Memorable things are brewing between the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. The quarterback is successfully flexing his muscles and the franchise is buckling. For the NFL, we can only hope that this model does not become the norm.

Is this really a victory for the Green Bay Packers? That Aaron Rodgers will apparently continue to play for the Wisconsin franchise this NFL season despite the obvious squabbles? A matter of opinion, sure. But all in all, the term “Pyrrhic victory” comes to mind.

Because “The Pack” apparently had to make an enormous number of drastic concessions to its superstar. This is made clear by the information spread by NFL insider Ian Rapoport and “ESPN” reporter Adam Schefter.

Last contract year eliminated and no financial losses

The latter named four specific points. The final contract year of 2023 will be eliminated, plus Rodgers can’t be tied down against his will via franchise tag. The Packers will discuss their quarterback’s situation as early as next year – and will probably comply with a trade request then.

A not inconsiderable part of his current base salary of 14.7 million US dollars will be converted into bonus payments for more cap space in favour of the club – but Rodgers will not have to accept any financial losses. The problems denounced are to be solved via new mechanisms – whatever that may mean.

Green Bay Packers didn’t want to lose face

Basically, this makes it clear: Rodgers has prevailed in the showdown between star and club. The 37-year-old gets his way, the Packers ultimately had to bow down in order – in two respects – not to lose face.

For the nine-time Pro Bowler is said to have been determined in his anger never to play for the Packers again, Rapoport reports. Now it seems as if both sides are getting together once again for the common goal. Almost like in a marriage in which the fire has long since gone out, but the outward appearance is to be maintained.

For Rodgers, the optimal solution at this point in time

For this, however, one side – namely the club – had to approach the other significantly more. Rodgers seems to have moved by triple steps at best. In the end, he also ran out of time, after all, the hot phase of preparation begins with the training camps this week.

From his perspective, it seems like the optimal solution at this point. If Rodgers was trying to gauge his value to the Packers, he now knows that money seems to be no object. The proud franchise is ready to put itself entirely in his hands.

“This means ‘I’m bigger than the team'”

“ESPN” reporter Rob Demovsky sums up the situation: “It’s a sign that an NFL player – at least one as successful as Rodgers – can have far more control over the course of his career than has ever been the case in the NFL.”

In the same report, a longtime NFL recruiter has this to say. “It’s crazy and it means, ‘I’m bigger than the team.’ I think it’s a one-year deal followed by a trade,” the unnamed football expert clarifies what the Packers seem to be getting into.

“Packers need to do something extraordinary “

It’s got to be a quick win or Rodgers will soon be pleasing another franchise and its fans in the home stretch of his career. Only another outstanding regular season and subsequent exit in the Championship Game are unlikely to ease his wanderlust.

John Kuhn, who stood by Rodgers’ side during his only Super Bowl triumph just over a decade ago, insisted on the “CBS” radio show “Zach Gelb Show”: “I think the Packers are going to have to do something extraordinary this year, maybe even something unusual.”

Speculations about Cobb and Adams

That included personnel decisions in addition to success on the field. Already there is speculation about bringing back Randall Cobb to lift Rodgers’ spirits. A contract extension for Davante Adams could also now be revisited thanks to the extra financial leeway.

“The reality is he’s got three, four, five years left in the tank,” Kuhn speculates about Rodgers: “And his gut is telling him if the Packers don’t go ‘all in’ this year, that could be a sign to leave them.”

Packers need to read Rodgers’ every wish

So the only chance of a future with Rodgers beyond spring 2021 seems to be for the Packers to read his every wish. And ideally to still present a cherry on top.

However, it cannot be ruled out that the tablecloth has already been completely cut and the damage done can no longer be repaired. Since the draft, i.e. for two months, the squabbling in Green Bay has moved the football world. Behind the scenes, the dispute probably gained momentum much earlier. It grates on the nerves, takes energy and eventually tires.

Failure could earn Rodgers a quick backup role

Despite everything, Rodgers, the reigning MVP, is expected to have another formidable season. Albeit with the handicap of not having as much time to coordinate with his receivers.

But the veteran is also taking a certain risk. Because if the Packers don’t get going at all, Rodgers could quickly find himself on the bench in view of the new contract situation. His presumed successor, Jordan Love, has long been waiting in the wings. The future should belong to him – the only question is when it will begin.

Rodgers during negotiations in California home

While the first rounder of the 2020 draft has been allowed to prove himself as a starter so far in preparation, Rodgers has been following the latest negotiations between his camp and the Packers’ executive suite from his California home.

At the generally harmonious general meeting on Monday, club president Mark Murphy was unable to guarantee that the team’s most prominent pro would be in Green Bay for the opening of training camp. A little later, Rodgers at least landed in town.

The Packers boss once again stressed that there were no thoughts of a trade. Murphy and general manager Brian Gutekunst did not let themselves be dissuaded from this stance. However, quite obviously at an immensely high price.

WATCH: Aaron Rodgers has officially landed in Green Bay. Here he is in the plane and being escorted out of the airport.

This will be Rodgers’ 17th season with the Green Bay #Packers. Could this be his last? pic.twitter.com/jOv2uo9zJ1

— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) July 27, 2021

Will Rodgers and Packers become bad role models?

There’s no doubt about it: The Packers are about to have their most important season at least since winning the Super Bowl in February 2011. Other teams will be watching developments all the more closely.

It is possible that the Packers have done a disservice to their league opponents. If more and more stars don’t just flex their muscles on the field and start leading their employers around the NFL ring in contract disputes.

In this respect, neither the Packers nor Rodgers would be a good example for the rest of the league. In any case, the deal in the making has not produced a real winner.