There are signs that Aaron Rodgers will stay with the Green Bay Packers. But what would that mean for all sides? should the star quarterback remain with the Packers next season.

For a long time, there was little to suggest Aaron Rodgers would stay with the Green Bay Packers. Instead, there was much speculation about a possible trade to the New York Jets or even the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although the star quarterback himself has still not commented on his future, according to an insider, a deal with the Packers is on the horizon.

“ESPN reported a conversation with a “very important source” close to the Packers in which it became clear that Rodgers would continue to play in Green Bay next season.

All the rumours surrounding a departure were “completely overblown”, according to the source, who also pointed to Rodgers’ contract extension last year and the “dedication” Rodgers had shown to the Packers. “At the end of the day, the source told me, Aaron will be back. “

Rodgers’ upside in a Packers retention

Aaron Rodgers is a living legend of the Green Bay Packers. To finish the “Cinderella story”, a career ending with the Packers would seem obvious. However, there is always the question of how the playmaker will depart. Rodgers has had a modest season. It’s also clear that the 39-year-old won’t be playing in the NFL for too much longer.

To complete his legacy in Green Bay, he could therefore attack again and hang up his football shoes after a good season. So if the veteran just comes close to matching the performances of the 2021 and 2020 seasons in which he was MVP, no one will be talking about the rather messed up 2022 season in the future.

Rodgers’ downside if Packers stay

The downside, however, could just as easily occur. If Rodgers fails to deliver next season as well, the playmaker risks driving his legend status with the Packers to the wall. Rodgers has not been without controversy in Green Bay for some time. Many fans are calling for backup Jordan Love to finally get his chance.

In addition, Rodgers knows that he no longer has such a star-studded offence in Green Bay as he did in previous years. On the wide receiver side, rookie Christian Watson, veteran Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard stand out. At running back, Rodgers has Aaron Jones and A. J. Dillon at his disposal.

They’re not the big names – unlike, say, in Las Vegas, where Rodgers’ buddy Davante Adams plays.

Benefits for the Packers in keeping Rodgers

When Rodgers delivers, he remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league. His success and experience is matched by few others in the NFL

So the Packers know what’s in the Rodgers “package”. A fresh start with a new quarterback has sometimes not brought the hoped-for success to other NFL teams, as seen in the examples of Zach Wilson (Jets), Mac Jones (Patriots) or in the first seasons of Daniel Jones (Giants).

Disadvantages for the Packers in keeping Rodgers

Rodgers is on a high-dollar contract with the Packers. According to “ESPN”, the 39-year-old is guaranteed around 60 million US dollars next season if he starts for the Packers.

Through a trade, Green Bay could create capacity to strengthen other positions. However, Rodgers would still cost the Packers a whopping 40 million US dollars in a trade. The financial possibilities in the coming season would therefore be enormously limited.

In addition, the Packers would have an ambitious quarterback in Love, who has already lined up behind Rodgers in recent years. If Rodgers continues to suit up at Lambeau Field, Love is likely to push for a trade.

Should it come to that, the Packers would also face criticism for wasting a first-round pick – Love was drafted 26th overall in 2020. If he’s traded, the Packers would also miss out on a rebuild that many fans have longed for.