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NFL insider Jay Glazer of Fox Sports noted recently that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers still wants to be traded after his request to be dealt became public record in late April.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Glazer did not mince words when it comes to Rodgers’ status with the Packers in the lead up to training camp.
“I know he still wants out. Without a doubt. Absolutely. Still wants out,” Glazer said. “Every time somebody called the Packers it was immediately shut down. What these teams need to do is continue to call, continue to call.”
When Glazer talks, we listen. Those are the rules after the Fox Sports figure broke some of the biggest NFL-related stories of the past half-decade. Now that he’s maintaining the stance that Aaron Rodgers wants to be traded, it’s impossible to ignore the noise.
Breaking down the Aaron Rodgers situation
Embattled Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has gone on record multiple times since the end of the 2020 season that they have no intention of trading Rodgers. With that said, the reigning NFL MVP questioned his own future in Green Bay immediately following another NFC Championship Game loss this past January.
That’s where the story really got going. One of the greatest quarterbacks in modern NFL history seemingly willing to play in another city. It all started back in April of 2020 when the Packers shockingly traded up for fellow quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the NFL Draft. Rodgers was not happy. Said unhappiness hasn’t been quieted since.
Coming off a 2020 campaign in which he threw 48 touchdowns against five interceptions, the 37-year-old Rodgers is upset about the direction of the Packers’ organization. He’s also gone on record questioning the culture within said organization. That’s no small thing.
Whether a trade happens this offseason will likely depend heavily on Rodgers’ remaining steadfast in his willingness to holdout throughout the 2021 season. If that is indeed the case, Green Bay might be forced to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade.
Narrowing down top trade destinations for Aaron Rodgers
- Denver Broncos: This team is among the three out on the west coast that Rodgers would prefer a trade to. With Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater battling it out for a starting job, there’s absolutely no reason to believe general manager George Paton isn’t looking into the possibility.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Yet another team Rodgers would prefer to be traded to, the Raiders are set with three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr. In no way does that mean head coach Jon Gruden wouldn’t trade Carr in for Aaron Rodgers in a Vegas minute. The Raiders were previously in on Deshaun Watson before allegations of sexual assault were levied in his direction. They are looking for an upgrade.
- San Francisco 49ers: On the eve of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Northern California native thought he was heading home to the 49ers. In fact, head coach Kyle Shanahan put a call in to the Packers to discuss a trade. It was shot down. In the end, San Francisco used the third pick in the draft it acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster trade to select Trey Lance. Simply put, this is no longer even a possibility.
Those are the three teams Aaron Rodgers prefers to be traded to. Now that the San Francisco 49ers are out of the equation, it might be up to the future first ballot Hall of Famer to expand his wish list. If so, here’s a look at other teams who could make sense.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins’ brass might want us to believe that they are sold on Tua Tagovailoa. That’s mere PR spin. General manager Chris Grier and Co. were obviously interested in acquiring the aforementioned Watson. Heck, that remains a possibility should his legal situation play out to his advantage. The moral of this story? Miami is looking for a franchise quarterback. Rodgers fits the bill.
- New England Patriots: Don’t put it past Bill Belichick to put in a call to the Packers about Aaron Rodgers even after selecting Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s always looking to pull off that franchise-altering move. Rodgers would qualify. Perhaps, New England can offer up Jones in a package if the Packers are not sold on Jordan Love. Stranger things have happened.
- Philadelphia Eagles: We read reports heading up to the 2021 NFL Draft that the Eagles were looking to select a quarterback despite boasting youngster Jalen Hurts on their roster. Philadelphia has also been bandied about as a destination for Watson. If Rodgers views this team to be a championship contender with him under center, we can easily see this come to fruition.