Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been told to end the speculation over his future, as his huge contract is keeping the organisation 'hostage'.
Rodgers will be enjoying an extended off-season break after the Packers missed out on playoff football on the final day of the regular season. The Detroit Lions - who were already eliminated from contention, beat the Packers 20-16 at Lambeau Field to deny them playoff football.
It's been a disappointing year for the Packers, and it's the first time since 2018 that they'll not be heading into the post-season. Rodgers was visibly distraught as the Packers missed out, but the 39-year-old has been told to retire by Undisputed host Shannon Sharpe.
At the end of last season, it looked like Rodgers may call it a day, at least with the Packers anyway. But the veteran quarterback then signed a three-year contract worth $150.8 million (£124m), with $101.5m (£84m) guaranteed to temporarily end speculation.
However, Rodgers once again has caused speculation over his future, suggesting that he could 'walk away' from the organisation. "I need to get away and contemplate those things," he said in his post-game press conference.
"Those are real to me. I have a lot of pride in what I've accomplished in this league, but I'm also a realist and I understand where we are as a team.
"We're a young team, and there could be some change with some of the older guys. It could be time to step away. But, I could take some time and say, 'Hell, no. I need to get back out there and go on another run.'"
But Sharpe isn't buying any of it, and thinks the speculation is forced as he thinks there is no chance Rodgers will walk away while he still has two more years of a huge contract to ride out. "Hell no, he ain’t walking away from $60m (£48m) next year," Sharpe said on Undisputed.
"Stop the speculation! You’ve been holding this organisation hostage." And Rodgers even thanked the Packers for the money they have paid him since he was drafted back in 2005.
"Money is energy, and I have made a ton of it and I’m very thankful for this organisation, the generational wealth that they’ve offered me," Rodgers added. There's very little chance that the quarterback walks away, but he will be hoping that the Packers make some moves in the off-season.
The Packers struggled after Davante Adams left, and although Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson showed promise, it wasn't enough this season. The Packers have a lot to sort out before the next campaign, and it's likely that Rodgers will at least consider his options, even if he's unlikely to make a change.
