Packers: 3 candidates to replace Aaron Rodgers if he retires in 2022

Jordan Love

The most obvious — and most likely — candidate to replace Aaron Rodgers would be Jordan Love. The Packers traded up to land Love in the draft almost two years ago and he will be entering his third season in 2022.

When Green Bay made the decision to draft Love, the 2022 season always felt like a potential year for the transition to happen.

If the team opted to go with their first-round pick to replace Rodgers, they would get a real opportunity to see how he plays in the regular season. And, importantly, how he develops his game.

Love only has one regular-season start to his name in the NFL, a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year. Love struggled, going 19/34 for 190 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He wasn’t helped by some poor pass protection, but he also had few answers for what the Chiefs’ defense threw at him.

It’s concerning, but also only one game. It was his first start, after all, and also on the road in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.

Should Rodgers walk away in 2022, far the most likely candidate to start for the Packers would be Love. If it doesn’t work out, so be it, but at least the Packers would get a chance to see what he can do.