One of the least subtle moves of the offseason was the Broncos hiring ex-Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as they not-so-secretly pursued Aaron Rodgers in a trade.
But in Hackett’s first comments at the NFL Scouting Combine, he dodged any questions about his former, and perhaps hopefully future, quarterback. When asked about Rodgers, the new head coach carefully danced around answering.
“I’m just happy to be a Bronco right now,” Hackett said, smiling. “We’ll evaluate everything as we go.”
When the team’s general manager, George Paton, took to the podium, he let on much more about the team’s quarterback plans, while still not using Rodgers’ name.
“I think it’s always a priority,” Paton said when asked about the team’s quarterback situation as they head into the player acquisition portion of the offseason. “It’s the most important position in sports, and so we’re always looking.
Broncos general manager George Paton meets the media at the NFL Scouting Combine Getty Images
Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett Getty Images“We do have Drew Lock under contract, we have Brett (Rypien), but we’re always looking and we’re gonna leave no stone unturned to find that guy. We know we need better play out of the quarterback position. And so we’re going to be aggressive.
“We’re always going to be aggressive. But we’re going to be disciplined.”
Exactly how aggressive when it comes to Rodgers remains to be seen. The Packers had their own availability on Tuesday at the combine, and when Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke to reporters, he claimed that teams haven’t exactly been knocking down the door with trade offers.
Aaron Rodgers with the Packers Getty ImagesIn fact, according to him, there hasn’t been a single offer.
“Not at all,” Gutekunst said. “Not at all. Not a single person.”
It’s clear the Broncos are going to attempt to upgrade at the position, but many signs recently have pointed towards Rodgers staying with Green Bay. There were reports that the Packers are willing to spend close to the salary cap to retain their MVP quarterback, though the first question will be whether the two-time MVP retires this offseason.
A decision from Rodgers is reportedly coming “soon,” though it’s not clear exactly when that will happen.
