3 potential landing spots emerge for Aaron Rodgers if he leaves Packers
The Aaron Rodgers speculation continues, as it was reported by Ian Rapoport on Friday night that the 38-year-old quarterback is torn on his decision.
Here’s something that will truly melt cheeseheads in Green Bay: What the future holds for Aaron Rodgers remains to be seen.
Rodgers has yet to officially commit to returning to the Packers in 2022, and he has once again ignited an offseason full of rumors and speculation, with a hefty pinch of drama. As was the case last offseason, when Rodgers drama kicked up just a storm on NFL Draft night that it looked like he’d be traded, the quarterback is refusing to allow any other NFL player time in the spotlight lest it be short-lived.
Last week saw the NFL Combine take place in Indianapolis, but the next class of NFL players had to take a backseat to more Rodgers rumors. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that retirement isn’t among the options Rodgers is pondering, although where he plays next season is TBD.
“With all eyes on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his future, here is the latest: Sources say Rodgers is truly torn on where he wants to play in 2022,” Rapoport said. “While many in the NFL expect him to return — there’s a lot of positivity in Green Bay — he is going back and forth on what he wants.”
3 teams emerge as possible destinations for Aaron Rodgers if he leaves Packers
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio took the report a step further, posting an article talking about the exact places Rodgers is considering.
“The destinations are believed to be exclusively in the AFC,” Florio said. “To little surprise, the Broncos are one of them. Other viable possibilities are, we’re told, the Titans and Steelers.”
Florio also mentions how deals and contracts may already be on the table from these teams.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Rodgers has specific deals lined up with other teams — and those teams have trade compensation lined up with the Packers,” Florio said. “The potential moves have been arranged, essentially, with the permission of the Packers.”
The one team that I have a hard time thinking can develop a trade offer is the Tennessee Titans. If Tennessee were to trade for Rodgers, I would assume that Ryan Tannehill would have to be in the deal. However, if Tannehill were to be part of the trade, the Titans would eat $28.4 million in dead money, while only saving $10.2 million in cap space.
Even if Tannehill is not part of the deal, for whatever reason, the Titans would still need to trade him to another team.
Denver has always been the team linked to Rodgers, especially when Packers’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was hired as the Broncos’ head coach this offseason. The landing spot also makes a lot of sense, as the Broncos have the most to offer Rodgers. Even if the Broncos give up three first-round picks, the team has a little over $39 million in cap space to work with, and weapons all over the field.
Pittsburgh is also a realistic destination, but question marks on the offensive line is one of the reasons why Denver is still the most appealing destination for the four-time MVP.
The only problem with Rodgers moving to the AFC is the fact that the conference is loaded with young quarterback talent. It will be a battle each and every year to come out of the AFC. Meanwhile, in the NFC, Tom Brady retired, Sean Payton is gone, and the NFC North is a cakewalk for the Packers. Green Bay represents the best chance to win a championship.
Rodgers only has a few days left to make his final call. It will be fascinating to hear what he decides to do in the coming days.