Aaron Rodgers

Trade, retire or stay: Where will Aaron Rodgers be playing in 2022?

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Not so long ago, Aaron Rodgers‘ retirement seemed like a distant event. But considering how he’s dealt with the news about his future and Tom Brady‘s sudden decision to walk away, it wouldn’t be crazy to think that Rodgers could be the next.

Rodgers trade rumors have also emerged, with the Denver Broncos looking like the most likely destination for him. Nathaniel Hackett’s hiring sure put them in a privileged position to try and orchestrate any move. All while also helping solve some of the Green Bay Packers’ offseason needs.

The legendary gunslinger recently claimed that he wouldn’t take long before he announced his decision. However, following a ’12-day cleanse,’ Rodgers told Pat McAfee that there will be no news in the next couple of days. So, where do we go from here? Will he just walk away?

Aaron Rodgers retirement chances

Rodgers is coming off back-to-back MVP seasons. He’s shown no signs of slowing down and continues to be the most efficient and accurate passer in the world. From a football standpoint, there’s no reason to believe he’s on the decline or ready to leave.

Then again, it’s also worth noting that Rodgers’ relationship with the fans and the media took a massive downturn this season. He was called out and pointed at because of his vaccination fiasco and controversial stance on alternative treatments.

       

Rodgers claimed that there were thousands of people tuning in to root against the Packers just because of his vaccination status. Moreover, he added that he wouldn’t be shocked if he never won MVP again for that very same reason.

Aaron Rodgers has always been known for keeping his private affairs to himself and he’s been quick to cut ties with a lot of people, his family included. So, if he doesn’t feel appreciated anymore, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him walk away from the gridiron. It’s not like he needs the money or the accolades, as he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and a millionaire already.

Aaron Rodgers’ contract & potential cap hit

From a financial perspective, the Packers would be wise to try and move on from their QB. Rodgers has a massive cap hit of $46.1 million. That’s not a number any team would be willing to take on unless they’re getting a player of Rodgers’ caliber in return.

But more than that, what would any Aaron Rodgers’ potential trade look like? Hall of Fame quarterbacks don’t grow in trees, let alone one coming off two consecutive MVP seasons. Rodgers isn’t getting any younger but we already saw what Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were able to do in the final stage of their careers.

       

What can the Broncos offer for Rodgers?

The Denver Broncos have more than enough cap space to make room for Rodgers, north of $44 million. Should they look to add Davante Adams to that deal, then the talented WR would have to agree to a new deal with the Packers before any move could take place.

They could try and land Rodgers for a package consisting of QB Drew Lock, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, WR K.J. Hamler, a 2022 first-round pick (13th overall), a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick, 2022 second-round pick (from Rams).

That way, the Packers would get some competition for Jordan Love in the form of Drew Lock, while also replenishing their draft capital. The Broncos would still have enough youth and offensive talent with one of the best QBs in the world, all while boasting an elite defense.

Will Rodgers welcome a move to the Broncos?

The Broncos make the most sense among all potential trade destinations. The Broncos hired former Packers Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett; whose relationship with Rodgers is as strong as it’s proven to be successful throughout the years. Not so long ago, Rodgers hinted at potentially following Hackett wherever he went:

“I hope [Hackett] doesn’t go anywhere. Unless I do,” he said with a smile on his face. “He’s a great coach. I love spending time with him. He’s a fantastic teacher. He’s incredible in front of the room,” he later said on The Pat McAfee Show.

Obviously, the Broncos would be more than willing to go the extra mile to land him and put their QB woes behind them. As for the Packers, it may all be for the better. Both parties look poised for a fresh start and Rodgers’ trade value could be at an all-time high right now.

Rodgers taking center stage this offseason

The legendary quarterback knows everybody will inquire and speculate about his future. Even if he doesn’t make an announcement soon, he’s one of the faces of the league and as such, he’ll have to deal with the media and fan pressure.

“I get it,” Rodgers added. “There’s not a lot to talk about football-wise and this will be a topic of conversation. But I am looking forward to making a decision and moving forward. I think it’s best for me. It’s best for the team. It’s best for all parties involved. Let’s just get this behind us.”

Hopefully, Rodgers will give NFL enthusiasts and Packers fans alike some clarity sooner rather than later. But judging by the way he’s dealt with the media over the past year or so, we wouldn’t be surprised if he delayed any announcement until just a couple of weeks before the start of next season.

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