Could another surprise AFC suitor emerge for Aaron Rodgers?
By John Buhler
The more you think about it, the Tennessee Titans would be an ideal landing spot for Aaron Rodgers should the Green Bay Packers conceivably trade him there.
Although he has been tied to the New York Jets throughout most of the offseason process, Aaron Rodgers might actually be a better fit with the Tennessee Titans should the Green Bay Packers be willing to trade him there.
At this point, it is abundantly clear what both parties want. The Packers want to go forward with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback. It is Rodgers’ wish to keep playing. Even if he said on The Pat McAfee Show during the height of NFL free agency that he wanted to go to the Jets, a trade has yet to manifest between Green Bay and New York. It will still probably happen, but…
Let’s unpack why Tennessee might actually be the best place for Rodgers to go to at this time.
Aaron Rodgers would do extraordinary things playing for the Tennessee Titans
Though it would be fascinating to see Rodgers enter the Lou Reed phase of his life in New York, he may just grow his hair out again and pretend to be the fifth Followill in Nashville. An infinitely better version of Charlie Whitehurst so to speak. Because of the times, there will be no aha shake heartbreak with Rodgers taking his talents to Nashville, a city where he already has some land.
For years, I have pounded my fist on the table saying Tennessee should be at the top of the list for seemingly every quarterback hitting free agency. It is an exploding market, full of great people and so many cool and fun things to do. For a guy who loves playing ball, listening to music and getting in touch with his soul through regular spiritual awakenings, Rodgers will fit Nashville like a glove.
But this goes beyond culture, extracurriculars and whatnot. Rodgers would play for Mike Vrabel, one of the savviest defensive minds the NFL has seen in years. More importantly, Vrabel has a really strong connection to Rodgers’ former Packers teammate and best friend A.J. Hawk. Rodgers is not an Ohio State guy, but I know their personalities and love for football acumen would mesh.
Better yet, Rodgers is self-aware enough to know he needs a run-first offense and a commitment to strong defensive play on the other side to be the best version of himself in the twilight of his illustrious career. He takes good care of himself, but he is not too proud to ask for help. In a way, the Vrabel era of Titans football does line up very well with what Rodgers is currently looking for.
Overall, Rodgers would be going to one of the weaker divisions in football, albeit in the tougher conference. Although he thrived playing in the cold, being in a milder climate could help extend his career a bit. The Titans earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC two years ago, despite Ryan Tannehill’s limitations at quarterback. Rodgers’ arrival gets the Titans back up into the top-four AFC rankings.
Ultimately, it takes two teams to make a deal. New Titans general manager Ran Carthon may not have a ton of runway to pull off a blockbuster pre-draft trade like Joe Douglas can do with Brian Gutekunst. However, this potential move to Nashville feels more organic and not in any way forced as it does with Gang Green. Rodgers should be traded by next week, but we have to have patience.
This may be a bit of a pipe dream for the Titans, but I cannot deny how good of a fit this would be.