All we really know about Aaron Rodgers‘ status at this point is that he does not want to remain with the Packers through a rebuild and that he plans to make a decision about his NFL future sooner rather than later (perhaps no later than February 22, the first day that Green Bay could put the franchise tag on Rodgers’ favorite target, Davante Adams). Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Packers are cautiously optimistic that their three-time MVP will return for one more season.
That is largely because Rodgers did not immediately board a plane to leave Wisconsin following Green Bay’s disappointing divisional round loss to the 49ers last week. Instead, he stayed at the Packers’ facilities and met with head coach Matt LaFleur “and others” to discuss the team’s next steps. Those talks were apparently positive, which led to the feeling of optimism.
As we know, the Packers are currently projected to be roughly $45MM over the cap, and that does not include the ~$20MM tag for Adams. Still, the team is anxious to retain its top two offensive weapons for 2022, even though it will likely have to part ways with a number of other key contributors in order to become cap-compliant. The Packers apparently believe that, with Rodgers and Adams in tow, they can make one more run at a Super Bowl title before having to seriously consider a rebuild in 2023.
Green Bay could, of course, accelerate such a rebuild and work towards a new era of competitiveness right away by trading Rodgers in the coming months. The Broncos, who recently hired former Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett as head coach, were connected to a potential Rodgers acquisition last offseason, and as they appear to be just a quarterback away from legitimate contention, many were expecting them to make another run at the 38-year-old passer in 2022.
Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network hears that there is a very strong possibility that Denver GM George Paton will, in fact, pull off a Rodgers trade this year, and Pauline’s sources also say they were surprised a trade did not materialize in 2021. Per Pauline, the Broncos are also interested in Adams should the star wideout hit the open market, but with the Packers seemingly adamant on deploying the franchise tag on Adams, that does not seem especially likely at the moment.
The Broncos do have multiple second- and third-round choices in the 2022 draft, though they have just one first-rounder (No. 9 overall). It’s hard to say what the Packers would demand in a Rodgers trade, but a package that includes multiple first-round picks seems like a reasonable starting point in negotiations.
I disagree that multiple 1st would be in play. I do t see many organizations being willing to give up that much for a guy that flirts with retirement every offseason. I could see a 1st 2 2nd rounders and 2 thirds. Even that would be a lot to give up in my opinion.
He would absolutely get two firsts. Lions got two firsts, a third, and Goff for Stafford. While Goff’s contract had something to do with that, Stafford is nowhere near as good as Rodgers.
Not many teams can afford Rodgers.
Rodgers is older and has a higher cap value, will NOT get as much for Stafford. Rodgers is currently 38, Stafford at the time was 32.
Rodgers cap hit has nothing to do with his new team. He will be traded and sign a new deal. The only cap that matters is what is left over to the packers.
I’m not arguing that he’d ‘get as much for Stafford’. I’m saying he will absolutely get two firsts.
And I don’t care how old he is or how big his cap hit is. Rodgers numbers this year were better than any season Stafford has ever had. He might win his second straight MVP. Y’all are taking crazy pills if you think Rodgers is not getting at least two firsts.
Stafford is 5 years younger
No they did not, the Lions got one first for Stafford and a third. They got the other first b/c they took on Goff and his guaranteed contract, which LAR could not keep and nobody else was going to trade for. Big difference there and oh, don’t forget Stafford was 5 years younger (33) when traded than Rodgers.
You must have stopped reading because I said ‘While Goff’s contract had something to do with that’. I’m well aware of Goff’s contract but the deal was:
Rams get Stafford
Lions get two 1sts, a 3rd, and Goff
And I don’t know why people keep mentioning Stafford’s age. Rodgers is not slowing down and I would rather have him over the next 2-3 years than Stafford. Two straight All-Pros, probably two straight MVPs.
Reigning back to back mvp and still has at least 2 if not more years of elite play in front him. Bare MIN GB is getting 2 firsts for him and likely more.
no they aren’t, you’re delusional – bare min they get is a first and another pick.
Nope….try again. Pack won’t give him away for free like you want. His option then will be play forGB or retire.
The $45M over the cap & Adams as a free agent says otherwise
Your delusional
So far every story I’ve read predicts at least 2 first rounders (a couple had 3, but I believe those also included Adams) plus an additional pick or 2, or player (Jeudy gets mentioned a lot).
There’s also new speculation that Las Vegas could be in play, which adds that potential “competing offers” caveat.
I’ve also read that the return depends on Rodgers commitment to his new team. If he agrees to play 3 more years, the package will be more (and a contract extension eith the new team will be part of the deal.
I believe Adams is a free agent – if so, he ain’t getting traded.
They can use the franchise tag on him, then trade him. It’s been talked about quite a bit as a possibility.
And GB would be really dumb to just let him walk and get nothing in return.
I’m not saying your wrong, but I believe it would need to be done in the next two months (I believe that’s the time frame), it’s a HARD cap, meaning Packers would need the cap room to sign and trade him. I believe hard cap kicks in, in March 2022.
I just looked it up on the NFL website – March 8th NFL teams can designate Franchise / Transition players. March 16, 2022, all teams must be under the salary cap.
So they have almost 6 weeks to figure out what to do, who to cut, trade, tag (tag and trade), and so on. If they’re smart they’ll have contingency plans for Rodgers staying, wanting a trade or retiring, Adams, etc and so on.
Teams do this fairly regularly. It won’t be easy, feelings are gonna get hurt and guys they don’t really want to cut loose will be but its not impossible.
I mean, they played basically the whole season without Z and Bak. It will just be easier if part of the cap fixing involves trading Rodgers.
What? Wentz got a first and third. No way would anyone say Wentz plus a couple 2nd and 3rds is remotely close Rodgers.
When has AR flirted with retirement?
Schefter reported it, it must be true.
First and seconds this year, first and third next. And probably a player or another pick in there as well. A-Rod makes Denver an immediate SB contender.
Doesn’t seem like Paton has much of a choice about trading for Rodgers if the Packers decide to hang on to him…
I’m just not sold that the Broncos are one piece away like it’s said they are. they were fairly uninspiring last year and arguably should have had a worse record. I dont think Bridgewater -> Rodgers is enough to make the jump. it helps a lot, but is not enough in my mind.
Lol going from Bridgewater to Rodgers is e monumental upgrade. Denver would be one of the Superbowl favorites if they got Rodgers.
Rodgers is going nowhere. The media jackals need a story and love this false narrative. They are idiots and lemmings.
People said the same thing about Brady. Repeatedly. Rodgers is the only one who knows.
You must be a Packer fan in denial. He’s gone bro.
I love the off-season drama about the Packers and Rodgers every off-season, but its much to do about nothing.
Keeping Rogers another season is the wrong thing for the Packers to do, as a franchise. Period. It’s understandable why they (emotionally) don’t want to let their guy go. But smarter minds must prevail here. GB will not win the SB next year, even if he stays. Do the right thing and go into a full rebuild. Your cap is blown. Fix it, don’t just make it worse for the future. You’ve had a 30 year run..and it’s over. Love is a bum. He is not the answer. The GM needs to sell everything of value and shoot for a top pick, to get your preferred QB of the future next year. No one worth messing with in this draft. Hell of a run GB. I’ve enjoyed watching it. It’s over tho.
“What? Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!…” :0)
I’m not sure GB fans understand their current cap situation, with Rodgers right now GB is >$41M over the cap and that doesn’t factor in franchise tag for Adams – you do not have nearly as much control as you think here.
We do clown
It was Japan who Pearl Harbor not Germany.
@luckybrew That’s a quote from the classic comedy Animal House. The mistake is intentional and was used for humor purposes.
Lucky brew you certainly never seen Animal House. Broncos should go after Wilson Watson, Rodgers too old.
There goes your chance to pledge the Delta house.
They franchise adams take the two 1sts the bare minimum they get for Rodgers is 2 number ones and two 2s age be dammed he still can ball Think if Judy is in there they don’t hang up the phone but that would be a nice re start for packers
There is no way a team gives up two 1sts and two 2nds to get Rogers. He prolly can still ball but it’s not worth the drama. A team would have to be SB ready to even think about that (kinda like what the Rams did with Stafford and Von Miller). Secondly, you need a find a team to even want to trade with. And thirdly, GB has zero leverage in the trade. So sure, they can shoot for the stars, but I doubt they get anywhere near what you’ve proposed.
I get the not worth the drama argument, but anyone wins an MVP again has some value. Besides, Rodgers’ drama is non legal in nature and there’s not real risk that he’ll be suspended in the near future. The media headache mostly has to with his opinions, which is certainly doable for an NFL team.
My drama wasn’t with anything legal or even the vaccine issue. It’s more or less the fact he can just retire if he doesn’t get want he wants. I don’t see anyone giving up capital for that. If Brady were to leave (god only knows that one), then TB makes the most sense. Trading a late 1st and 2nd is a no brainer. But TB’s whole team is pretty much UFAs. And Rogers says he didn’t want to be a part of a rebuild in GB. So I’ll go out on a limb and say that sticking point will be echoed throughout.
Whatever team trades for him will happily give up 2 1sts, 2 2nds and 2 thirds if they think he is the missing piece to a SB Championship. I think if he is moved, the best package will come from Vegas and will include Carr in return.
I wonder if brining Carr to GB would help convince Adams to stay (assuming they can afford him). They were college teammates at Fresno St and they’ve both openly admitted that they’d love to play together again
No one is trading that much for 1 year of Rodgers.
He’s not going anywhere. Tom Brady’s decision along with Sean Payton’s decision made it even easier for him. Packers are going to be in cap jail in a few years, but they can worry about that then, not now.
lol, it’s a hard cap and they are $41M over without Adams signed/tagged – good luck with that, cap hell in the NFL means trades and cuts to get under said cap, not soft penalties.
I had been under the impression the cap situation couldn’t be fixed without gutting the team (in order to keep Rodgers and Adams) but have recently read a couple stories that at least claim its not as dire as many of us think.
Obviously, it mainly depends on Rodgers’ willingness to not just stay, but rework/extend his contract. The names of both Smiths (I would try to retain Preston at this point, at the right price), Billy Turner and I believe Dean Lowry were listed as cap casualties. Some type of contract restructuring for Bahktiari (I’m told his dead cap hit is like $39 mil if cut), and they’d be in pretty good shape.
But others like Campbell and Douglas are FA’s, Alexander and Gary are in line for an extension.
Personally I think the window has closed with Rodgers, and they’d be wise to reset or rebuild (depending who the qb is) and use the trade assets from 12 and 17 to prevent bottoming out.
He will never rework his contract. He set it up this way to all.but guarantee he could leave this off-season. Rodgers is the type of player who when his mind is made up it’s over. He is long gone he all but said as much countless times. It’s not like its a secret
Nope. 5th most money available
While I’d hate to see Rodgers leave the Packers, that unfortunately makes the most sense given the cap situation. I’m assuming Rodgers is not going to retire, since he’s still too competitive and continues to play at a high level.
This year was by far the best opportunity for the Packers to reach the Superbowl. Everything was lining up, with the By week and home field advantage and players getting healthy at the end. Except that Bahktiari couldn’t play again, which probably cost them the game right there. Still the Packers were one blocked punt away from winning.
If Rodgers and Adams (they’re a set) stay with the Packers, it will blow out the cap and result in the loss of numerous other vital players (Campbell, Douglas, both Smiths, maybe Turner, maybe MVS, maybe Tonyan). If the Packers couldn’t get to the Superbowl this year with all those players, what chance do they have next year? It will be a rebuild period, which Rodgers has already said he isn’t interested in.
The alternative is to trade Rodgers and Adams (after franchising him) to the Broncos for multiple high draft picks (plus maybe a player like Jeudy). That way the Packers can sign everyone else (albeit it will still take some clever cap work-arounds) and get an extra influx of rookie reinforcements. Jordan Love will have his opportunity. Maybe he turns out to be a bust, but he just might develop into something great. Remember, Rodgers didn’t look that good for his first two or three seasons behind Favre. But we’ll never know about Love unless we give him a shot.
Meanwhile Rodgers can go to a team where he won’t have to learn a whole new system. He’ll fit in perfectly with Hackett. Both he and Adams can sign long-term top-of-the-market deals. Randall Cobb and perhaps MVS could also follow him to Denver.
It’s all as much as a win-win for everyone as it can be. And who knows, if Jordan Love turns out to be very good, we could end up with the dream Superbowl storyline of the century: Aaron Rodgers/Denver Broncos vs JordanLove/Green Bay Packers.
Dude stop
Packer fans, this is your reality, Rodgers traded, Adams leaves, a number of staring Packers are cut $42-45M OVER a hard cap, ain’t no joke, oh and Adams is a free agent, Rodgers has never given the Packers a “hometown discount”, so why would he now? If yo don’t believe me, please go to a salary cap website and look it up. Otherwise you are spitting into the wind…
If Adams isn’t in GB it’s because he was tagged and traded.
Well he can’t be tagged and kept!!
He’s either:
1.) Tagged & traded
2.) Let go via free agency and Packers get a compensation pick.
If Packers believe they won’t get a picks above what they consider they would get as a comp pick, they’ll let him walk.
Before you freak out – think of the trading team, would you trade for 1 season of Adams and give up draft picks before you have a long term deal worked out for him? Can long term deals be arranged PRIOR to tagged and traded deal? Above the table – I don’t know / Under the table, likely.
I believe an extension can be negotiated as part of the trade process, as it appears would be the case in a non-tag-and-trade. For example: Rodgers to Denver. According to reports, Denver would ask him to sign an extension before agreeing to a deal.
I found a handful of tag and trade names from recent years. Frank Clark, Dee Ford, Jarvis Landry, Clowney, and the DE originally from Jacksonville whose name I can’t begin to spell (traded to Minnesota, flipped to Baltimore and spent this season with the Raiders).
As for contract extensions, nothing was given, only trade compensation.
And from what I found as draft compensation should GB simply let him walk..a 3rd rounder. I think we can all agree that even if he doesn’t ink an extension with the new team as part of a tag and trade, GB would receive more than a comp 3rd rd pick.
I agree with your assessment. I figured it was a 3rd rounder, but wasn’t sure if that determination of compensation had changed.
The negotiating before trade was where I wasn’t positive. I thought that might be considered “Tampering”.
The going rate for a long term contract for a top tier WR is 4 years and around $100M (I can’t remember exactly, I looked it up last night). So a team would be giving up something in addition to signing him to a longer term deal.
I think as long as the teams are in negotiations for a potential trade, the acquiring team is allowed to at least discuss the parameters of a deal, if not come to an agreement.
It’s really the only way for all sides to be satisfied. Trading team gets what they feel is adequate return, acquiring team knows the player wants to play there (and get paid) and player feels he’s going to a situation that is right for him.
I would agree with that.