Aaron Rodgers has not yet committed to returning to play football in 2023. Even if he does commit to playing in 2023, there is still a question regarding what team he will play for. Rodgers has made it no secret: he wants to retire with the Green Bay Packers. However, he has also made it no secret that he is aware that it may not be possible for him to do so.
On The Pat McAfee Show a couple of weeks ago, Rodgers stated that he will not be a part of a rebuild. If he wants to play, but the Packers are in rebuild mode (or want to move onto Jordan Love), Rodgers could be traded. PointsBet has released its odds for what team Aaron Rodgers will play for in 2023, and they are very interesting.
#1. Green Bay Packers (-125)
It really should not be that big of a surprise that the team that is the favorite to secure the services of Aaron Rodgers in 2023 is the team that has him under contract. Of course, Rodgers has stated that if he returns to the Packers, he wants his friends to be back with him. The players he listed are David Bakhtiari, Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Marcedes Lewis, and Robert Tonyan.
All of those players are unrestricted free agents this offseason, except for Bakhtiari who some fans want cut to save money on the salary cap. Will the Packers bring them all back? Of course, there is no way for us to know; but AJ Hawk had some pretty interesting thoughts on it.
Related: Packers Legend Has Strong Words About Rodgers’ Desire to Bring Back His Friends
#2. New York Jets (+150)
Of all the NFL teams, the New York Jets have been the most vocal about their desire to acquire Aaron Rodgers. Their owner has even stated that he is ready to part with the necessary draft picks in order to get the four-time MVP. Add in the fact that the Jets hired former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and Rodgers to the Jets does make a ton of sense. Rodgers would not have to be a part of a rebuild as the Jets are just a quarterback away from being serious contenders in the AFC.
#3. Las Vegas Raiders (+450)
Of course, this scenario is juicy because the Las Vegas Raiders obtained Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers last offseason. The Raiders under-preformed in 2022 and appear ready to move on from Derek Carr as their quarterback. Reuniting Rodgers with Adams is certainly an intriguing thought, not just for Raiders and Packers fans, but for football fans in general. They were incredibly fun to watch.
The question, though, is who the Packers would get back in return. If the decision is made to trade Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love will take over as the starter. Green Bay would not want Carr in return.
#4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+700)
Tom Brady has retired and the Buccaneers need a new quarterback. That organization is really at a crossroads. Do they tear it all down and start a rebuild with a young quarterback? Or will they attempt to trade for or sign a veteran quarterback while they believe their Super Bowl window is still open. The Bucs finished with an 8-9 record, same as the Packers, in 2022. It is hard to see how they will be much better in 2023, though.
#5. San Francisco 49ers (+750)
This, of course, would be very interesting given Aaron Rodgers’ history. For one, the 49ers passed him over in the 2005, selecting Alex Smith with the number one overall pick. Rodgers, who grew up rooting for the 49ers, fell all the way down to the Packers in the late first round. There is also the unfortunate truth that the 49ers have had Rodgers’ number throughout the course of his career, most recently defeating the Packers in the playoffs last year.
The question, though, is whether or not the 49ers want to take on the Rodgers salary. They reached the NFC Championship game with Brock Purdy as their quarterback. Unfortunately, Purdy suffered an elbow injury and needs Tommy John surgery. The 49ers appear ready to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo, but may want a veteran quarterback to play for another year or two while Trey Lance develops.
There is also the notion that the Packers may not want to trade Rodgers to another NFC team, especially one that is such a big rival. Additionally, Rodgers recently said “I’m not going to San Fran,” while being recorded at the Pebble Beach Pro Am. After that comment, it is interesting that the sportsbook has the 49ers ranked as highly as they do.
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