Packers' Aaron Rodgers hasn't yet started 'darkness retreat' amid trade rumors

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems in no hurry to publicly reveal his plans or desires for the 2023 NFL season. 

Per Kevin Harrish of The Comeback, Pat McAfee confirmed on Monday that Rodgers has not yet begun his four-day "darkness retreat" and will appear on Tuesday's edition of "The Pat McAfee Show." 

"It was reported just yesterday that Aaron Rodgers was going into the darkness today," McAfee explained. "Our sources have told us much different news than that. Our sources actually said 'hey, want to have another Aaron Rodgers Tuesday next week?' Yeah, we’d love to have an Aaron Rodgers Tuesday."

Rodgers said during last Tuesday's episode of "The Pat McAfee Show" that he intended to soon spend four days and four nights in total darkness and isolation as he ponders his playing future beyond the 2022 campaign. NBC Sports' Peter King wrote in Monday's "Football Morning in America" column that Rodgers was beginning that four-day period "today" and that "a few league or team people" reacted negatively to the 39-year-old's latest off-the-field activities. 

"We will chat with Aaron about the darkness that is coming, I believe, in a matter of days," McAfee said about his upcoming discussion with Rodgers. 

Rodgers has repeatedly been linked in stories and rumors with the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders but could decide to remain with the Packers, the only NFL home he's known since the 2005 draft, or retire. The new league year opens on March 15, and it's presumed any club with an interest in having Rodgers on its active roster would prefer to know his intentions sooner rather than later. 

The Packers have no obligation to trade Rodgers if their asking price isn't met by any would-be buyer such as the Jets, who have all but announced they want to acquire the future Hall of Famer to replace second-year pro Zach Wilson atop their depth chart as soon as possible.