Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers declared he was not going to join the San Francisco 49ers as the quarterback addressed his uncertain future at a golf Pro-Am event.
Rodgers - who was drafted by the Packers in 2005 before assuming the starting role from Brett Favre in 2008 - has refused to rule out joining a new franchise via trade this offseason. The four-time MVP has declared a number of times that he will take the coming weeks to discover whether he will retire or return for the 2023 campaign.
The 39-year-old signed a monster new contract last offseason to earn $50.27 million per year through the 2026 season, when he will be 43 years of age. His enormous salary and vast time spent in Green Bay means Rodgers is certainly open to a move to another franchise.
Rodgers finished 2022 with 12 interceptions - the most he threw in a single campaign since 2008, his first year as a starter - while he also failed to post a single 300-yard passing game for the first time in his career. However, he will still command an attractive market of potential trade destinations due to his pedigree and success, but it appears Rodgers has ruled out the 49ers already.
Before he hit a tee shot at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, former golfer and current CBS Sports analyst Colt Knost asked Rodgers if he had ‘any news you want to share with the world’. The quarterback chuckled while he took a practice swing and said: “I’m not going to San Fran.”
Knost continued the conversation with Rodgers, suggesting he’d ‘look great with a Cowboys star’ on his helmet.
Back in 2005, the 49ers opted not to take Rodgers with the first overall pick, instead going with Alex Smith. It appears the Packers icon has perhaps not forgiven his boyhood team, although it remains to be seen whether San Francisco would even move for him given the rise of Brock Purdy while Trey Lance - the 2021 third overall pick - will be healthy for 2023.
The Packers are reportedly willing to deal Rodgers to the AFC if a trade is sanctioned, despite general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur publicly stating they hope the quarterback will return to Green Bay for 2023. Rodgers has been linked with a move to the Las Vegas Raiders, as well as the New York Jets after they hired Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
On Tuesday, Rodgers heaped praise on Hackett - his OC in Green Bay as the quarterback won back-to-back MVP awards - on The Pat McAfee Show. He said: “We all have certain coaches who have meant a lot to us over the years and have created those special rooms to play in. Obviously Nathaniel is one of those guys.
“Love Hack. Hack is my guy. Love him and Megan and the kids. They're really special to me. We really bonded when he was in Green Bay. He made it fun. He made the room fun. He made the weeks fun.”
