Ian Rapaport recently reported that a deal for Rodgers is “a real possibility” given the Packers like the offer, as they are excited with what they have in Jordan Love, which makes this topic all the more prevalent as opposed to last week. Just after Rapsheet broke this on the Pat McAfee show, Peter King hinted that an AFC team, such as the Jets would happily pay the two first rounder price tag attached to Rodgers. If you missed last week’s article, make sure to check it out to see the first 4 landing spots we decided on, including the New York Jets. If you’re interested to see the cap implications associated with trading/cutting/keeping Rodgers, make sure to also refer back to last week’s article, under the same title and author. So, onto the next 4, two AFC, two NFC, same as last week.
Destination 5: Las Vegas Raiders
This one seems a little too obvious. Reunite Rodgers with his best friend Davante Adams for one more ride into the desert sunset?! Rodgers was already rumored to be going here last offseason, and the departure of Derek Carr makes it that much more likely. Rodgers would have a slew of weapons besides Adams, with Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow also being in Las Vegas. His offensive line would be a bit of a downgrade, but as long as the Raiders retain Josh Jacobs off his career year, he’d have an elite running back to hand the ball off to as well. An interesting secondary narrative would be how Rodgers performs in the McDaniels offense, and how well he does as compared to Brady’s run in New England. It’s also a great spot for Green Bay to send him because the two GM’s have a connection from last year’s Davante Adams trade, and being in the AFC, Green Bay wouldn’t have to see this newfound Packers retirement home as often as if they were an NFC team.
Potential Package:
- Green Bay receives: Pick 7 (via LV)
- Las Vegas receives: Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb
Trade Synopsis:
Instead of having to take and develop a QB at pick 7, why not take an established top 5 QB in Rodgers, and pair him up with former buddy Davante Adams. If you thought that connection was threatening in GB, imagine how good it could be with other weapons on the offense that the defense is forced to contain. As a throw in, why not retain Randall Cobb and reunite him in Vegas with Tae and 12. The Packers on the other hand, would then be in a great position to take a top receiver, offensive lineman, or EDGE player at 7, or even look to trade down and acquire even more assets.
Destination 6: Indianapolis Colts
Indy is coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and owner Jim Irsay will want to change that. With a defense ready to contend, and offensive pieces that could suit Rodgers, the Colts would be immediate AFC South contenders. Although somewhat lacking at receiver, Michael Pittman is an elite number 1 option, followed by solid WR2’s in Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell. We could see an Aaron Jones plus-role out of Jonathan Taylor, who being younger and more talented could fill and exceed Jones’ role with Green Bay. As well, Indy wouldn’t have to worry about sitting at 4 and only getting what falls to them, and they wouldn’t have to package 4 and additional assets to get their preferred QB of the class, if they just sent Pick 4 for number 12. Rodgers would also be allowed to influence an HC/OC decision if the trade is completed soon. The Packers would have a fantastic opportunity to select one of the top defenders in the class with Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr., at a spot they almost never pick at in the top 5. The Colts also are another AFC team. Personally, this is my favorite package of any 8, but not the most likely.
Potential Package:
- Green Bay receives: Pick 4 (via IND) and Jelani Woods (TE)
- Indianapolis receives: Aaron Rodgers
Trade Synopsis:
As I said earlier, this trade is by far the best return for Green Bay, receiving a top 5 pick where they’ll have their pick of the top defensive players. Even better maybe, the Packers could trade down to acquire even more firsts and picks to a QB-needy team targeting Will Levis, CJ Stroud, or Anthony Richardson, who could all still be on the board by this point. As well, Jordan Love would get a high ceiling freak athlete in Jelani Woods, which would give him a big body receiving threat with Robert Tonyan’s impending departure.
Destination 7: New Orleans Saints (40 and future first)
Now we get to less likely teams, NFC ones to be specific. With reports coming out today (Tuesday, January 24th) that the Packers are entertaining offers for Rodgers, but only for multiple assets, and to an AFC team, an NFC team such as the Saints would have to grossly overpay to acquire Rodgers, and their organization may decide it’s just not worth it for a short term window. However, if all the cards fall right, this would be a great situation. An aging but elite defense, along with a mix of young and older weapons on offense (Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara) and one of the best offensive lines in football.
Potential Package:
- Green Bay receives: Pick 40, 2024 1st (via NO), 2024 2nd (via NO)
- New Orleans receives: Aaron Rodgers
Trade Synopsis:
As we said, New Orleans would have to overpay, and boy they did. This move is great for Green Bay to build for now and the future, although expect the 2024 picks to be towards the latter half of the round, given Rodgers would be on the team by then. Green Bay wouldn’t be able to immediately add elite talent, only receiving pick 40 this year, but they would then accumulate 7 picks in the top 64 slots over the next 2 years.
Destination 8: Dallas Cowboys
How could we not. After Dak’s recent disappointing season, entering a 2023 season where he’ll turn 30, it’s time for change in Dallas. Not only would this give Dallas an upgrade at QB but they would then be able to move Dak for assets to replenish their stash, if the cap gymnastics work out. Again, this is the least likely of the bunch, but imagine what Rodgers could do for America’s team. Rodgers would have his new Davante in CeeDee Lamb, as well as an elite established run game with Zeke and (maybe) Tony Pollard? Not to mention Dallas’ always strong OL, and Dalton Schultz at Tight End. Finally, Dallas has not just the best defense in the NFL, but the best defense by far that Rodgers will have ever been on a team with. This would be special, and Jerry Jones would without question be interested in such a move, the question is, would Green Bay really consider giving him to such a longtime rival, no matter the package?
Potential Package:
- Green Bay receives: Pick 26, 2024 1st (via DAL), 2024 3rd (via DAL), Jalen Tolbert
- Dallas receives: Aaron Rodgers
Trade Synopsis:
Dallas gets the apple of their eye, and best QB since Troy Aikman. On the flipside, Green Bay acquires yet another haul of picks, along with a throw-in of recent rookie Jalen Tolbert, who never found his stride in Dallas, but could have slot and depth opportunities in Green Bay, and may be in need of a change of scenery. No true Packer fan would like seeing Rodgers in the blue star uniform, but for a haul like this, it might just be worth stomaching the pain.
That rounds out our 8 destinations! Other teams like New England and Seattle just barely missed the list, but are outliers who could slip into the sweepstakes if Rodgers becomes available if he decides to continue playing football. Again, both of those are still ifs, however Rodgers seemed to have a positive sentiment towards returning for another year on today’s Pat McAfee show. Then, Green Bay would have to decide to move in a different direction, and trade him to one of these 8 spots, with Rodgers consent.
