There is no telling who is going to be starting at QB for the Green Bay Packers in 2023. Just like previous years Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that right now he does not know if he wants to return in 2023. We are now in speculation season.
If you ask me I’m almost certain he’ll be back. I wasn’t so sure right when the season ended but watching Rodgers on the Pat McAfee show the past couple weeks has me thinking there is no way he doesn’t return. He stated that he still believes that he can play at an MVP level. He stated that he is going to take part in a golf competition soon because he needs to scratch his competitive itch.
If after just a few weeks of not playing football Aaron Rodgers already needs something to scratch that competitive itch there’s no way he’s going to be okay just watching from home in 2023. It would be one thing if he didn’t think he could still play at an elite level, but considering he believes that he still has something left in the tank, I’d be shocked for him to retire.
Now if he decides to return to play there is a chance it isn’t with the Green Bay Packers. Let’s dig into the possibility of Rodgers and the Packers deciding to part ways. If that happens what would the Packers get in return?
Yesterday I came across a very interesting article on Packersnews.com written by Pete Dougherty. He had conversations with a few NFL scouts about what they think the Packers would be able to get by trading Rodgers.
“They’re going to see a regression,” one of the scouts said, “but he’s proven enough to at least get a (first-rounder) in there.”
There is no way the Packers don’t get a first round pick for Aaron Rodgers. Yes he is up there in age and you don’t know how long he will stick around, but trading for a future hall of fame QB who still has something left in the tank isn’t going to be cheap. Personally I wouldn’t be shocked if a team was willing to trade away 2 first round picks. Rodgers was banged up all season and if he goes to a good situation with a proven defense you immediately become a super bowl favorite.
“All four front-office executives consulted this week – three with teams, plus a former GM who still works in NFL circles – predicted the Packers would get at least a first-round pick. Three thought they’d get another pick as well.”
“One said a first-rounder and a third-rounder that could escalate to a second based on Rodgers’ performance in ’23. Another said a first-rounder and a third- or fourth-rounder. Another said a first-rounder and flip-flop of picks after the first round. And the other said a first-rounder straight up as long as the pick wasn’t near the top of the round.”
None of the individuals Pete Dougherty talked with expressed the belief that the Packers would get 2 first round picks. I just think when Davante Adams gets traded for a 1st and a 2nd, Aaron Rodgers is worth more than that. Davante got traded with much more time left in his career and I guess with Rodgers potentially only playing one more year it could be risky to give away 2 firsts.
Regardless, the Packers will get lots of valuable draft capital if they do in fact trade Rodgers.
In the long run trading Rodgers could set the Packers up more for the future. Once Rodgers leaves, having a 1st and a 2nd round prospect on a cheap contract would make a team led by Jordan Love that much more dangerous. Would the Packers be willing to sacrifice a chance with Rodgers to try and run it back for a superbowl? I honestly think the front office may be willing to let Rodgers go. Aaron himself has said that he thinks the Packers may want to go young in 2023 and move on to Jordan Love.
The team right now that on paper makes the most sense is the New York Jets. It’s funny considering that’s where Brett Favre landed after leaving Green Bay. If that happens I guess we can make plans for Jordan Love to be a New York Jet after a long successful career in Green Bay...
The Jets had one of the best defenses in the NFL and have an offense loaded with young talent (WR Garrett Wilson, RB Breece Hall, Elijah Moore…) They are just missing a QB. Zach Wilson has struggled and just a couple days ago Robert Saleh says they want to target a veteran QB.
Then you throw in former Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett becoming the offensive coordinator for the Jets and you have a team that looks like they are trying their best to lure in Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers and Hackett were great friends back when Hackett was in Green Bay. We know that Rodgers loves to be surrounded by guys he’s close with. The Raiders and Dolphins are also teams that could make sense. There should be plenty of interested parties if the Packers and Aaron Rodgers decide to part ways.
It’s bittersweet to talk about. Aaron has carried the Packers for years and years and given us memories that will last a lifetime. But things don’t always end exactly how you envisioned they would end. Aaron could be playing with another team next year. No matter what goes down this off-season I’ll always be grateful for all that Aaron has brought to this franchise. Go pack go.