Does Packers early playoff loss mean Aaron Rodgers is gone?

Green Bay’s playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers could mark the end of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure as a Packer.

The Green Bay Packers looked like a Super Bowl front-runner entering the playoffs and the pressure was on with the potential that Aaron Rodgers could force his way out of town after the season. The heat appears to have been too much for the Packers, who lost to the 49ers 13-10 on a last-second field goal in what could be Rodgers’ last game for Green Bay.

Rodgers had a quiet game in the loss, going 20-of-29 for 225 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions while getting sacked five times.

The loss also brings back all of the rumors that Rodgers will force his way out of Green Bay after a public standoff with the organization last summer that led to a renegotiated contract which gives him all of the leverage in this situation.

Is Aaron Rodgers done with Green Bay?

The new contract voids the 2023 season on Rodgers’ deal, meaning he is only under control in Green Bay for 2022 with a cap number of $40 million. While Rodgers could rework his deal again if he wants to stay in Green Bay, his past frustrations with the organization combined with yet another early playoff exit will likely lead the reigning NFL MVP to seek a trade in order to try and boost Rodgers’ odds of winning another Super Bowl.

The line of teams who would be interested in Rodgers figures to be enormous, although Rodgers’ preference to play on the West Coast could limit the field to a degree. The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders could be among the heaviest suitors for Rodgers as they try to keep up with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.

Either way, it is hard to imagine a quarterback who was as vocally disappointed as Rodgers was last summer feeling good about his situation after another playoff loss. Rodgers hasn’t been to the Super Bowl since 2011 and his desire to win another ring will likely lead him out of Lambeau Field this winter.