Ahead of an offseason that’s likely to see several big-name quarterbacks change teams, Aaron Rodgers could bring a whirlwind of chaos into an already volatile operation.
After the Packers lost to the Buccaneers 31-26 in the NFC Championship Game, costing Rodgers a chance at a second Super Bowl, the star QB had some curious comments about his future in Green Bay.
“A lot of guys’ futures are uncertain, myself included,” Rodgers said after the game.
It was five days after he described his future as a “beautiful mystery.” After the Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, a Rodgers divorce with the Packers seemed inevitable. Despite Rodgers’ contract making a trade or release difficult, his comments make it appear more likely than originally thought.
“[The Packers have] a lot of guys’ futures that are uncertain — myself included,” Rodgers said. “That’s what’s sad about it, most, getting this far. Obviously, it’s going to be an end at some point, whether we make it past this one or not, but just the uncertainty’s tough and finality of it all.”
There are already a number of high-profile QBs who could change teams in the offseason. Deshaun Watson has dominated offseason headlines due to his reported discontent with the Texans front office. While he hasn’t officially requested a trade, he reportedly wants out no matter who the team hires as their head coach.
Matthew Stafford will be traded from the Detroit Lions this offseason, as well: after reports signaled that he asked for “a fresh start” from the team, his wife Kelly all but confirmed the news on her Instagram. Carson Wentz may also be on the trade market after a miserable season with the Eagles, though the team may be less likely to move him after letting go of head coach Doug Pederson.
There are several teams that are in the market for QBs in the offseason. The Colts saw Philip Rivers announce his retirement. The Saints will likely see the same from Drew Brees. The Bears, Jets, Panthers, 49ers, Patriots, Broncos and Washington Football Team could all move on from their current starters.
The quarterback landscape was already scheduled to be chaotic, and Rodgers would be yet another huge prize for a team if he were to leave the Packers. Many said that last year’s offseason was the most unprecedented in history for QB movement, but 2021 could be just as wild.