Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are on the outs. Their rift, caused by contract disputes and their drafting of his replacement, may end in a split between the two parties. Rodgers said that he will not play for the team again on Thursday, the first day of the draft. Reports then surfaced stating that he even told his teammates he was not going to return.
Given his MVP season in 2021, a trade is likely not be what the Packers want to pursue. But, if a team offers a huge haul and Rodgers truly does not want to play for Green Bay, it might be time to see if Jordan Love, their supposed successor to Rodgers, can actually play.
Here are three possible trade destinations for Aaron Rodgers.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos were one of Aaron Rodgers’ desired trade destinations after the news broke. According to Mark Schlereth on Thursday, Denver may have been close to pulling off a trade for Rodgers just before the first round of the draft began. He stayed put, however.
Although it is odd that he may want to play in the same division as Patrick Mahomes, the Broncos are a decent fit for Rodgers. They have a good defense that will get even better in 2021. Defensive-minded head coach Vic Fangio has another year implementing his system and one of the best corners in the draft has been added to the team.
Their weapons are also pretty good, with 2020 rookie standout Jerry Jeudy and the reliable Courtland Sutton at wide receiver. Running back Melvin Gordon could be even better in 2021 and Noah Fant is not that big of a downgrade at tight end. Although some offensive talent would likely be included in the trade.
All in all, a trade to the Broncos makes sense and Rodgers would put them into Super Bowl contention immediately, if they could afford the haul it would take to get him there.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas has Darren Waller, who is one of the best tight ends in the entire league. They have speed merchant Henry Ruggs III, the reliable Hunter Renfrow and veterans John Brown and Willie Snead at wide receiver. Their one-two punch at running back will assuredly be one of the best in the league with Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake sharing the carries. Their only offensive weakness is on the offensive line, which improved a bit through the draft.
The Raiders defense is not great, but it may improve with some some additions on the defensive line. But, needless to say, Aaron Rodgers would cure any questions they have at quarterback, as Jon Gruden never seems to be happy with that position.
Again, Las Vegas was on Rodgers’ wish list and, again, it is odd that he would want to play in the AFC West with Mahomes and Herbert. But pulling this trade off would be the crown jewel in general manager Mike Mayock’s young career.
New England Patriots
The main problem with this trade is New England’s lack of offensive talent. The Patriots are notoriously short at wide receiver, even though Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor were signed in the offseason. Tight end is really the only offensive skill position that is set and above average. Apart from that, New England still has work to do.
The solution to this problem is the fact that a Rodgers-Belichick pairing would bring in massive interest from free agents. Both offensive and defensive players would flock to New England to be a part of this team. New England also have a lot of cap space to pay Rodgers and add those potential players.
What Green Bay would receive in return is a mystery, as the Patriots would rather stockpile second and third round picks and are never expected to have a high first rounder. Offensive talent is not a draw and defensive talent does not do anything to replace the MVP. But, it could still be a possibility and Rodgers may jump at the chance to continue the Patriots’ dominance.
Featured Image courtesy of Getty Images
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Ben!
“From Our Haus to Yours“