USATSI
Aaron Rodgers was admittedly uncertain about his NFL future after the 2022 Packers season ended in Week 18. The star quarterback later stressed he would be willing to play elsewhere if the right opportunity arose. And now, with just two weeks of playoff football left before the offseason begins, Green Bay is likely to consider a Rodgers trade. according to ESPN.
“It’s hard to imagine him retiring and walking away and giving away $110 million in guaranteed money,” Adam Schefter told SportsCenter on Tuesday. “So that means he’s either back at Green Bay or the team is exploring the idea of trading him. Now Jordan Love is getting closer and closer to gaming. … (So) yeah, one of those scenarios that 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’s going to happen,” Schefter continued. “But if that’s what he wants and they’re on the same page, then it’s certainly realistic. … And if they trade it, it’s 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 to highlight Green Bay as his favorite NFL home in his first few comments after Week 18. But Love, who briefly replaced Rodgers this season through injury, is already heading into his fourth NFL season after the Packers rose to make him their 2020 first-round draft pick. And the team could be looking to pad its draft fortunes and salary cap after a disappointing 9-8 result in 2022.
Should Rodgers and the Packers go their separate ways after 18 seasons together, there would likely be some AFC teams playing for the four-time NFL MVP. The Jets, Raiders, Titans and Patriots stand out as logical contenders: New York is positioned for a playoff run but has a promised need for QB help; Las Vegas is said to be trading with Derek Carr and last year took over Rodgers top target Davante Adams; Tennessee could move on from Ryan Tannehill; New England is restructuring its offensive staff.