NFL analyst names three AFC trade destinations for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

Given the situation, Heifetz also explored what teams could logically trade for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. He quickly eliminated all other NFC North teams and others that have good starting quarterbacks already. Heifetz also eliminated teams that are so poorly run, Rodgers/the Packers would not explore a trade with them. In doing so, he narrowed the possible trade partner list down to just three AFC teams: the New York Jets, the Tennessee Titans, and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Aaron Rodgers to the Las Vegas Raiders?

Of course, this would be an enticing situation because it would reunite Aaron Rodgers with his former number one wide receiver Davante Adams. In theory, it would also work out well for both teams as Jordan Love would become the starter in Green Bay and Las Vegas would have a replacement for Derek Carr.

However, Heifetz also points out that there would be a lot wrong with such a deal:

“There would also be the supreme awkwardness of the Packers dealing Davante Adams to the Raiders this year, then turning around and sending Rodgers, too. The whole thing would just be weird—and Rodgers and Adams would have an even more flawed team than the one they’d left. And even if the Raiders want a veteran QB, why trade for Rodgers if they could sign Tom Brady for free?”

I think it is pretty safe to say that another trade with the Raiders, especially for a high-profile player, is not likely to happen again.

Aaron Rodgers to the Tennessee Titans?

As Heifetz points out, the Tennessee Titans have a great head coach in Mike Vrable. However, aside from Derrick Henry, the offense does not have many weapons. As Heifetz writes:

“After years of being unhappy with the Packers’ receiving corps, would Rodgers leave Green Bay to work with young Treylon Burks, old Robert Woods, and undrafted Nick Westbrook-Ikhine? Derrick Henry turned 29 this January. Intriguing, but unlikely.”

I am not sure I would use the word “unhappy” to describe Rodgers’ attitude towards the Packers’ wide receiver room, but Heifetz’s point stands: if Aaron Rodgers were to come back just to be traded, he would not want to play for a team with a worse wide receiver room than the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets?

Now wouldn’t this just be eerie? Aaron Rodgers being traded to the same team the Packers traded his predecessor, Brett Favre, to would truly be interesting (and sad). However, as Heifetz pointed out, it is the team that makes the most sense as a landing spot for Aaron Rodgers:

“If you’re seeking a team with a Super Bowl–caliber supporting cast that is a veteran quarterback away from contention, look no further. The Jets might have the Offensive Rookie of the Year in receiver Garrett Wilson and the Defensive Rookie of the Year in cornerback Sauce Gardner.

“Garrett Wilson and 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore, a receiver, look like foundational pieces at the wide receiver spot. Combine them with running backs Breece Hall (once he returns from his season-ending knee injury), Michael Carter, and Bam Knight, and the Jets might have the best young skill group in the NFL. And New York has an elite defensive line rotation anchored by Quinnen Williams, who established himself as a top-tier defensive tackle in 2022.”

The Jets are certainly a team on the rise with plenty of young talent. To be sure, they are the team that makes the most sense given their need for a good veteran quarterback. However, with their weak offensive line, they may not be the best fit for an aging Rodgers.

It’s the Packers or Retirement

In his end-of-season press conference, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated that he expects Aaron Rodgers to return in 2023. Of course, he would not guarantee that happening as it is Rodgers’ decision. However, Rodgers signing that three-year $150 million contract has tied him to the Packers for what seems to be the remainder of his career.