Aaron Rodgers is mulling four options, with the Broncos in the mix
Mar 5, 2022, 5:42 AM
Just when all hope seemed lost. Just when it felt like things were trending toward the status quo. Just when everyone was becoming resigned to the fact that the dream was dead.
Aaron Rodgers news broke late Friday night. And it was good for the Broncos.
It all began when Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the quarterback was still undecided about where he wanted to play in 2022.
With all eyes on #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and his future, here is the latest: Sources say Rodgers is truly torn on where he wants to play in 2022. While many in the NFL expect him to return — there's lots of positivity in Green Bay — he is going back and forth on what he wants.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2022
The door was still open. Rumors that it was a done deal, that he was returning to the Packers as the highest-paid player in the history of the league, appeared to be untrue. While that still might happen, the notion that Rodgers and Green Bay were simply working through the particulars of the contract appears to be false.
More fuel was thrown on the fire later in the night when Pro Football Talk weighed in on the subject. The site reported that Rodgers had narrowed his options to four teams, with deals already in place once he makes his decision.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Rodgers has specific deals lined up with other teams — and those teams have trade compensation lined up with the Packers. The potential moves have been arranged, essentially, with the permission of the Packers.”
According to PFT, the four teams in the running for Rodgers are the Packers, Broncos, Steelers and Titans. Each destination has positives for the back-to-back reigning MVP.
Green Bay has been home for the past 17 seasons. He’s won a Super Bowl with the Packers. And they’re a contender right now, having won 39 regular-season games across the past three seasons and been the No. 1 seed in the NFC the past two years.
Pittsburgh is making the transition from Ben Roethlisberger to the future Hall of Fame quarterback’s successor. They’re a perennial playoff team, with one of the best head coaches in the league. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season, providing a winning situation for Rodgers to walk into.
Tennessee is also on the cusp. They were the No. 1 seed in the AFC this past season and many believe they’re an upgrade from Ryan Tannehill away from being a Super Bowl favorite. They have the league’s best running back in Derrick Henry and a pair of dynamic receivers in A.J. Brown and Julio Jones.
Denver provides the second-most familiar surroundings, behind only the Packers. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett was Green Bay’s offensive coordinator before coming to the Broncos, where he worked closely with Rodgers. The two are reportedly very close. In addition, Denver has a lot of young, offensive weapons in Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant.
Given these factors, Rodgers is reportedly “torn.” He has four good options on the table. Now, he just has to decide which one he wants.
The Broncos are in the mix. A deal between the team and the quarterback is reportedly already done. So is a trade between Denver and Green Bay.
They just need Rodgers to follow in Peyton Manning’s footsteps and choose the Mile High City as his final NFL destination.
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