Why the Packers should trade Aaron Rodgers to Broncos
Brett Favre
Aaron Rodgers watch continues.
All signs seemed to be pointing to the reigning MVP returning to the Green Bay Packers this offseason. While that still remains a possibility, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that “Rodgers is truly torn on where he wants to play in 2022”.
Speaking at the NFL Combine this week, Rapoport said Rodgers is “going back and forth” with his decision.
Host Rich Eisen followed up by asking that if the “back” is Green Bay, where is the “forth”?
“The forth has always been the Denver Broncos,” Rapoport said.
So, here we are, less than two weeks away from the start of the new league year and free agency, and Aaron Rodgers is deciding whether he wants to play for the Packers or Broncos. Well, how about the Packers make his mind up for him and make a trade?
Sure, Rodgers would have to agree to a move, but if he’s considering Denver anyway and Green Bay wanted to make the trade, who would turn it down?
Packers should trade Aaron Rodgers to Broncos
As things stand, the Packers have a starting quarterback who hasn’t even decided whether he wants to play for them next season.
It’s hardly an ideal situation to have your MVP QB weighing up the team he wants to play for so close to the start of free agency. Big decisions need to be made by the team before then.
The Packers, with home-field advantage and one of the best rosters in the NFL two years running, have gone 1-2 in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers saved one of his worst performances of the season for January’s playoff exit to the San Francisco 49ers.
With all of their salary cap concerns, running it back won’t be easy. To extend Rodgers’ deal then sign Davante Adams, De’Vondre Campbell, Rasul Douglas, and other free agents will be a difficult task. And that’s before considering signing any free agents.
The Packers’ best shot at another Super Bowl may have just passed. If Rodgers returns, this team will again be serious contenders, but what an opportunity they missed less than two months ago.
From the Packers’ side, trading Rodgers would leave them with a lot of uncertainty entering 2022.
Is Jordan Love ready? Can he become the next star quarterback in Green Bay or will the team soon be looking for his replacement? Can the Packers stay in the playoff hunt without Rodgers or do they enter a full rebuild?
What we do know is trading for Rodgers wouldn’t be cheap. The Broncos would need to send a lot in return, likely multiple first-round picks, and then some.
The perfect building blocks to enter a new era, picking inside the top 10 this year and then having additional first-rounders in future drafts.
GM Brian Gutekunst has shown his ability to build a roster. He inherited a playoff-less team in 2018 and turned them into the NFC’s top seed two years in a row.
With a chance to create a healthier salary cap, stock up on first-round picks, and rebuild, the Packers could set themselves up for long-term success down the line.
One way or another, we should know Aaron Rodgers’ decision in the coming days. It sure seems it will be Rodgers making the decision on where he plays. But the Packers should seriously consider picking up the phone and listening to any offers from the Broncos.