The last few years have been quite tumultuous for the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. There has been a disconnect between the two sides that led to rumors about Rodgers trying to force his way out of town. Trading up in the 2020 NFL Draft to select quarterback Jordan Love out of Utah State, instead of getting Rodgers some help at the wide receiver position, likely had something to do with that.
Trade rumors swirled the last two offseason about Rodgers’ future with the franchise as he showed he was still more than capable of producing at a high level. Since Love was selected, Rodgers has won the MVP award in both seasons. This year, there won’t be an MVP award being added to his trophy room.
Rodgers committed to the Packers, agreeing to a three-year, $150 million extension during free agency in 2022. However, the team once again failed to upgrade the weapons around him, this time allowing players to leave. The relationship with All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams was so damaged that Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. His No. 2 receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, left in free agency, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That left the Packers with an uninspiring depth chart at the wide receiver position. Allen Lazard was the No. 1 option followed by a combination of Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers and rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
Things have been as challenging as you would expect them to be as Rodgers has repeatedly called out his teammates for a lack of preparation and not executing plays in the fashion he expects them to. While there have been signs of improvement, this is a relationship that looks like it will be coming to an end one way or another after the season.
When Aaron Rodgers signed that extension, there was no guarantee about how much longer his career would go on. The Packers are going to be in a bind in 2023 if the team and Rodgers part ways. The only way they can get out of that money is if Rodgers retires and walks away from $59 million.
That is a lot of money to turn down, but this season has seemingly been a taxing one on Rodgers. The offensive line has deteriorated in front of him, leading to him absorbing plenty of hits.
While there is some talent on this team still and no one should count them out, it is tough to imagine the Packers being legitimate Super Bowl contenders this season or next. Turning 39 in December, if Rodgers wants a chance at competing one last time before his career is over, leaving the Packers would be his best course of action.
Multiple teams would turn into Super Bowl contenders in 2023 should Aaron Rodgers be added to the mix. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have a need depending on what Tom Brady decides to do. The San Francisco 49ers are contenders right now but would be favorites if Rodgers was under center. The New York Giants may take a swing for the fences at the quarterback position as well if they decide to move on from Daniel Jones.
The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders are going to be on the search for answers at quarterback. Both rosters are strong and it could be argued that they are each a quarterback away from being legitimate contenders in their respective divisions and conferences.
The options are there should Rodgers want to continue his career. He and the Packers have had an excellent run together, but as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The 2023 offseason could very well mark the ending of an era in Green Bay as Rodgers needs to leave the team if he wishes to win another Super Bowl.
