NFL Insider Thinks Aaron Rodgers Might Leave Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets rumors left the tarmac this week. Rodgers was linked to the Jets earlier in the month, as the Jets need a veteran quarterback. The Jets hired former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett this week to run Robert Saleh’s offense. Many Packers fans are mocking the similar headlines from years past, as Rodgers’ name was brought up last year for a trade. However, one NFL insider thinks a Rodgers trade isn’t far-fetched this offseason.
Rodgers could retire, play for the Packers, or ask for a trade. Because of Rodgers’ contract, the trade would have to be one Rodgers approves of. Retirement seems the least likely result for Rodgers next season. He said after the Detroit Lions’ loss in Week 18, he still feels like he can play quarterback at an elite level. So whether Rodgers stays or is traded will likely be decided by the Packers’ choices in free agency.
What Rodgers has indicated he wants thus far
Adam Schefter with ESPN wrote a report on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers being at a crossroads this offseason. Schefter believes a Rodgers trade is possible this offseason. He noted that Rodgers appears to have made hints that his time in Green Bay is over:
“At no time during his comments to “The Pat McAfee Show” or to reporters at the end of the season did Rodgers declare with a blanket statement that he would be back in Green Bay. In fact, his words and actions have demonstrated otherwise.
Rodgers, who has spent his entire 18-year career with the Packers, was said to be emotional on the field during pre-game warmups before Green Bay’s season-ending loss at Lambeau Field to the Detroit Lions.
After the game, Rodgers declined Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams‘ request for his No. 12 jersey, saying “I’m gonna hold on to this one,” before walking off the field, looking up at the Lambeau crowd and entering the tunnel with his arm wrapped around Cobb’s shoulder.”
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t said what he wants
Those examples don’t mean Aaron Rodgers is leaving Green Bay. Rodgers might have acted that way just in case that was his last game in Lambeau Field as a Packers player. Rodgers hasn’t made any comments that he wants to leave the Packers. Rodgers seems to be keeping his options open, though, suggesting he’s putting business before emotions in his choice for next season, and that is the best indication that he might leave Green Bay.
