Aaron Rodgers’ Future in Green Bay Uncertain as Free Agency Looms

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has not made a decision on where he’ll be playing next season and teams across the league eagerly wait to hear his decision.

The Big Decision

Rodgers has spent 18 years in the NFL, all with the Packers. However, his future in the green and gold is more uncertain than ever. The 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All Pro Quarterback’s future is up in the air this offseason. There was speculation that he might be on the move last offseason, but ultimately, he stayed with Green Bay. It was a disappointing 2022 season by his standards, as he led the Packers to an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

It’s a huge decision for the 39-year-old, and one he isn’t taking lightly. He considers the decision important to him and is tuning out any hate from the outside. He plans on making a decision soon and is “really excited about it.”

What’s Next for the Packers?

If the team decides to pawn off Rodgers, it will likely turn to its younger quarterback Jordan Love. The Utah State man’s work from his backup role has been paying off.

“I’ve expressed to a lot of people that he needs to play,” said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. “That’s the next step in his progression. He needs to play.”

Gutekunst is confident in the 2020 first rounder. Love has showed promise in his limited time on the field. He threw his first career touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with his mom watching last year and had his best career performance against the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles in Green Bay this season. However, Gutekunst is realistic about the position both players are in.

Communication between the organization and Rodgers has been sparse, according to Gutekunst. They have texted each other a few times, but that has been the extent of their negotiations up to this point. He hopes to have some answers from Rodgers before free agency gets going but says the team is “still in a good spot.”

If Not Green Bay, Then Where?

Rodgers has spent a lot of time in the news throughout the years, and not always for football purposes. His recent darkness retreat, his anti-vaccination opinions, ayahuasca journey and even showing off his bare feet during a press conference has caught the nation’s eye. But one thing is undeniable: Rodgers can absolutely sling the football. The quarterback is nearing 40 years of age, but multiple teams are still interested.

The New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as potential suitors for Rodgers. Both squads have been rumored to be interested in taking him in order to compete in the immediate future. Any team looking at picking up Rodgers knows it will immediately be in win-now mode, due to the fact that the Packers’ captain is already sporting some gray hairs.

Other teams that could potentially be looking for a new quarterback include the Colts, Texans, Commanders, 49ers, Titans and teams in the NFC South.

No matter where Rodgers goes, it will change the trajectory of the franchise immediately. But for now, all Gutekunst, the Packers and the rest of the league can do is sit back and meditate until the decision is made.