Could this finally be the offseason where we see Aaron Rodgers leave the Green Bay Packers?
This offseason is of the make-or-break type for the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers could have one foot out the door, but Green Bay doesn’t know exactly how to navigate at the moment. Once again, they are caught in limbo until Rodgers makes his intentions clear.
Should the future Hall of Fame quarterback intend to seek a trade, Green Bay could have a few options in replacing him. But, not every option would mean the team is going to contend next season.
Rodgers’ exit just might mean it’s time for a rebuild in Green Bay, but until they get to that point, which quarterbacks could they bring in to replace the longtime fan favorite?
A trade for the Packers to replace Aaron Rodgers: Derek Carr via Las Vegas
This might be a bit tricky since the Packers are in a tough spot regarding their salary cap. But, with some restructures and possible cap casualties, the Packers might be able to get it done.
It makes sense for Rodgers to go to Las Vegas, because he reunites with Davante Adams, and that could entice him to stay longer than one year. The holdup with a Rodgers trade is rumored to be that teams will want him to stick around longer than just one season, and Adams could be the one who tips the scales there.
For the Packers, they can give Carr a shot for at least the 2023 season. Next year, if they decided to cut him, Green Bay would only be out $3 million. Chances are, the Raiders would give up some draft capital to get Rodgers away from Green Bay, and that might be tempting enough for Green Bay to pull the trigger, especially if it helps them with a possible rebuild following Rodgers’ exit.
A signing for the Packers to replace Aaron Rodgers: Marcus Mariota
This is not the signing that Packers fans would want to see, but one that makes a bit of sense if Green Bay wanted to wait a year before going after their franchise quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons could cut Marcus Mariota this offseason and save roughly $4 million in the process. Last year, they drafted Desmond Ridder who could potentially be their guy for at least 2023, and maybe beyond. Or, the Falcons could go all-in on one of the top quarterback prospects this year.
Regardless, cutting ties with Mariota is likely, considering he was benched last season in favor of the rookie. If he is cut, Mariota could find a temporary home in Green Bay, and he actually has a tie to the Packers.
Back in 2018, Matt LaFleur was Mariota’s offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans. That season, Mariota threw for 2,528 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 starts. He also ran for 357 yards and two touchdowns.
Mariota could be the perfect level of competition for Jordan Love in training camp, and the best-case scenario would be the veteran pushes Love to prove he can handle the job.
A draft pick for the Packers to replace Aaron Rodgers: Hendon Hooker
Speaking of giving Love some competition, Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker might just be the perfect guy for the job. One of the most electrifying quarterbacks in all of college football last season, Hooker was lost to a torn ACL but says he should be ready for the 2023 NFL season.
Not only did he say he was going to be ready for the season, and even training camp, but Hooker maintains the thought that he’s the best player in this year’s draft. You have to love that confidence. That’s the type of player the Packers should want in competition to take over for Rodgers.
The fact that Hooker is going to be a great value in this year’s class, too, could work to Green Bay’s fortune.
In 11 games with the Vols last year, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Before the injury, he was undoubtedly a candidate for the Heisman. Now, he’ll have to focus on possibly replacing Aaron Rodgers and getting ready for his pro carer.
