One of the two biggest 2023 NFL free agency stories this offseason will be what happens with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While the star could return to Green Bay for his 19th season, the writing is on the wall that his time there is coming to an end. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said backup Jordan Love “needs to play,” meaning Rodgers can’t be under center for that to happen.
Since Rodgers is under contract with the Packers, he’s not on our Top 100 Free Agent list. But if he were unrestricted, he’d surely be No. 1 or No. 2 behind Lamar Jackson. Recent veteran quarterback trades have included swaps of several first-round picks. It’s possible the Packers will be the latest team to net several notable assets for their QB.
We’re breaking down the latest free agency rumors regarding Rodgers, so be sure to bookmark this page for updates.
Latest Aaron Rodgers Free Agency Rumors
Jets Owner Woody Johnson To Meet Rodgers In Person
The Jets’ recruitment of Rodgers appears to be reaching a full-court press, as owner Woody Johnson is traveling via his “private plane to California to meet with Rodgers in person”, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini. Johnson previously said the team would be looking for an experienced passer, and the Jets were willing to lose out on Carr if it meant they could land Rodgers.
This is rapidly evolving and could see more news soon.
Jets, Rodgers Talks Continue Into Tuesday
It was unclear as to whether the Jets had permission to speak with Rodgers directly, as that would require the Packers signing off on the communication. But ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Jets and Rodgers will continue their talks on Tuesday as both parties decide their future, though no trade appears imminent.
It’s most notable the Packers have shown a willingness to allow Rodgers to seek a deal elsewhere and not force him into a corner about playing with them or retiring.
Jets Meet With Rodgers Monday Night
Late Monday night, PFN Senior Analyst Trey Wingo tweeted that Rodgers and the Jets “had conversations” about the star coming to The Big Apple. Though Rodgers hasn’t indicated whether he wants to play yet or where he wants to play, his openness to going to New York could clear a hurdle that was previously unclear.
Not all players are interested in dealing with the higher-pressure media structure that comes with bigger cities. Especially considering Rodgers is surely comfortable in Green Bay, his willingness to expose himself to more scrutiny could be a deciding factor in where he lands.
Jets Prefer Rodgers Over Others
Even before Derek Carr signed with the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets made it clear they wanted to wait out Rodgers’ decision on whether he’ll play and where he wants to go before signing Carr. But an additional hurdle exists with any Rodgers-to-New York deal. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also noted the Jets would need to rework Rodgers’ $58 million bonus before making a deal.
MORE: Should the Packers Move On From Aaron Rodgers?
That shouldn’t be a major hurdle as long as Rodgers commits to playing multiple seasons for the franchise. Armed with their full stock of draft picks and a number of flexible contracts that can be restructured or terminated, the Jets have what it takes to get a deal done.
Raiders Are Still in on Rodgers
The Athletic’s Vic Tafur had reported the Las Vegas Raiders were out on Rodgers due to the multitude of draft assets that would cost the franchise to land Rodgers. However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano said they’re still “a team to watch,” considering the lack of other options available. With how the Raiders have leveraged their roster to win now, it’s hard to imagine they’d be overly concerned with losing a few picks to upgrade at quarterback from Carr.
The Raiders have to at least see if they have a chance at landing Rodgers and what it would cost. Backing out after those two things occur makes sense but not at this early juncture.
Panthers Showed Interest in Rodgers
The Panthers have at least looked into every option available at quarterback. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carolina at least registered some level of interest in Rodgers by calling the Packers about him. Though Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reported that Carolina prefers a rookie and wouldn’t match Derek Carr’s contract demands, maybe the Panthers feel as though Rodgers is worth a much higher cost.
Dolphins Could Consider Rodgers Amid Tua Tagovailoa Concerns
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported the Miami Dolphins “will explore all options at quarterback” as uncertainty remains over Tua Tagovailoa’s health and long-term viability. Though that doesn’t explicitly mention Rodgers, the Dolphins have famously chased high-profile stars in the past. It makes sense they’d at least consider Rodgers as he’d be a perfect fit for head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense.
Aaron Rodgers Landing Spots
New York Jets
This is the most obvious landing spot for Rodgers because the Jets have a list of talented positional groups outside of an answer at quarterback. Head coach Robert Saleh built a top-four defense in 2022 despite an absolutely black hole at QB for much of last season. This offense boasts one of the best young cores in the league thanks to wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore and running back Breece Hall.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders can create a sizable amount of cap space to continue retooling their roster with Rodgers, including allocating assets to their woeful defense. Moving their first-round pick to acquire the future Hall of Famer would sting but would also allow this team to compete in a deep AFC West in 2023.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins don’t have a first-round pick in 2023 after trading for Bradley Chubb and losing their own first for tampering.
MORE: Don’t Overthink It, Dolphins — Pick Up Tua Tagovailoa’s Fifth-Year Option
However, if they want to maximize their Super Bowl window, chasing Rodgers makes some sense. Tagovailoa was explosive in his breakout 2022 season, but his concussion and injury history are extremely concerning.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco can open a good amount of cap space with reasonable restructures and extensions for Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey. I actually think this is the smartest play for both the 49ers and Rodgers, as they both could use each other to get the very best out of their own prospects.
General manager John Lynch said the team “may have to look into” the veteran quarterback market due to injuries to Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, so why not start with the best one available?