Rodgers: Love pick was surprising, but I respect Packers' decision

Aaron Rodgers didn't foresee the Green Bay Packers drafting Jordan Love in the first round, but the star quarterback said Friday he understands the team is taking a long-term approach.

"The general reaction at first was surprise, like many people. Not going to say I was thrilled by the pick, necessarily," said Rodgers, according to ESPN's Field Yates. "But I understand the organization is not thinking just about the present, but the future and I respect that."

The Packers stunned the NFL during April's draft by trading up in the first round to take Love at 26th overall.

After making the NFC Championship Game last season, Green Bay was expected to use its top draft picks to bolster Rodgers' weapons ahead of his 16th season.

But instead of going all-in on the possible final chapter of the two-time MVP's career, the Packers seemingly signaled they're looking toward the team's next era.

While the decision blindsided the 36-year-old, he said there aren't any ill feelings toward the former Utah State standout.

"He didn't get asked to be drafted by the Packers. He's not to blame at all," said Rodgers, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

"(I) had a good conversation with him the day after the draft," He added. "I'm excited to work with him."

While Rodgers still wants to play into his 40s, he acknowledged the likelihood of suiting up only with the Packers has diminished.

"There are some new factors that are out of my control. And so my sincere desire to start and finish with the same organization, just as it has with many other players over the years, may not be a reality at this point," said Rodgers, per The Athletic's Jason Wilde.

Rodgers is under contract through the 2023 season after inking a four-year, $134-million extension in August 2018.

Trading or cutting the veteran before the 2021 campaign would create a dead-money hit of $31.56 million, according to Spotrac. The first realistic time Green Bay could move on from Rodgers is in 2022, when the NFC North club would save $22.6 million of his $39.8-million cap hit.