Super Bowl LVI is still a couple weeks away but is it time to start wondering about Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers’ future if Green Bay does indeed win it all? The MVP favorite is still compiling eye-popping NFL stats with 4,115 yards to go along with 37 TDs to just four interceptions, but is his time in Green Bay coming to an end?
The Packers are the +375 favorite to win this year’s Super Bowl followed by Kansas City (+400), Buffalo (+550), and Tampa Bay (+550). Rodgers is also a heavy -500 favorite to capture his second straight MVP award with Tom Brady (+400) and Cooper Kupp (+2000) also in consideration.
Let’s see where we might find #12 playing next season if the Packers do indeed win the Super Bowl.
Green Bay
Whether the Packers raise the Lombardi Trophy or not this season will have a direct effect on Rodgers’ future plans. If Green Bay doesn’t win the Super Bowl, Rodgers may feel like he has unfinished business and could return to Lambeau Field for one more run.
If the Packers do win it all, Rodgers may consider his work here done and could move on to a new team for the twilight of his career a la Brady.
Rodgers could actually come back to Green Bay win or lose as the relationship that seemed sour in the offseason has gone off without a hitch once play got underway. The Packers finished the regular season 13-4, and Rodgers is very comfortable throwing to the likes of Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb.
Follow Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett
Packers coach Nathaniel Hackett is drawing some attention to fill one of the 7 NFL coaching openings that are open, and it’s possible that Rodgers could follow his offensive coordinator. That’s especially true if Green Bay wants to see what they have in young QB Jordan Love and decide to move on from Rodgers – or more specifically the $26.9 million he will be owed in 2022.
Of the openings, some make great sense while others are longshots for a variety of reasons. Those include:
- Denver – Rodgers was already linked to Denver in the offseason and they have a head coach opening available after firing Vic Fangio. The Broncos have some offensive talent in Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patick, and Noah Fant and could also have new ownership soon. Would Rodgers go play for Peyton Manning or John Elway who are part of groups linked with buying the team?
- Raiders – Derek Carr is still on the roster but moving to Las Vegas would make sense for Rodgers who is a West Coast guy.
- Miami – Tom Brady went to the Sunshine State and picked up a Super Bowl, could Rodgers do the same?
- Vikings – Rodgers followed up Favre in Green Bay, and could he make like the Packers legend and return to Lambeau in the purple and gold? It would be tempting to team up with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and Minnesota would welcome a move on from Kirk Cousins.
- Jaguars / Bears – Not likely because both teams have young QBs
- Giants / Texans – At 38 Rodgers wants no part of a rebuilding team or the media circus that comes with playing in New York.
A Surprise Candidate
Rodgers is engaged to actress Shailene Woodley but the Los Angeles teams seem pretty set at QB with Matthew Stafford on the Rams and promising youngster Justin Herbert powering the Chargers.
Arizona also has former #1 pick Kyler Murray but Seattle would be an interesting destination if they decide to move on from Russell Wilson. It’s a much more manageable trip to L.A, and Seattle has a talented WR core with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Perhaps the more surprising candidate for Rodgers’ next destination is the couch. Rodgers faced a lot of scrutiny this season for his vaccine status among other things and may just be done with it all. Rodgers has stated that his next great role would love to be fatherhood, and maybe that’s what the MVP does – go out on his own terms in true Rodgers fashion.
