The Green Bay Packers are ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason, making the future Hall of Fame quarterback one of the most coveted players available for trade this offseason. With multiple teams interested, the NFL landscape could look very different in 2023.
It’s far from a guarantee that the four-time MVP is traded. The 39-year-old quarterback is undecided on his future and a decision isn’t imminent. He could walk away from the football, leaving the Packers with massive hits against the NFL salary cap for years to come.
Related: NFL insider says Green Bay Packers ‘disgusted’ by Aaron Rodgers
However, Rodgers’ recent comments and his receptiveness to negotiating his contract leave the door open to a return. He would also be walking away from $60 million by retiring, a sum he likely won’t want to leave off the table following one of the worst seasons in his career.
Keeping all of that in mind, along with the latest odds for a trade, let’s evaluate and rank the best landing spots for Aaron Rodgers.
1. New York Jets
The skepticism of Rodgers being able to handle New York’s media is a legitimate one. He encountered favorable coverage for more than a decade in Green Bay, but any criticism of him typically struck a nerve. It would be a completely new experience going from Wisconsin to the media capital of the world.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 103.6 QB rating, 59,055 pass yards, 475 passing touchdowns
Everything else seems perfect for him. With Breece Hall returning in 2023, the New York Jets could boast one of the best running back tandems in the AFC. It’s a strong support system for a veteran quarterback, but it gets better. Garrett Wilson played like an outstanding No. 1 receiver in his rookie season and he would do far more with Rodgers. Around Wilson, Corey Davis and Elijah Moore are excellent complementary weapons.
Related: Former NFL star says Aaron Rodgers too sensitive for New York
- New York Jets acquire: Aaron Rodgers, 116th pick
- Green Bay Packers acquire: 13th pick, 74th pick, 2024 NYJ 3rd
Rodgers would also reunite with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a coach who he raved about for years with the Packers. It means New York can offer Rodgers the system he wants, running the West Coast offense without a lot of motion mixed in.
If all of that isn’t enough, Rodgers will be supported by one of the best defenses in football. He would be the missing piece for the Jets, turning them into an immediate playoff team who could challenge for the AFC East. If Rodgers decides he can truly handle the New York media, there isn’t a better landing spot for him to finish his career.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are the lowest team on our list in the latest 2023 NFL power rankings and the franchise would certainly be better off long-term pushing towards a rebuild. However, head coach Mike Vrabel wants to win now and Tennessee can still be competitive with the right moves.
Related: NFL trade rumors
Rodgers owns property in Nashville and will likely soon start building a home to move into at the end of his NFL career. He also visits the city to see Randall Cobb and David Bakhtiari, two of his closest friends and teammates. Plus, he holds a great relationship with Vrabel and the two would make for an ideal coach-quarterback pairing.
- Tennessee Titans trade: 11th overall pick, 72nd overall pick, Malik Willis
- Green Bay Packers trade: Aaron Rodgers, 151st overall pick
On paper, the Titans’ roster is the worst of the three teams we’re spotlighting. However, the 6-foot-2 quarterback will have significant input in wherever he plays next even without a no-trade clause. Tennessee can create more than enough cap room to sign him with a series of moves, too.
Related: Multiple NFL teams inquired on Aaron Rodgers trade
Rodgers would have a better chance to win in the AFC South than the AFC West. Tennessee could also offer to sign Cobb and Marcedes Lewis, providing him with two trusted weapons as he develops chemistry with Treylon Burks. Even if Rodgers only provides above-average quarterback play, that will complement a strong defense and another outstanding season from Derrick henry quite nicely in 2023.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
We know Davante Adams wants to reunite with Rodgers. The Las Vegas Raiders have already been connected to the Super Bowl XLV MVP and head coach Josh McDaniels will likely be on the hot seat in 2023. All of that provides Las Vegas with a lot of incentive to pursue Rodgers.
- Aaron Rodgers contract: $31.62 million cap hit (2023), $40.7 million cap hit (2024)
From a roster standpoint, the weaponry in Las Vegas is ideal. Rodgers-to-Adams is one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in modern NFL history and that rapport would show off immediately. Pair that with Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs and the Raiders’ offense becomes explosive.
Related: NFL executive blasts Aaron Rodgers for holding Green Bay Packers hostage
- Las Vegas Raiders trade: 7th overall pick, Darren Waller
- Green Bay Packers trade: Aaron Rodgers, 116th pick
However, there are two things that diminish this fit a bit in our rankings. First, the qualities McDaniels is looking for in a quarterback don’t exactly align with Rodgers. Based on the reports from Green Bay, the Packers seemed to take issue with Rodgers’ work ethic and attitude. The 39-year-old quarterback loves control and that might not be something McDaniels gives up easily.
Winning the division is also unlikely. The Kansas City Chiefs could be even better next season and both the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos improved their coaching situations. The Raiders might only be the third-best team in the AFC West next year with Rodgers and that likely isn’t good enough to make the playoffs.
