Did you think we were done with the Aaron Rodgers story? No, it’s still there. In fact, it amazed me that ‘Get Up’ shoehorned a Rodgers topic in the first segment of their show. Like how much more is there to cover? Now, there is a new thing to worry about if you’re a Packers fan. And a new thing to talk about if you’re Adam Schefter, Mike Greenberg, or anyone else. Aaron Rodgers can opt-out if he wants on July 2nd and a decent amount of salary. This would be a complete pulling of the plug and would make Rodgers ineligible for the entire 2021 season. It is highly unrealistic that Rodgers will opt-out for this season. This from Pro Football Talk and noted Rodgers’ click artist Mike Florio

The benefit to doing so comes from the fact that he would not forfeit $11.5 million in unearned signing bonus money for 2021 if he opts out. Also, he presumably would still receive the payments on the $6.8 million roster bonus that he earned in March, and that is due to be paid out in weekly installments during the season.

That’s $18.3 million that he’ll keep by opting out. If he doesn’t opt out but holds out, he loses that $18.3 million — and would be fined roughly $2 million on top of it for skipping training camp.

Here’s the thing, this is for player safety. If Rodgers opts out of the season on July 2nd then plays in a golf tournament with Tom Brady, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson on July 6th, that will be an awful look. There is no way Rodgers could defend that. If he did that, even the most ardent Rodgers defenders would have a tough time having his back there. He cannot say he’s opting out for player safety then go play in a golf tournament four days later. That’s just not happening.

As much as people want to think Rodgers hates football or something like that, the truth is he doesn’t. The guy wants to compete. He wants to be out there. Could he decide to delay Training Camp? Maybe. Rodgers has been outspoken that veterans do not need the same offseason regimen as others and believe they can do everything away from the facility. The comments about training camp have never been there for him.

That said, the media types will make this a big deal especially since it’s Friday. This will be a story on Get Up when I’m hitting the treadmill (Nbd). But trust me, it’s all smoke.

Charlie.