Pro Football Writers Association crowns 2021 NFL MVP

Despite an early playoff exit, it was a great year for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. It resulted in quite an honor from the Pro Football Writers Association.

The PFWA named Rodgers its 2021 MVP on Wednesday — the second straight year he brought home the honor. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named Offensive Player of the Year and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Rodgers had a monster year for the Packers this season. He went 366 for 531 passing for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions to lead Green Bay to a 13-4 record.

He’s the favorite to win the NFL MVP award, as well, after his terrific campaign. Even in the Packers’ 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, Rodgers completed 20 of 29 passes for 225 yards and no interceptions. However, the 49ers kept him from throwing a touchdown pass for the first time since Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks. It was only the third such game for Rodgers this season.

The Packers are entering a pivotal offseason. Rodgers is deciding his future with the team — and in football, for that matter — and star wide receiver Davante Adams could enter free agency.

If Rodgers wins the NFL MVP award, it’d be his second straight. MVP voting results will be revealed on Feb. 10.

Aaron Rodgers addresses main concern with staying with Packers

After a shocking loss, the debate of whether Aaron Rodgers will stay with the Packers can begin. While Green Bay was the overwhelming favorite to win the Super Bowl of many, Rodgers and the Packers were sent home by the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, the question marks surrounding the quarterback’s future return. After an entire offseason where Rodgers dominated headlines due to his relationship with the Packers, the star quarterback has a difficult decision to make on his future.

Whether Rodgers wants to return to Green Bay or not, the Packers have some issues. Most pressing, they went all-in on the Super Bowl this season. Now, the Packers will have to rectify immense salary cap issues before attempting to make another run at a Lombardi Trophy.

“That’s a fair question — definitely one I’ve thought about,” Rodgers stated, when asked if the Packers are set up to chase a Super Bowl next season. “I don’t want to be a part of a rebuild if I’m going to keep playing.”

Even if Rodgers wants to return to Green Bay, it may be impossible for the quarterback to swing. To illustrate, ESPN’s Adam Schefter detailed the challenges facing the Packers.

“Packers now head into the off-season projected to be $44.8 million over the salary cap. The NFL’s second most challenging off-season position behind only the New Orleans Saints,” revealed Schefter. “This is before the team attempts to re-sign or tag Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams. Major decisions loom.”