The Packer Way seems to be on life-support. Aaron Rodgers used his Wednesday press conference as an airing of grievances against the organization and the way they have traditionally conducted business, saying “that’s just the way they do it. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but objectively there’s been a lot of success here over the last 30 years.” Chief among his complaints seemed to be the jettisoning of veteran players on the Packers roster in his time in Green Bay. He listed a dozen former players from Charles Woodson to Brett Goode, many of whom apparently were upset or slighted by how their time in the green and gold ended. 

The concessions made in the agreement that ultimately brought Rodgers back to Green Bay for the start of training camp are already becoming apparent. The terms for the Randall Cobb trade were announced today, signaling – at least temporarily – the Packers willingness to appease QB1 in personnel decisions.

Just hours later came the news that the Packers are signing veteran tackle Dennis Kelly, who was released from the Titans on March 16th after starting all 16 games at right tackle. These two moves together may not seem Earth-shattering, except when you consider the Packers 2020 free agency class to this point consists only of DeVondre Campbell. 

It will be worth monitoring how this will affect the bottom of the roster players. With Rodgers’ uncertain future, and with the salary cap dumpster-fire that awaits the Packers in 2022, all signs point to a very tight championship window. The question then will be, do the Packers sacrifice youth and potential for higher-floor veteran players? This could be important for fringe players like Devin Funchess or Will Redmond, and possibly damning for those such as Juwann Winfree or undrafted darling Christian Uphoff. With just under 5 weeks until final cuts, it should become more evident if there will be a true philosophical shift, or if this week’s roster moves were simply an olive branch to a disgruntled MVP.

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Jared is a rogue Packers fan from a Steelers family and an overall football junkie, including playing 4 years at Ithaca College. You can follow him on twitter at @JPrugar.

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