Oct 2, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during warmups prior to the game at Lambeau Field. Packers Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
These three teams could force the Green Bay Packers’ hands in forcing them to trade away quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Green Bay Packers are 5-8 on the season, but they still have a slim chance of making the playoffs. However the season ends, the Packers will have an important offseason ahead of them.
Remember back in 2020, the Packers traded up in the first-round of the NFL Draft to select quarterback Jordan Love. Well this offseason, the team has to decide whether they want to exercise his fifth-year option, or allow him to hit free agency after the 2023 season.
What is blocking Love from starting in Green Bay is Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP. This season will prevent Rodgers from winning three NFL MVP awards in a row, due in part to the overhaul of the wide receiver group.
Let’s get a bit hypothetical. What if Rodgers still wants to play beyond this season? What if the Packers want to move onto the Jordan Love era? What if Rodgers is willing to play elsewhere?
If all of these hypotheticals were to happen, here are three teams who could force Green Bay’s hands in trading away Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers rumors: 3 monster trade packages to force the Packers hand, No. 3: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have already been linked to a potential Tom Brady reunion next offseason. But what if that doesn’t come to fruition. Say, Brady signs with a team like the San Francisco 49ers. Where are the Patriots to turn?
How about Rodgers?
The Patriots offense is not performing that well in 2022 as it did in 2021. That can be credited to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leaving for the Las Vegas Raiders, and having Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in top positions on the offensive coaching staff. But with Belichick, he may want to head back to his winning ways, and bringing in Rodgers could help with that.
It’s important to note that in this hypothetical trade, a trade would happen post-June 1 because the dead cap that the Packers take on would be less than before June 1.
Patriots Get
QB Aaron Rodgers
Packers Get
2024 First-Round Pick
2024 Third-Round Pick
2025 Conditional First-Round Pick
2025 Conditional Third-Round Pick
Any team would have to surrender two first-round picks at least for the Packers to bite at a deal. In terms of conditional draft picks, that could be contingent on Rodgers playing a certain number of seasons or making the Pro Bowl.
The Patriots have the cap space to bring in Rodgers, so they could make a run for him. Again, all hypothetical.