Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have spent 18 seasons collectively. But it is doable the star quarterback will likely be enjoying elsewhere in 2023. Rodgers admitted after a deflating end to 2022 that he was undecided on his NFL future, and whereas each retirement and a return to Green Bay are on the desk, the group is reportedly open to buying and selling the star QB if he needs out.
Rodgers simply signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension final March and is taking a while to make his determination. Offloading his deal would deliver challenges. But even at 39, coming off a down yr, he’d absolutely fetch premium compensation, which may assist normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst rebuild round Rodgers’ inheritor obvious, Jordan Love. Rodgers would even be comparatively inexpensive for an buying group, due $31.6M in 2023 — the Tenth-highest mark amongst QBs, behind guys like Matt Ryan, Derek Carr and Ryan Tannehill.
With all that in thoughts, here is an early have a look at logical suitors for Rodgers, within the occasion he and Green Bay conform to half methods:
Note: Salary cap figures courtesy of Over the Cap.
Geno Smith is an efficient story, however at 32, approaching free company, he’ll be a dangerous guess contemplating 2022 is his solely productive season as a starter. Seattle would not essentially need to dump one getting older QB (Russell Wilson) simply so as to add one other a yr later, however Pete Carroll, 71, might be concerned about contending sooner quite than later. He’s acquired different items — Kenneth Walker III, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett — to assist. He’s acquired a great deal of cap area ($30.6M) to make use of, and much more draft picks from the Russ deal. And GM John Schneider has an enormous Packers connection; he was the highest aide to Ted Thompson when Green Bay drafted Rodgers, and he was the director of soccer operations when A-Rod took over for Brett Favre and received his lone Super Bowl.
8. 49ers
Chances are, they’re going to fortunately go into 2023 with a minimum of two of their QBs at the moment on the roster: Brock Purdy, Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. The former has already achieved sufficient as Jimmy G’s emergency fill-in to warrant severe consideration as subsequent yr’s Opening Day man. But with Lance nonetheless a complete unknown, why would not Kyle Shanahan a minimum of entertain this pairing? He admittedly did it earlier than, calling the Packers about Rodgers’ availability previous to 2021. San Francisco is constructed to contend, with weapons on either side of the ball. And Rodgers would absolutely soar on the alternative, rising up a 49ers fan in California and famously wishing San Francisco would’ve drafted him in 2005.
GM Jason Licht is gonna be itching for a fast repair if Tom Brady, 45, calls it quits for good or, maybe extra doubtless, checks free company looking for a last recent begin. The query is, does he have sufficient cap manipulation up his sleeve to make it possible? On paper, the sunny vacation spot can be interesting for Rodgers, who may doubtlessly assist reshape the offensive philosophy and information roster selections, as Brady did. When wholesome, they continue to be a contender in a wide-open division.
Yes, Tua Tagovailoa is on the town and took a serious leap early in 2022 beneath Mike McDaniel, however how on Earth can they belief his availability shifting ahead? Tua’s well being is greater than the sport, and after a minimum of two concussions this yr, he is each a short- and long-term query mark beneath heart, the place he nonetheless struggled as a constant off-script and deep-ball thrower. Miami is the best touchdown spot for a stopgap answer like Rodgers or Tom Brady; with premium weapons and sensible technique, they may conceivably go for broke in 2023 with out sacrificing on a possible future with Tagovailoa.
Always open for veteran QB enterprise, they’ve the ability weapons and protection to remain within the playoff combine. What they do not have, as normal, is a real franchise signal-caller, with Carson Wentz certain to be reduce and Sam Howell boasting a single NFL begin. The cap area is a priority, but when the revered Ron Rivera remains to be in cost, he could possibly be an actual draw for a longtime vet like Rodgers.
You can solely win despite your younger QB(s) for therefore lengthy, proper? Bill Belichick has the run sport and protection to raise uninspiring play beneath heart, however in 2023, he’ll even have the cap area ($48.8M) to pursue a blockbuster improve on Mac Jones. What higher technique to lastly recreate the Brady period than by going all in for the next-best factor? Rodgers may conceivably additionally put his personal spin on the offense/employees, permitting Belichick to pour full consideration into the “D.”
Ryan Tannehill does his job effectively for a group that by no means dies, however he is owed greater than even Rodgers in 2023, and one other early playoff exit would appear to substantiate his ceiling. A-Rod loves him some Mike Vrabel, who’s but to function a celebrity at QB regardless of a confirmed monitor document of postseason competition. LaFleur sprouted from this group. And Rodgers would absolutely profit from an offense that leans closely on the bruising legs of Derrick Henry, to not point out an yearly open division. It helps that Tennessee is not essentially well-positioned to land a prime QB prospect within the draft.
Respected as he as soon as was within the group, Derek Carr is now an inevitable cap casualty by way of both launch or commerce, and was most likely already eyeing new surroundings amid one other misplaced season. Rodgers, in the meantime, has established chemistry with the Raiders’ prime funding, Davante Adams, and can be shifting nearer to his West Coast dwelling.
Second-year QB Zach Wilson is on skinny ice each on the sector and within the locker room, repeatedly proving to be the weakest hyperlink on an in any other case feisty playoff hopeful, and Jets administration has admitted as a lot, broadcasting its want to amass a confirmed signal-caller this offseason. They’re assembled at each spot apart from beneath heart, making a veteran improve particularly tantalizing. Coach Saleh is a revered voice who is aware of A-Rod effectively from the Packers’ battles with the 49ers. And new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is a identified ally of Rodgers from their days in Green Bay.
