Aaron Rodgers might be on the buying and selling block.
Adam Schefter raised eyebrows on ESPN Saturday morning when he used stronger phrases in regards to the chance Rodgers’ time in Inexperienced Bay is over after 18 seasons.
“Make no mistake: Either side are totally conscious {that a} commerce is a really actual state of affairs this offseason for Aaron Rodgers,” Schefter stated. “The Packers are anticipated to maneuver on from sure gamers, which Aaron Rodgers in all probability is not going to like. The problem right here would be the $110 million left on his contract, and which crew might afford it. However there’s a actual chance that in some unspecified time in the future this offseason, Aaron Rodgers goes to be traded.”
With that in thoughts, these are 5 groups that might take advantage of sense as Rodgers’ subsequent vacation spot.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have an out in Ryan Tannehill’s contract and are plausibly a quarterback improve away from being Tremendous Bowl contenders. A powerful run recreation led by Derrick Henry would ease the burden of Rodgers having to shoulder the entire offense. Maybe Rodgers may gain advantage from a wholesome stress with an in-your-face coach like Mike Vrabel. Rodgers sparked TItans rumors final offseason when he bought a house exterior of Nashville.
New York Jets
Rodgers to the Jets was endorsed by none aside from the franchise’s most well-known former participant, Joe Namath, earlier this week. Broadway Joe even supplied Rodgers to put on his long-retired No. 12 jersey. The Jets are about as gifted as any crew within the NFL. All they’re lacking is a quarterback.
A Rodgers commerce to the Jets can be a outstanding parallel to 2008 when Brett Favre was traded to the Jets and Rodgers turned the Inexperienced Bay starter. Rodgers has been the topic of appreciable nationwide consideration for the majority of his profession, however it’s an fascinating query to ponder how he would reply to the added highlight of New York.
Miami Dolphins
No matter what the Dolphins say publicly about Tua Tagovailoa, how might they not be involved along with his sturdiness? The QB sustained three concussions and missed 4 common season video games, plus the crew’s playoff recreation this previous season. With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, a cerebral head coach in Mike McDaniel and a metropolis that draws celebrities, the Dolphins might be an actual darkish horse within the Rodgers race.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders make sense right here due to the chemistry Rodgers developed over eight years in Inexperienced Bay with star wideout Davante Adams. The crew has already signaled its intentions to maneuver on from Derek Carr, who was their main starter for the final 9 years.
The Raiders have additionally been speculated about as a possible vacation spot for Tom Brady, as it will mark a reunion along with his longtime former Patriots offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels.
Indianapolis Colts
Jim Irsay’s endurance is visibly carrying skinny with patchwork quarterbacks like Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan since Andrew Luck’s gorgeous retirement following the 2018 season. If a strong quarterback was paired with elite operating again Jonathan Taylor, the offense might flourish. Jeff Saturday, who was the Colts’ interim coach this yr and is a candidate for the everlasting job, was teammates with Rodgers in 2012.
What else?
These had been all AFC groups, because the Packers could also be hesitant to commerce Rodgers throughout the NFC. Nonetheless, in the event that they had been keen to do this, the Falcons, Saints and Panthers might all enter the fray.
Earlier this offseason, Packers wage cap professional Ken Ingalls wrote a Twitter thread explaining the wage cap state of affairs with Rodgers. The Packers would incur about $40 million in lifeless cap in the event that they half with him this offseason. They’d face a choice whether or not to eat all of it in 2023 or clean it between 2023 and 2024 if Rodgers is formally traded after June 1. The rub is that the lifeless cap state of affairs solely will get direr for the Packers if he’s traded or launched or decides to retire within the subsequent two years.
Relating to what Schefter stated about teammates Rodgers would need to stay in Inexperienced Bay, he was vocal in an interview with Pat McAfee earlier this week about taking part in with tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, plus wideouts Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard.
Rodgers turned 39 in December. He gained the MVP in 2020 and 2021, however battled a damaged thumb and didn’t play practically as nicely in 2022. The Packers went 8-9 this previous season, lacking the playoffs after failing to win a do-or-die Week 18 recreation towards the Lions at Lambeau Discipline.
