I hear everybody say it’s about getting the GM fired and these things, it’s not about that,” Jones said.

So what’s it about? Jones said a private phone conversation he was not at liberty to share more about is the No. 1 source of the issues. He did allude to Rodgers, whose only public comments on the matter have referenced the team losing sight of the people who make the organization go, being upset with the team letting go of guys like Jake Kumerow and Jordy Nelson.

“It’s not about who you’re bringing in, I can’t control who you draft, I can’t control who you bring in in free agency. But what I do want a little input on is the guys you’re letting out of the building. You’ve got guys like Jordy Nelson who are willing to take a pay cut to play and you say, ‘No, get out of here’ anyway,” Jones explained. “I think it’s the guys getting out of the building, that he’s seen walking out of the building and still wanted to be in Green Bay and still could have been contributors to winning a championship.”

• Fansided’s Matt Lombardo writes that people close to Gutekunst think the Packers GM views this situation as personal and an opportunity to draw a line and stand by it. 
• Lombardo adds people in Green Bay are bracing for Rodgers to be absent when training camp begins. 
• Packers’ QB Jordan Love on what’s been happening with QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason: “I was just as surprised as you guy, but I did not know what was going to happen.” (Ryan Wood)
• Packers’ HC Matt LaFleur spoke about Love doing well in practice: “You can never get too high, and never get too low, in this game.” LaFleur added that it’s important for Love to focus play by play and strive for consistency. (Wood)
• Love also commented on how he felt about his big day in practice: “I definitely feel it was a good day for me and everybody else as well, just bouncing back from yesterday’s practice.” (Wood)
• Love says he’ll be “100%” ready to start Week 1 if the Packers need him to: “That’s what I’m here for. I was drafted here to play quarterback, so I’ll definitely be ready Week 1.” (Wood)
• Love said he spoke with Rodgers “probably about a week before I got out here. Me and Aaron, we’ve got a good relationship.” (Wood)
• On how he has been approaching this offseason, Love said the following: “My mindset this whole offseason has been to get ready, get myself ready. That’s been my mindset since I got here, whether Aaron was here or not here. I’ve got to get myself ready to play.” (Wood)
• LaFleur was the Falcons QB coach when the team drafted LB De’Vondre Campbell  back in 2016: “He’s a guy that’s a big, long guy that can run. He definitely brings a different dynamic to that room.” (Matt Schneidman)

Bears

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says not to be surprised if the Jets look into trading for Bears QB Nick Foles. He’s currently third string in Chicago and due $4 million guaranteed, while the Jets have zero veteran experience at the position and GM Joe Douglas knows him from their time with the Eagles. 
• Fowler adds the Bears explored trading DT Akiem Hicks earlier this season but didn’t find what they were looking for given he’s 31 and due $10.5 million in a contract year in 2021. He says it’s possible this heats up again closer to training camp. 

Lions