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

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.