Could the Packers actually trade Aaron Rodgers for Derek Carr?

Aaron Rodgers’ future will be the number one story for the Green Bay Packers the moment the offseason begins.

Rodgers’ contract makes it difficult for the team to move on. However, a trade wouldn’t be impossible.

NBC’s Peter King looked at an interesting possibility in his weekly column.

King wrote about why it “might” make sense for the Packers and Las Vegas Raiders to make a deal that would see Rodgers and Derek Carr switch teams.

"“I think it might not be altogether nonsensical to consider trading Rodgers to Las Vegas for Derek Carr and a third-round pick. Might being the most important word there. Miles to go before you reach a decision like that, but it has crossed my mind.”"

It’s certainly an interesting thought.

However, it wouldn’t make sense from a Packers’ perspective. For the Raiders, maybe yes, but not the Packers.

Las Vegas would be banking on Rodgers rediscovering his best form. With a receiving corps including Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, he would be in a better position to do so than in Green Bay.

The risk for the Raiders would be trading for a former MVP quarterback entering his age-40 season. If it works, it could be like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decision to sign Tom Brady, but they would also be taking on Rodgers’ huge contract.

The Packers would get the benefit of offloading Rodgers’ deal, but the trouble is Carr also has a huge contract.

According to Spotrac, Carr has a cap hit of $34.88 million in 2023 before rising to over $43 million the next two seasons.

If you are paying that money, you have no choice but to commit to Carr as QB1. And with that, Jordan Love’s potential opportunity in Green Bay would be gone.

We don’t know how good Love can be as the QB1 because he hasn’t had that opportunity. In Carr, they would know what they’re getting.

Even after the Raiders added Adams, Carr is on track for numbers in the same range as usual. He is on pace for 4,140 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

If Rodgers plays in 2023, the Packers would be better off sticking with their former MVP, because if he rediscovers his best form, he can reach an elite level.

Assuming Rodgers doesn’t retire, the Packers should focus on strengthening the offense around him rather than trading him for Carr.