A majority of executives from around the NFL believe the relationship between the Green Bay Packers and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will end this offseason via trade.
From Mike Sando of The Athletic: “The bottom line is that NFL execs think the Packers are more likely to trade Rodgers than to hold onto him.”
Rodgers, who turns 40 in December, is still in the process of deciding his football future. His options: Retire from the NFL, return to the Packers and play out another year of his contract or request a trade out of Green Bay. The four-time MVP is expecting to make a decision in a matter of weeks.
Is it possible that returning to the Packers isn’t actually an option at this point?
One exec went as far as to say he or she thinks the Packers are “done” with Rodgers and ready to move on to Jordan Love.
Possible trade destinations include the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s unclear if the executives have any working inside knowledge of the situation or are guessing based on the situation. It’s fair to wonder if a trade is more of what some execs are hoping for entering the offseason and less an info-based prediction of what will happen.
The Packers finished 8-9 in 2023, missing the playoffs despite a 3-1 start and a chance to clinch a postseason berth in the season finale. Rodgers labored through several injuries, including a fractured thumb, and he produced what could easily be viewed as his worst statistical season as a starter.
This offseason does appear to be a natural transition point. The salary cap hits keep getting worse and worse the longer Rodgers remains in Green Bay, and Love is now entering his fourth season after three years of backing up Rodgers. The Packers believe Love is ready to play right now.
Sando predicted the Packers will trade Rodgers. It was his No. 1 prediction of the offseason.
