Will he stay, or will he go? Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future is a familiar story for Green Bay Packers fans, except this time, the team has no control.
When Rodgers contemplated his Packers future offseason after offseason, the team had its Plan B if he decided to retire. They were ready to roll with Jordan Love. If Rodgers wanted out, which he ultimately did, they could negotiate his next destination and trade him out of the NFC.
The Packers don't have that luxury now.
The New York Jets will part ways with Rodgers this offseason, again creating uncertainty about his NFL future. Rodgers has left the door open to return, noting that he would want to play for a contender. He also understands that a team meeting that criteria must have interest in signing him.
Many Packers fans feared Rodgers would follow Brett Favre's footsteps by signing with the Minnesota Vikings. Even if Minnesota offered him the chance to lead the offense while J.J. McCarthy develops, it feels unlikely Rodgers would make that move. He had a front-row seat to Favre's uncomfortable return to Lambeau Field.
However, a potential alternative wouldn't be much better for the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers to Rams would spell disaster for the Packers
Rodgers might not be heading to Minnesota anytime soon, but a return to the NFC, unfortunately, makes too much sense. With reports of the Los Angeles Rams considering trading Matthew Stafford, the door could open for Rodgers to replace his former divisional rival.
ESPN's Adam Schefter believes Rodgers "would be thrilled" to join the Rams if the opportunity presented itself. He thinks a Rams move for Rodgers "would come into play" if they don't keep Stafford.
The Packers' path to the NFC title is already challenging enough. The Philadelphia Eagles made easy work of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl and beat Green Bay twice this season. The Detroit Lions are still among the NFC's best, and the Washington Commanders are an ascending team with Jayden Daniels.
Rodgers can still play. Don't let the Jets' awful record fool you. He still threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2024. In Los Angeles, he would get a major upgrade in scheme with Sean McVay running the offense.
While Cooper Kupp is likely departing this offseason, the Rams still have All-Pros Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, and they have the cap space to build around Rodgers.
For the first time in what feels like three decades, the Rams aren't on the Packers' 2025 schedule, but they could be a tough team to beat in the playoffs. Los Angeles overcame a slow start to win nine of its final 12 games this season. Rodgers can still play at a high level and could make them serious contenders in the NFC, only adding to the Packers' monumental challenge of trying to reach the Super Bowl.