Clayton: The standoff between the Packers and Aaron Rodgers continues

Aaron Rodgers is on vacation in Hawaii. Deshaun Watson is in a long holding pattern.

Both want out of their current teams but little is happening now. But Rodgers and Watson remain a big part of the news, which certainly plays into the Broncos hands, as they could trade for Rodgers or Watson.

Rodgers went on ESPN on Monday to celebrate Kenny Mayne’s last day at the network for an interview. He was pretty diplomatic answering questions.

Mayne asked Aaron if he demanded a trade. He didn’t answer, but we all know he did. Even stronger, he’s told people he never wants to go back to the Packers.

He spoke positively about quarterback Jordan Love, his teammates, head coach Matt LeFleur and others. He didn’t mention general manager Brian Gutekunst.

What Rodgers did talk about, however, was how an organization is built brick by brick. He talked about the culture of an organization.

Rodgers has been a Packer for 16 years. One can read between the lines, however, and see that Rodgers felt like the organization was willing to get rid of him earlier than he wants.

The trust in the front office isn’t there for Rodgers. Clearly.

One additional piece of news came out Tuesday. Packers president Mark Murphy said Gutekunst would not be fired to salvage the Rodgers mess. So the standoff continues.

As far as Watson, we learned about the timetable to start to resolve the 22 lawsuits against him by 22 massage therapists. He won’t be deposed until Feb. 22, 2022.

What that means as far as a possible suspension or what teams might be interested in him is unclear. But one thing is for sure: That’s going to be a long wait.

Rodgers and Watson remain the biggest stories this offseason in the NFL. And the Broncos are watching.