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On day one of the 2021 NFL Draft, Aaron Rodgers was not traded to the Denver Broncos. In what will be remembered as one of the more unique drafts in Broncos history local and national sports media fell all over themselves reporting conflicting information that ultimately resulted in multiple deleted tweets and no Aaron Rodgers.
This is a snapshot of how it went down.
Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is so disgruntled with the Green Bay Packers that he has told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team, league and team sources told ESPN on Thursday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
More on NFL Live now....
Aaron told Packers he doesn’t want to return as @AdamSchefter said and I think it’s more than a contract deal, I think he’s pretty strongly convicted that he doesn’t want to go back to Packers.
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 29, 2021
From unimpeachable source: As of last night, Aaron Rodgers’ wish list was 49ers, Broncos, Raiders (not necessarily in that order). He wanted Packers to take the 49ers’ offer. Next move by Rodgers is TBD.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 29, 2021
If Aaron Rodgers is traded, Broncos or Raiders are most likely destinations. https://t.co/jUHuzNQYAu
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 29, 2021
Just pointing out that Rodgers finance, actress Shailene Woodley, lives at least part time in Boulder.
— Barstool Colorado (@CUBarstool) April 29, 2021
So the Colorado connection is there. https://t.co/I0Oc2Io0Qt
While certain teams have reached out to the Packers to inquire about Aaron Rodgers this off-season, no team has made a trade offer for him, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
"I don't think he'll be traded today. I don't think he'll be traded in 2021." https://t.co/OuEHYER3bi
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) April 29, 2021
Allbright just said Broncos fans are gonna be real happy tonight about their QB situation tonight... Fields ?
— george (@thegeorgetwo) April 29, 2021
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*Tweet was deleted.
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*Tweet was deleted
Dave Logan just said on @KOAColorado a source told him Aaron Rodgers to @Broncos could happen tonight.
— Denver Broncos Radio (@BroncosRadio) April 29, 2021
.@EricGoodman to me on @MileHighSports 98.1 FM right now:
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) April 29, 2021
“It is my understanding the Broncos are having conversations with the Green Bay Packers about Aaron Rodgers … do not be surprised if a deal is executed tonight."
Talking about it here:https://t.co/9mofNexHH5
.@markschlereth on @1043TheFan NOW says #Broncos are not taking a QB in the #NFLDraft because they are close to trading for Aaron Rodgers per his sources. "As close to a done deal as it can be."
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) April 29, 2021
Sources confirm the Packers asking price is 3 #1’s
— Ryan Harris (@salaams_from_68) April 29, 2021
Dove valley thinks it’s Possible#Broncos #NFLDraft2021
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) April 29, 2021
Are you ready for @AaronRodgers12 in Denver @Broncos fans?
— Alfred Williams (@BigAlRadio) April 29, 2021
It’s getting real!! @KOAColorado #BroncosCountry #NFLDraft https://t.co/K8KzKFytHQ
Broncos have indeed put together an impressive deal for Rodgers https://t.co/zWwCjJePSL
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 29, 2021
At least regarding Denver, I'm told one of Aaron Rodgers' attractions to the #Broncos has been the sense of 'freedom' he'd feel with the offense with Elway in the building, per source. #Packers clearly have many things to think over. Give in, or not? We'll see how things unfold.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 29, 2021
Buzz is definitely building for Broncos making a move for Aaron Rodgers. G.M. George Paton witnessed what Aaron can do while in Minnesota. Coach Vic Fangio witnessed it while in Chicago.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 29, 2021
I’m hearing @AaronRodgers12 to @Broncos is close to a done deal... still could fall thru but fingers crossed pic.twitter.com/9C4GZnT9VL
— mark schlereth (@markschlereth) April 29, 2021
While there are various reports out there on Aaron Rodgers and Broncos, I'm told Broncos are not in talks with Green Bay. All Broncos brass in war room gearing up for draft. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 30, 2021
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*Tweet was deleted.
#Broncos in on the talks. They are expected/are full throttle aggressive for the future Hall of Famer. See where it goes. But Denver is in the mix. #Denver7 https://t.co/VMk4NBDtF4
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 30, 2021
Per source, there are no negotiations currently happening between Broncos and Packers. Broncos are preparing for their selection at No. 9. Could things change? Yes. Is something imminent? No.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 30, 2021
AJ has not talked to @AaronRodgers12 yet but he's been told something PRETTY INTERESTING from some of his "sources"
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 30, 2021
"If Aaron does get traded Denver is the most likely spot where he would go" ~ @OfficialAJHawk #DraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/W1KKQRVk9o
An update on the #Packers that’s not really an update: Green Bay hasn’t engaged at all despite a few teams calling about trading for Aaron Rodgers. The #Packers have no plans to trade him. So, nothing has changed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2021
Per source, the Broncos have not had a back and forth with the Packers about trading for Aaron Rodgers. Maybe something could come together in the future, but as of now ... no.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2021
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*Tweet was deleted
The Broncos with their No. 9 pick take CB Patrick Surtain II. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 30, 2021
So no wonder Broncos fans were disappointed that Aaron Rodgers didn’t happen.
Deals can accelerate and deals can fall apart at any time, and I don’t doubt that those whose tweets are still accessible truly believe the information they were given. However, it’s obvious that talks between teams can’t simultaneously happen and not happen. There is an obvious disconnect between different journalists. It’s up to the fans to discern just who was giving the straight story and those who were were waist-deep into a click safari of half-truths.
That said, the hopes for an Aaron Rodgers trade are still there in early June when his cap hit becomes a lot less lethal for Green Bay. Let’s just hope there’s a whole lot less hyperbolic hyperventilating and tweets that need to be deleted when that time comes.