When you think of the Green Bay Packers, it’s hard not to think of Aaron Rodgers. After all, he’s second in virtually all quarterback-related Packers’ NFL records, only trailing Brett Favre.
However, rumors that the Rodgers era in Green Bay could come to an end began to emerge after the Packers lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.
The belief is that Rodgers is unhappy that the Packers’ front office refused to draft with the idea of winning now. Instead of building a better offensive line and drafting receiving options, the Packers took QB Jordan Love and RB AJ Dillon with their first two draft picks in 2020.
We know it’s fun to speculate, so you can find Bovada’s odds below as to where Rodgers could go:
Where will Aaron Rodgers Play Next Season?
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, January 27
- Green Bay Packers -550
- San Francisco 49ers +800
- New Orleans Saints +850
- New England Patriots +950
- Indianapolis Colts +1000
- Pittsburgh Steelers +1200
- Las Vegas Raiders +1200
Green Bay Packers -550
The easiest option would be if Rodgers stays in Green Bay.
After all, this is the team that drafted him and they can control his future for the next three seasons. Plus, there have also been rumors that Rodgers wants to restructure his contract so that the Packers can spend more to round out the team.
Another issue in trading him this offseason would be that if a trade were to go through, the Packers would be left with $31.5 million in dead cap space. If they wait to trade him until 2022, they’ll only take a $17.2 million dead cap hit.
San Francisco 49ers +800
If Rodgers leaves Green Bay, his top two landing spots could be in San Francisco or New Orleans, and both options make sense.
San Francisco makes sense because Rodgers has roots in Northern California and he even cheered for the 49ers when growing up. The 49ers can also cut Jimmy Garoppolo and save $24 million that can be used to giving Rodgers more weapons in addition to George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
New Orleans Saints +850
Rodgers could also go to New Orleans due to the consensus being that Drew Brees will retire this offseason. The Saints made it to the Divisional Round this season before losing to the Buccaneers, but that was with Brees, who was battling through several injuries all year. With a healthy Rodgers, the Saints would be Super Bowl favorites next season.
New England Patriots +950
The Patriots experimented with Cam Newton in a forgettable first season in the post-Tom Brady era. While they still have Jarrett Stidham, getting Rodgers would certainly be an upgrade. Besides, you can only imagine what the 37-year-old could do in Bill Belichick’s system.
Indianapolis Colts +1000
On the other hand, the Colts just lost Philip Rivers to retirement and Jacob Eason is the only quarterback they have under contract. While the Colts are rumored to be a potential landing spot for Drew Stafford as well, you have to think they’d welcome Rodgers with open arms. Besides, how many teams could say they had quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Aaron Rodgers all within 20 years?
Pittsburgh Steelers/Las Vegas Raiders +1200
Yes, it seems hard to imagine Ben Roethlisberger leaving the Steelers for any reason other than retirement, but it could be possible if the team has a shot at acquiring Rodgers. Not only is he currently playing better than “Big Ben,” but he’s also over $1 million cheaper.
When you’re looking for a Super Bowl, every penny counts.
Lastly, the Raiders have an outside chance of landing Rodgers. They can cut Derek Carr this offseason and save $20 million. Rodgers also has a connection to the Raiders, as he played under the team’s wide receiver coach, Edgar Bennett, from 2015-17. A Rodgers signing would also attract new NFL fans in Las Vegas if he became the face of the franchise.
