The news of Aaron Rodgers skipping out on the Packers OTA’s did not come as a surprise to anyone, in fact it was suspected considering the drama of this past offseason. What people did not expect were others to follow his lead.
Tuesday was the first open practice of the season and members of the media were shocked to find out that a handful of other Packer stars were not in attendance. In total, 9 other players skipped out on OTA’s. Amongst that group were All-Pro’s, David Bhaktiari and Jaire Alexander, as well as the key members of the Packers wide receiver room.
The Packers top four receivers – Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS), Allen Lazard, and Equanimeous St. Brown – were not on the practice field Tuesday. When asked if their absence was a coordinated effort in relation to the organizations current standoff with the reigning league MVP, head coach Matt LaFleur could not give a definitive answer.
“I really don’t know” LaFleur replied. “Again, I’ve had individual conversations with each guy, but never once has that come up.”
The idea that the wide receivers did in fact coordinate plans to not show up for OTA’s is not that far fetched. Earlier this offseason, while talking with Colin Cowherd, Davante Adams touched on having to rethink his future plans when asked about the current situation transpiring between the organization and their star QB.
“We’ve built up a special connection over the years that has put us both in really good positions over our career,” Adams said, “We’ve established a lot together. It would change a lot. It doesn’t mean I’d be gone, but I’d definitely have to do some extra thinking if my guy wasn’t here.”
Adams, Valdes-Scantling, and Lazard are all entering the final year of their contracts. Although it is practically a guarantee MVS and Lazard report to camp for the start of mandatory practices, the same can not be said for Davante Adams.
Adams is coming off one of the single greatest seasons ever posted by a Packers wide receiver. He set the Packers record for most receptions in a season (115) and matched Sterling Sharpe’s record of 18 touchdowns in a single season.
Just two days ago, Rodgers and Adams were both named the number one players at their respected positions by Pro Football Focus. If the Packers fail to extend Adams before the start of mandatory minicamp on June 8th, there is a strong possibility the Packers could facing not just one, but two holdouts by the organizations most valuable assets.
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