The Latest Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumor Is Just Way Too Poetic
The Green Bay Packers reached a crossroads in 2008. Brett Favre had just led them to the NFC championship, coming an overtime interception away from the Super Bowl. Despite flirting with retirement for years, the legendary quarterback wanted to return for another season. GM Ted Thompson didn’t want that. The team had invested a 1st round pick in Aaron Rodgers three years ago. It was past time for him to get his opportunity to start. So after some tense discussions, the Packers traded the Hall of Famer to the New York Jets.
It’s incredible how events tend to repeat themselves. Now 15 years later, Green Bay is in the exact same position. Rodgers flirts with retirement but likely won’t turn down the massive money he has coming his way. Former 1st round pick Jordan Love has spent three seasons on the bench awaiting his opportunity. Signs point to the organization making a change. That would mean they likely trade Rodgers. Peter King of NBC Sports believes there is a most likely destination.
To the New York Jets.
Adam Schefter reported Saturday—with very little couching—about the 39-year-old Rodgers’ future that it’s a “real possibility … Aaron Rodgers is going to be traded” in the off-season. Schefter often puts governors or conditions on his reports, but not so much here about the Packers’ starter for the past 15 seasons. “Make no mistake: Both sides are fully aware that a trade is a very real scenario this off-season for Aaron Rodgers,” Schefter said…
…So, how possible is it? Well, consider that Rodgers’ cap numbers in the next two seasons would be $48.3 million, combined. That’s certainly manageable. As for the compensation due Green Bay, my guess is the Pack would want at least two first-round picks. The Woody Johnson Jets, desperate for a star QB almost since the Broadway Joe days, would happily pay that freight, I’d guess.
Aaron Rodgers and New York are made for each other.
Try as he might, it’s painfully obvious the quarterback loves the attention. Playing in the world’s largest media market would be a dream come true. The Jets came close to making the playoffs this past year. They have a top 10 defense and an offense suddenly boasting some exciting weapons led by wide receiver Garrett Wilson. It isn’t a stretch for somebody like Rodgers to think he can elevate that team to contender status the moment he steps in the door. No doubt New York would feel the same.
It comes down to Green Bay and how much they believe in Love. They likely would’ve made the move if their confidence were strong. The fact they haven’t and have publicly stated they want Aaron Rodgers back suggests they don’t believe he would be an upgrade. At the same time, they have little choice. Rodgers’ value will only continue dropping. He turns 40 this December and is coming off one of his worst seasons. This isn’t the guy that could carry a team on his back anymore. If they delay any longer, the demand for him could disappear.