The Green Bay Packers had an eventful offseason, as the Aaron Rodgers news dominated headlines. While it is still up in the air whether or not he will be the team’s starting quarterback this season, the rest of the team will be preparing for a 2021 season in which they will be looking to get over the hump.
The first two seasons under Matt LaFleur have been strong, as they went 13-3 both years in the regular season, only to fall in the NFC Championship to the San Francisco 49ers in the first season and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second.
Having Rodgers under center would make getting over the hump less challenging, but the team will be preparing the same no matter who is under center for this season. Nonetheless, the organization will have some decisions to make soon and the quarterback isn’t the only position there could be some changes made.
Here are three players that could leave the Packers following the conclusion of the 2021 season.
3. Kevin King, Cornerback
Anyone who watched the Packers’ loss to the Buccaneers in the NFC Title game knows Kevin King is on the chopping block. He was the cornerback that got burned on Mike Evans’ touchdown reception and the one who gave up the backbreaking touchdown pass to Scott Miller right before halftime.
King was re-signed in the offseason on a one-year deal, but he is likely to depart following the 2021 season. The Packers have star cornerback Jaire Alexander locked into one spot and have been looking for a running mate for him. King didn’t pan out, but Green Bay hopes that 2021 first-round pick, Eric Stokes out of Georgia, could be the player they are looking for.
The writing is on the wall for the King, who will likely be playing elsewhere in 2022.
2. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Wide Receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been the vertical threat in the Packers’ offense for the last three seasons, averaging 17.9 yards per reception in his career. However, the former fifth-round draft pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal and could be on the move when he hits free agency in 2022.
Green Bay has already begun preparation of moving on from Valdes-Scantling, selecting Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With Davante Adams looking like he will reset the wide receiver market, Green Bay will likely say goodbye to Valdes-Scantling next offseason.
Wide receiver has not been a priority for the franchise, so it would be surprising to see them put more capital into position by retaining the former USF burner.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
The Rodgers trade rumors will make headlines until a move is made and he is wearing a different team’s jersey.
Even if the Packers can convince Aaron Rodgers, the reigning MVP, to come back for the 2021 season, it will likely be his last in the green and gold. Their relationship seems to be beyond repair, so any agreement they can come to would seemingly be for only one season.
The Packers showed their hand when they not only selected Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft but traded up to land him. He is the future of the franchise at the quarterback position, and if he doesn’t get his chance in 2021, 2022, when the team moves on from Rodgers via trade, will be his chance to shine.
