Aaron Rodgers has a lot of options this offseason
Aaron Rodgers has plenty of options for where he will play football in 2023. An NFL writer recently ranked the top trade options for Rodgers, and it appears to be different from where oddsmakers are projecting. Although, there is still a good chance Rodgers will stay with the Packers next season.
The New York Jets are the favorite team to land Rodgers. This makes sense as the Jets are an AFC team with championship aspirations and former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. But many other teams would want to win the Rodgers sweepstakes.
The “most attractive” options for Rodgers
Bill Barnwell with ESPN wrote about the most attractive destinations for Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr. Barnwell listed 13 teams on his list of NFL teams that need an upgrade at quarterback for 2023. According to Barnwell’s list, the San Francisco 49ers would be the best option for Rodgers and Carr:
“The 49ers’ job wasn’t on the list until Monday afternoon, when we heard Brock Purdy had suffered a complete tear of the UCL in his throwing elbow. Purdy could opt for an internal brace which would help him heal without surgery, but there’s always a chance the rookie sensation will require a more significant procedure and miss time past September.
Even if Purdy is ready to go in September, the 49ers could make changes around their playoff starter. Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent and is unlikely to return. (Famous last words.) Trey Lance will be recovered from his fractured fibula in several weeks, but Purdy seemed to usurp Lance during his breakout run in December and January. The 49ers could trade Lance to recoup some of the draft capital they shipped out when moving up in the draft to acquire Lancetwo years ago and bring in a veteran as Purdy insurance or to be the short-term starter.”
Barnwell listed the Las Vegas Raiders (2), Atlanta Falcons (3), Seattle Seahawks (4), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5) as his top five choices. He listed the Jets as the 7th-best team for Rodgers to play for in 2023.
The list isn’t matching the reports on Aaron Rodgers
The list might be where Carr or Aaron Rodgers would want to go. But Rodgers isn’t a likely candidate for the 49ers or Raiders. Rodgers shot down the 49ers at a golf event this week, and another report axed the Raiders’ idea. One would assume the Jets are the most likely option.
The other three teams on Barnwell’s top five are NFC teams. While Adam Schefter said the Packers could be convinced to trade Rodgers within the conference, his price would put them at a disadvantage to AFC teams. The Tennessee Titans are an intriguing option that should get more attention in the next week. Barnwell placed them 11th on his list. Again, the list doesn’t appear to match the reality for next season.
