What Aaron Rodgers return guarantees for Packers moving forward
By Nile McNair
Last week the Green Bay Packers traded All-Pro receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
This was devastating news for Packers fans. Losing arguably the best receiver in the NFL for a pair of draft picks is not ideal.
However, Aaron Rodgers signed his contract extension with knowledge of Adams’ upcoming trade, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Rodgers wanted to stay in Green Bay long term, even without his favorite target.
Rodgers, 38, will receive $150 million in the first three years of his new contract. The extension includes two voidable years in 2025 and 2026 that helps the currently cap-strapped Packers.
What Aaron Rodgers’ return to Packers ensures
The return of Rodgers guarantees a few things for Green Bay. First, the Packers will have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL under center next season.
Clearly, Rodgers is still in his prime after producing back-to-back MVP seasons. With this high caliber quarterback play, the Packers should be favorites in the NFC North again.
Both the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings will have new head coaches next season. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are still rebuilding under Dan Campbell.
So if having Rodgers essentially clinches a playoff spot, how far can Green Bay go?
Currently, it seems the NFC is inferior to the AFC heading into next season.
The defending-champion Los Angeles Rams will be the Packers’ biggest challenge. Although, Green Bay has won the teams’ last two matchups.
Then, there’s Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Brady announced his return to football after a short retirement, the Buccaneers became contenders once again.
But outside these two teams, the NFC doesn’t have any other true contenders. So, while making the Super Bowl isn’t easy, the Packers are in the right conference to do so.
The final thing Rodgers’ extension does is keep Green Bay out the quarterback carousel. Instead of spending the next few years looking for a franchise quarterback, the Packers have theirs for the foreseeable future.
Ultimately, things could’ve turned out worse for Green Bay. They could be handing the franchise over to Jordan Love with no premier receiver on the roster.
Instead, they were able to retain some key defensive players including Rasul Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell, who are coming off breakout seasons.
They can use their newfound cap space and draft picks to look for Adams’ replacements.
Truthfully, if the decision was between Rodgers and Adams, Green Bay made the right choice. Packers fans would love to see nothing more than Rodgers retiring in green and gold.