Another offseason of uncertainty regarding Aaron Rodgers’s NFL future could reportedly play a major role in the Packers’ ability to trade the star quarterback in the event both sides decide it’s time to move on.
Rodgers, much like last offseason, has remained mum while contemplating the idea of continuing his career in the weeks since Green Bay’s season came to an end. As the 39-year-old takes his time weighing his options, however, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Rodgers’s indecisiveness could “complicate” the Packers’ future discussions with teams on a blockbuster trade should he ultimately return for a 19th season.
“Aaron Rodgers’ year-to-year approach to playing could complicate trade talks for the Green Bay Packers, several execs say, because it’s hard to trade hefty capital for just one year of Rodgers,“ Fowler wrote before noting “teams would prefer at least two seasons” with the future Hall of Famer.
As Fowler pointed out, any possible trade for Rodgers would likely command a hefty package that includes substantial draft capital. Additionally, the four-time NFL MVP is set to earn a $60 million salary in 2023 as part of the four-year, $200 million extension he signed last March, though there’s a chance he could make less money.
The most recent report coming out of Green Bay suggests the club would “prefer to move on” at quarterback from Rodgers (and his monster contract) to 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love, who could have his fifth-year option exercised by the May 1 deadline. The report also noted Rodgers is “well aware” of the team’s viewpoint.
As for Rodgers’s public stance on the situation, the 18-year pro again stayed vague about his intentions while addressing the reports of a potential trade and rumors of his possible retirement on the Jan. 24 episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
“All other ideas about trade and whatnot, that’s all conjecture before I even decide what I want to do moving forward for myself,” he said.
