Packers GM Brian Gutekunst says “No, we’re not trading Aaron Rodgers”

If Brian Gutekunst has anything to say about it, Aaron Rodgers isn’t going anywhere.

“No, we’re not going to trade Aaron Rodgers,” was the repeated line from the Packers’ general manager, who answered questions following the Packers’ first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rodgers has been the subject of maelstrom of rumors throughout the Draft’s first day, following a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Rodgers intends to end his time with the Packers due to mounting frustration with the team’s personnel department. According to Schefter’s report, the Packers have approached Rodgers about a contract extension, but he’s declined all advances to that end.

Gutekunst was undeterred, though, saying he believes Rodgers will play for the Packers again.

“He’s our quarterback. He’s our leader. We’ve been working through this for a little while now. I just think it might take some time. But he’s the guy that makes this thing go.”

Rumors of the interest in Rodgers may be somewhat exaggerated as well. Despite outside reports of a lucrative offer from the 49ers, Gutekunst said he never spoke to San Francisco general manager John Lynch and only received one phone call regarding Rodgers’ availability after Schefter’s report broke.

Additionally, Gutekunst shot down reports that the Packers told Rodgers they would trade him this offseason.

“Absolutely false. There’s no truth to that whatsoever. There’s a lot of false reporting going on right now, and that’s particularly one thing that never happened.”