Ever since draft night, there have been endless rumors that link the future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Denver Broncos. Most fans would agree that Rodgers on the current Broncos roster would make Denver instant Super Bowl contenders. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we should examine further and see if it is even realistic that Aaron Rodgers could become a Denver Bronco.
What does Rodgers want?
Even though the 16-year veteran player doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, if Aaron Rodgers is going to the Denver Broncos, it will most likely be because Rodgers wants to be a Bronco.
It is clear the Aaron Rodgers is upset with the Packers’ General Manager, Brian Gutekunst, and the organization as a whole. Most NFL insiders seem to think that the relationship between Rodgers and the Packers is irreconcilable. So, if Rodgers were to be traded, where would Rodgers want to go? Only those close to Rodgers know the definitive answer to this question, but as Mike Florio reported, the teams Rodgers would be interested in would be the 49ers, Broncos, or Raiders.
Then there is the connection with his fiancé, Shailene Woodley, who lives in Boulder, Colorado. It is easy to see why Aaron would want to live in Denver, which is less than 30 miles from Boulder.
Finally, between the three teams that Rodgers mentioned – 49ers, Broncos and Raiders – the Broncos seem to be the best destination. The 49ers drafted Trey Lance and have Jimmy Garoppolo, so they seem to be out of the running for Rodgers. Between the Broncos and Raiders, the Broncos clearly have the better defense and overall roster. For all these reasons it is safe to assume that Aaron Rodgers would want to be a Denver Bronco.
Would Aaron Rodgers make sense for the Denver Broncos?
For them to trade for Rodgers, it would have to make sense for GM George Paton and the Broncos. There has been plenty of speculation as to what it would take for the Denver Broncos to land Aaron Rodgers. Anywhere from two first and second-round picks, to a star player and three first-round picks have been projected to be the trade value for the 16-year vet.
With quarterback being the most important position in football, it is certainly understandable that the trade-value for the reigning league MVP would be high. On the other hand, the 37-year-old Rodgers is getting to the end of his career and has already talked about retirement and life after football.
So, for the Broncos to make a trade for Rodgers, it would have to be a trade that does not mortgage the future of the franchise, while still making it worthwhile for the Packers. For example, if the Broncos would have to give up multiple stars like Bradley Chubb and Courtland Sutton as well as multiple first round picks, then it may not make sense for the Broncos.
However, if the Packers are willing to part with Rodgers for two first-round picks and Drew Lock, then the Broncos should be quick to accept. Those picks would turn into late first-round picks and the Broncos would immediately have a multiyear Superbowl window with Rodgers.
Would the Green Bay Packers trade Aaron Rodgers?
From all accounts, it appears the Packers are not willing to trade Rodgers at this point. As the season approaches, however, the Packers may have no choice but to trade the reigning MVP. It will also depend on the trade value of Rodgers of course. Also, the progression of the Packers’ 2019 first-round selection, Jordan Love, will be a factor as well. At the end of the day, it will depend on if Rodgers decides to force the Packers’ hand and hold-out until he is traded.
Final Verdict
In the betting world, the Broncos have good odds to land Aaron Rodgers. On DraftKings, the Broncos have the best odds to have Rodgers take the first snap for them at QB in 2021 outside of the Packers at +400. The Packers still have the best odds at -400, so there is no certainty that a trade happens at all, but if it does happen, then Denver seems to be the best landing spot.
It is important to note as well that recently Rodgers stated that he is going to “enjoy the hell out of this week,” Rodgers said when asked about his future. “And then get back to working out, and figure things out in a couple weeks.” Only time will tell what that means, but the speculation will continue.
We also just found out that Rodgers turned down a two year extension from Green Bay this offseason according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The proposed contract would have made Rodgers the highest paid quarterback in the league.
For what it’s worth, Von Miller seems to think that the trade can still happen for Rodgers. According to Miller, “John Elway, he’s done a great job of working the big-time guys before — Peyton (Manning) and DeMarcus (Lawrence) and Aqib (Talib) — all these other guys. So, if there’s a guy to be had, G.P. (George Paton) and John Elway are the two to put on it, if it can be done.”
SimBull is the stock market for sports where you can buy and sell virtual shares of your favorite teams using real money. Each time your team wins, you earn a win payout. If your team loses, you lose nothing. SimBull offers trading for the NFL, NBA, and MLB, with College Football coming this fall. You can even own your very own share for the Denver Broncos!
Visit simbull.com today and use promo code “AroundtheBlock” to earn a $10 deposit bonus on your first deposit.