Packers Leadership Plan For ‘Strong Returning Nucleus’ This Season That Includes Rodgers, Adams

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers alluded to the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams this season, as questions continue over their respective futures with the organization.

Contract talks have broken down between the Packers, Adams and Rodgers in recent months, but officials with the team are optimistic about the season ahead as reports indicate Rodgers will return.

The Packers are hoping to build off of a dominant 2020, general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the team’s annual shareholders meeting Monday. He said the Packers have a “strong returning nucleus” that includes Adams and Rodgers.

“We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representation to resolve the issues he has raised this offseason, and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution,” said Gutekunst.

Rodgers has been with the Packers since 2005. He was named MVP after the team’s Super Bowl victory in 2011. He also won MVP of the NFL in 2014 and last season.

Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said Rodgers is a phenomenal talent the team is happy to have.

“We want him back,” said Murphy. “We’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond, and he is our leader, and we’re looking forward to winning another Super Bowl with him.”

Rodgers reportedly turned down a contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

WPR previously reported Rodgers did not attend optional team workouts in May. At the time, he said the character and culture of the organization contributed to the rift between himself and the Packers.

Adams started with the Packers in 2014. Since then, he’s played four times in the NFL’s Pro Bowl. His current contract extension runs out this year, but the uncertainty over Rodgers has created what amounts to a domino effect over contract negotiations.

It’s still not entirely clear what’s ahead for Adams and Rodgers. Over the weekend, the teammates both shared the same picture on Instagram of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen from “The Last Dance.”