While many around the league expect Aaron Rodgers to return to Green Bay for at least another season, Denver isn’t giving up on plans for the star quarterback.
As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes, the Broncos are doing everything they can to get Rodgers and are willing to do “whatever it takes in terms of a contract.” This news comes amid the fact that, on the one hand, general manager Brian Gutekunst states: “The Packers will not consider offers to trade Rodgers. On the other hand, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the other day: Rodgers is literally torn between the choice of staying in Green Bay or leaving for another team.
“The Broncos are now led by Nathaniel Hackett, the Packers’ former offensive coordinator, so Denver is understandably considered the favorite. Plus, for the Broncos, acquiring Rodgers would be a significant upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock. Pittsburgh has been mentioned as another possible candidate, but that option remains “on the periphery,” according to Fowler.
According to Spotrac analysis, Aaron Rogers has a current market value of $46,5M.
Rodgers should be paid $46.7 million this coming season, a lot of money for the Packers with their problems under the salary cap. The deadline to use the franchise tag is March 8. The team still needs to decide what to do with receiver Davante Adams, who is becoming a free agent. That’s why Rodgers planned (rumored) to decide on his future before that date – so that out of respect for Adams and the team, there would still be an opportunity to use the franchise tag.