The Four Best Bets for Aaron Rodgers’ 2022 Destination

The Aaron Rodgers drama is heating up and it appears we’re on the verge of finding out where he’ll play in 2022. Since the Packers selected Rodgers 24th overall in the 2005 Draft, he’s been spectacular on the field. Rodgers led the Packers to a win in Super Bowl XLV and is a four-time MVP.

The list of accolades goes on and on. However, the relationship between quarterback and franchise has been declining for a while and a turning point has arrived.

Aaron Rodgers will be informing the Packers of his decision soon, per league sources. I’m told there are multiple teams with offers on the table but of course, nothing can happen until the Green Bay Packers allow a trade.

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 24, 2022

On the field, Rodgers is arguably the most talented quarterback in football. Off the field, he comes with some baggage. Still, the Packers would obviously like to keep him because of his immense talent. But does he want to stay in Green Bay?

While it still seems like he’ll start next season in Green Bay, there are some intriguing odds out there which could pay off handsomely if Rodgers does request a trade. First, the favorite, per DraftKings:

Green Bay Packers –250

There’s a reason this is the favorite. Talents such as Rodgers don’t come along often and it’s obvious why the Packers would want to keep him around. While Green Bay has struggled recently in the postseason, it’s hard to argue against the regular season success. Keeping Rodgers in Green Bay keeps the Packers’ title window open. The organization has also made some moves recently to help free up some money, which could be used to sign Davante Adams to a long-term deal and help strengthen the roster around Rodgers.

The Packers have created $3.08M in 2022 cap space by converting $3.85M of RB Aaron Jones' 2022 compensation into a signing bonus and adding two void years, per source.

Green Bay has now created nearly $14M in cap space over the past two days, with more moves ahead.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 24, 2022

While moving off Rodgers would significantly shrink Green Bay’s Super Bowl odds, there is a trade out there that could keep those hopes alive …

San Francisco 49ers +800

No question, this is a longshot — as is everything else on this list — but the +800 odds reflect that. Is Trey Lance ready to take over? What about Jordan Love?

Lance is still just 21 years old and hasn’t played a lot of football. After appearing in just 19 games at North Dakota State and in six with San Francisco, he may need another year to develop. It seems likely the 49ers are going to deal Garoppolo and if they aren’t quite ready to turn the franchise over to Lance, acquiring Rodgers would immediately turn a loaded roster into a Super Bowl favorite.

QB carousel predictions before the combine starts:

Packers: Rodgers
Broncos: Jimmy G
49ers: Brady/Lance
Steelers: Jameis
Vikings: Cousins
Colts: Mitch
Bucs: Wentz
Browns: Baker/Mariota

Watson to Carolina or WFT if cleared

😬😬😬

— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) February 23, 2022

As for the Packers, if Rodgers wants out, acquiring Garoppolo would help keep the championship window open if the team feels Love isn’t quite ready. It wouldn’t be a 1-for-1 trade, so in addition to acquiring Garoppolo, who has proven capable of winning in the postseason, the Packers would also get other pieces to strengthen the rest of the roster.

This move would also give Rodgers the opportunity to return to northern California where he grew up and played in college. The fanbase reaction would be interesting to monitor as fans could turn on Rodgers quickly if things went south. Rodgers likes to share his opinion and his beliefs are on the opposite end of the spectrum of fans in northern California. However, if all goes well, a Lombardi Trophy could help bridge that gap.

Indianapolis Colts +1000

It’s hard to imagine Rodgers in a Colts uniform, though admittedly it’s hard to imagine him in anything other than green and yellow. The Colts are widely expected to move on from Carson Wentz and Rodgers could help elevate the franchise.

The Titans are a good team, but the rest of the AFC South struggles and with four games against the Jaguars and Texans, it’s easy to envision Rodgers getting Indianapolis back to the postseason. In the same way Rodgers has feasted on lesser opponents in the NFC North, he could thrive in the AFC South.

The Colts already boast a solid roster and nearly made the postseason last year without elite quarterback play. Michael Pittmann Jr. isn’t as talented as Adams, but would provide Rodgers with a quality go-to target and Jonathan Taylor is already one of the best running backs in the league.

Whether it was Philip Rivers in 2020 or Wentz in ‘21, the Colts have shown they are willing to be aggressive and are actively seeking a championship-caliber quarterback. Rodgers is that guy.

Miami Dolphins +2500

New head coach Mike McDaniel did wonders with Garoppolo leading the 49ers offense, just imagine what he could do with a player as talented as Rodgers.

While McDaniel has expressed excitement to work with Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins haven’t exactly been discreet in their desire for an upgrade. Rumors were loud last season that Miami wanted to make a move for Deshaun Watson and if they were willing to do that, it seems likely they’d be willing to acquire Rodgers.

The AFC East is certainly a tough division, but the Dolphins are coming off a nine-win season and the addition of Rodgers would likely add at least one or two wins to the tally which would be enough to clinch a playoff spot.