Inside information NFL scouts are saying about Aaron Rodgers

I’m in Las Vegas for the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl. Traveling to All-Star games is something I’ve done for years, and during that time, I’ve developed quality contacts from around the league. I’m here to watch practice and talk to players, but in addition, I will be chopping it up quite a bit with people in the scouting community.

As soon as my friends saw me, we immediately started talking about what’s going on in the world of the Denver Broncos. General manager George Paton, a former scout himself, has a sterling reputation in the scouting community and guys are excited to see what he’s building in Denver. It didn’t take long before Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was brought up as part of the plan for 2022.

Here’s what the scouting community is saying about Rodgers and the Broncos.

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Rodgers to Denver Likely?

The buzz in Las Vegas is strong when it comes to Rodgers coming to Denver. Everyone I talk to in the scouting community believes the Broncos will trade the Packers for the superstar quarterback. Things were being discussed last year between the two teams, with varying degrees of progress depending on who you talk to, and this year a deal might get done.

So, naturally, the follow up conversation has to do with the price tag for Rodgers if he comes to Denver. I’ve heard some educated guesses and the price tag is fair. I’m not going to get into specifics because the details can change in a heartbeat, but I do not believe Paton is going to overpay for Rodgers.

I’m the wrong person to be negotiating for Rodgers because I feel like no price is too high. Of course, something stupid like five first-round picks is out of bounds, but three first-round picks for Rodgers is fine if I was running the show. Good thing I’m not Paton.

There is confidence in the scouting community that Paton will get a fair deal done. The potential offers I’ve heard about, basically educated guesses about what Denver would have to surrender for Rodgers, are more than fair. If things fall in place like some have speculated, I think Rodgers price tag is good for Denver and Green Bay.

speaking of BUZZ (writing about this now for @1043TheFan ) …

EVERYONE in the scouting community that I talk to believe Aaron Rodgers will be traded to the #Broncos

The price tag? I've heard some educated guesses…and it may SURPRISE. I think a fair deal is coming pic.twitter.com/nkNokkp8Wh

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 29, 2022

The Broncos will upgrade their quarterback this offseason. Rodgers seems like the most likely plan to do that and put the Broncos in the Super Bowl conversation. If/when the Broncos add Rodgers, they may not be done adding former Packers to the roster.

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Double Up

If the Broncos do get Rodgers via trade, what will their interest be in wide receiver Davante Adams? I’ve picked up quite a few opinions in the scouting community that the Broncos will be somewhat aggressive when it comes to adding Rodgers favorite weapon.

That report has been out there for about a week, but there has been rumblings behind the scenes since December at least – maybe even before that. It would just make sense to get Rodgers what he wants around him and make a run at a Super Bowl or two or three. Adams is looking for one more large payday and should command a healthy market for his services.

Yes, the Broncos paid Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick last year. Those contracts are not cost prohibitive if the team wants to pay Adams. Those contracts are also team-friendly enough to be of interest to Green Bay if one of them gets traded in the deal to acquire Rodgers. I don’t think that happens but know their price tags are very fair. Jerry Jeudy, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, is still on the roster but he perhaps could use a change of scenery if Adams is acquired. If they kept Jeudy it would just mean the Broncos have four top-notch wide receivers to spread the field with.

there is strong buzz that the #Broncos will pursue Davante Adams if/when they get Rodgers. We shall see if they can make that happen. @1043TheFan https://t.co/koCummGzOO

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 29, 2022

What will the Packers do with the impending free agent? Many have speculated the Packers will slap Adams with the franchise tag. That tag will have a price around $19 million for one season. It matches the money Adams could be looking for, but at only one year it does not provide the security that players are looking for. Also, the Packers must have the cap space available to use the tag at the time they use the tag (late February is the deadline). At this time, the Packers are $50 million over the cap.

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Hackett Hire a Hit

Very rarely do things get a unanimous vote. When you talk to the scouting community, you can find a lot of different opinions on coaching hires or moves by the front office. Just like any workplace, jealousy and envy can present themselves and if you know the right people you will hear about that.

I’ve heard nothing but positive opinions about the Broncos hiring of head coach Nathaniel Hackett. In fact, people are enthusiastic to talk to me about Hackett’s hiring – perhaps because of the energy he has in any interaction he has. Scouts are excited that Hackett gets a chance to be a head coach, and many think it’s the first move to get the Broncos back on track.

Nobody has taken any shots at Vic Fangio, although Pat Shumur’s name is not revered as much. Scouts know what Denver was up against with Fangio running the show, and most feel that Hackett is the anti-Fangio from an energy and direction standpoint.

the buzz about the #Broncos hiring of Hackett is SOOOO POSITIVE here at the @ShrineBowl – the scouting community believe things are going to turn around in Denver 2022 and beyond! @1043TheFan https://t.co/MWhPoISOrI

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) January 29, 2022

It’s great to hear how many people are excited about Hackett. He was my primary choice as head coach of the Broncos, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does as the head coach of the Broncos – with or without, but most likely with Aaron Rodgers.

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