Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports reported that quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not happy with the recent moves of the Green Bay Packers’ front office, including the release of wide receiver Jordy Nelson and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. Robinson said that Rodgers was frustrated and emotional that he was not consulted in the release of Nelson and Van Pelt. Robinson added that Rodgers wants to have a say in the Packers’ major personnel decisions as the team’s franchise quarterback. However, Rodgers denied that he has a rift with the Packers, saying his job is to play quarterback and not make personnel and management decisions.
“I know my role, and that's to play as well as I possibly can at quarterback,” Rodgers told Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Rodgers also took a page out of the Philadelphia 76ers' playbook, saying he just has to trust the process that is being implemented by head coach Mike McCarthy. “This process works, and it has worked for Mike McCarthy for a number of years,” said Rodgers. The veteran quarterback has two years remaining on his contract with the Packers, expecting to earn $20.3 million in 2018 and $20.5 million in 2019. While he’s eligible to sign a contract extension, Rodgers said that’s not his focus heading into next season. When asked about his surgically repaired collarbone, Rodgers said he felt great during the Packers’ offseason conditioning.
Rodgers was limited to just seven games last season, throwing for just 1,675 yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Buccaneers pick up Winston’s fifth-year option
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have picked up the fifth-year option on the contract of starting quarterback Jameis Winston.
The Buccaneers picked up the $20.922 million fifth-year option days before the May 2 deadline to employ the injury-guaranteed option on players from the 2015 draft class where he was the first overall pick. Now, the Buccaneers will focus on signing Winston to a long-term deal next offseason. In his 45 starts with the Buccaneers, Winston threw for 11,636 yards with 69 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.
Last season, Winston threw for 3,504 yards with 19 scores and 11 picks in 13 games.
McCarron not worried about young QBs
Buffalo Bills quarterback Aj Mccarron said he’s not worried about the possibility that the team might pick up a quarterback in next week’s 2018 NFL Draft. McCarron told reporters that he’s focused on becoming the best leader, best teammate and the best presence in the Bills' locker room. McCarron signed with the Bills after serving as Andy Dalton’s backup with the Cincinnati Bengals. McCarron will compete with Nathan Peterman for the starting job. It was also rumored that the New England Patriots were interested in McCarron.
