With the Denver Broncos hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach today, the rumors are starting to spread about quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the possibility of him landing with the Broncos next season. Here’s the latest on what I’m hearing on not only Rodgers but also on the recent reports about New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
January 28 Update: Sources tell my PFN colleague, Aaron Wilson, that Josh McDaniels is ‘all-in’ and so are the Las Vegas Raiders on McDaniels-Dave Ziegler partnership.
NFL Rumors: Is there legitimacy to the Aaron Rodgers to the Broncos news?
There’s good reason to believe the rumors that Rodgers ends up in a Broncos uniform this summer. Sources say Denver general manager George Paton has told people close to him for more than a year now that Rodgers is the quarterback he wants.
And recently, while golfing, John Elway confided to friends that he would personally part with two first-round picks to acquire Rodgers. It is important to note that Elway isn’t the one making the decisions, but he likely has a voice in the process. However, at the end of the day, this is Paton’s show.
And, if Rodgers ends up in Denver, what about Davante Adams? Could he also be wearing a Broncos uniform next year? I’m told the Broncos have expressed a sincere interest in bidding for Adams if he hits the free-agent market.
Granted, we are far from the finish line, and Rodgers has yet to make a decision about his future. But the path for the Broncos to acquire the quarterback seems to be clearing.
Will the Patriots lose both Jerod Mayo and Josh McDaniels this offseason?
In other head coaching news, Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo has been incredibly impressive during his interviews with prospective teams. So far this coaching cycle, Mayo has met with both the Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders, who are presently searching for a general manager as well as a head coach, have told people Mayo is high on their list for the head coaching spot.
And what about Josh McDaniels? I’m told it’s going to take a huge offer to get the offensive coordinator to agree to a head coaching job — outside of New England anyway. PFN’s NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported that the Raiders have formally requested to interview McDaniel.
If the Raiders do not make a big enough offer, at this point, it seems McDaniels is willing to wait it out as he feels comfortable in the belief that he will be the heir apparent to Bill Belichick in New England.