Former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith sounded off on the Green Bay Packers through a look on Colin Cowherd’s”The Herd” on Wednesday afternoon.
Smith, who was the best selection in the 2005 NFL Draft and chosen ahead of Aaron Rodgers, said it’s”inexcusable” how the team has handled the situation with the reigning NFL MVP.
“How did they ever get to this stage? What he is given to this organization, and what happened this past year through the draft. I have not spoke to Aaron about this, so I don’t want to put words into his mouthbut clearly, you watch the interview and him speaking about it”
Smith continued by saying that he does not believe drafting Jordan Love from the first round of the 2020 draft has been the issue, but he considers the lack of communication between the organization and Rodgers was the issue. He believes the Packers blindsided Rodgers by not fixing the idea that they could be carrying a quarterback, and that everyone was OK with the conclusion.
Smith said ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs decided to shoot Patrick Mahomes from the 2017 NFL Draft, front office and staff, such as head coach Andy Reid, told Smith multiple times that there was a chance they may take a quarterback. Smith says he respected the company for the way they handled the situation.
“You [the Packers] aren’t going out of your way to ensure he knows that he’s adored,” Smith continued. “And that they need him there. That we might be taking a quarterback in the first round and we want to be certain that you are OK with it. This is maybe what we’re doing… The way you have not treated him the right way leading up to this and to the reality in my understanding it’s kind of just like a bit of an unknown. And you go out of accepting a receiver, you are thinking you are a transfer away from the Super Bowl, and then invisibly using a pick.
“I simply don’t know how you haven’t addressed that ahead and really made sure that everything is tightened up, and everyone is feeling good about that because if it is not, then you’re not doing it… Sixteen years this man has been there. You’re on the doorstep of the Super Bowl, and you don’t go out of the way to convey to show he’s wanted.”
Rodgers spoke out for the very first time regarding his problems with the team’s leading office through an appearance on ESPN’s”SportsCenter” in longtime anchor Kenny Mayne’s final series on Monday night.
Rodgers talked about his love for his teammates, including newly drafted quarterback Jordan Love, as well as the training team and Packers fans, but he made it clear in a philosophical point that associations are built”by the people.”
Rodgers also confirmed that he didn’t attend Monday’s organized team activities.
Green Bay has made it crystal clear it does not have any intentions of trading off the reigning NFL MVP. However, it appears as if Rodgers might want to play elsewhere if the 2021 season kicks off.
