Aaron Rodgers was admittedly unsure of his NFL future after the Packers’ 2022 season ended in Week 18. The star quarterback went on to stress that he would be willing to play elsewhere if the right opportunity presented itself. And now, with just two weeks of playoff football left before the start of the offseason, Green Bay should consider a Rodgers trade, according to ESPN.
“It’s hard to imagine he’s going to retire and walk away and return $110 million in guaranteed money,” Adam Schefter said on ‘SportsCenter’ on Tuesday. “So that means he’s either back in Green Bay or the team is exploring the idea of trading him. Now Jordan Love is getting closer and closer to the game. … (So) yeah, the one such scenario the Green Bay Packers are expected to explore this offseason is the idea…they might have to part ways with Aaron Rodgers in the form of a trade.
“That doesn’t mean it will happen,” Schefter continued. “But if he wants to, and they’re on the same page, then that’s certainly realistic. … And if they go ahead and trade him, that would be to the AFC. “
Rodgers is just a year away from signing a three-year, $150 million extension with the Packers. He also went out of his way in his first remarks after Week 18 to highlight Green Bay as his favorite NFL home. But Love, who briefly replaced Rodgers through injury this season, is already heading into his fourth season in the NFL after the Packers moved to make him their first draft pick in 2020. And the team could look to rebuild his draft assets and salary cap space after a disappointing 9-8 finish in 2022.
If Rodgers and the Packers were looking to part ways after 18 seasons together, a number of AFC teams would likely make a play for the four-time NFL MVP. The Jets, Raiders, Titans and Patriots present themselves as logical suitors: New York is positioned for a playoff run but has a promised need for QB help; Las Vegas is set to trade Derek Carr and last year acquired Rodgers’ prime target Davante Adams; Tennessee could move on from Ryan Tannehill; New England is restructuring its offensive staff.
