5 teams who would happily take Aaron Rodgers off the Packers hands

3. New England Patriots

Re-signing Cam Newton was fine for the Patriots this offseason, but they still have options to add to their quarterback room via a trade for another veteran (Jimmy Garoppolo?) or the draft (staying at No. 15, or trading up). What’s hard to pinpoint is the plan beyond 2021, and if any of those possible options (including Newton and Jarrett Stidham)) will reveal themselves as the starter for 2022 and beyond.

The Patriots have a wide range of possible outcomes for the 2021 season. Another 7-9 mark (or worse) feels possible, with a run back to the top of the AFC East and a possible deep playoff run just as possible. A question mark at the most important position on the field could linger roughly a year from now.

If the Packers entertain trade offers for Rodgers after the 2021 season, trading him to an AFC team would likely be the most ideal scenario from a competitive standpoint. That said, Green Bay is slated to travel to Foxboro to play the Patriots in 2022. It wouldn’t be nearly the same as Rodgers taking the field at Lambeau in a Patriots’ uniform, but it would be epic. Don’t rule out Bill Belichick making a run at Rodgers in 2022.