How real Aaron Rodgers to the Tennessee Titans actually is at the NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS — Until such time as quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes the field for a team other than the Tennessee Titans in 2022, rumors around their connection will continue to swirl. Such is the nature of the NFL offseason. At the scouting combine in Indianapolis, however, reports of a potential Rodgers-to-Tennessee trade are viewed with heavy skepticism. […]
INDIANAPOLIS — Until such time as quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes the field for a team other than the Tennessee Titans in 2022, rumors around their connection will continue to swirl. Such is the nature of the NFL offseason.
At the scouting combine in Indianapolis, however, reports of a potential Rodgers-to-Tennessee trade are viewed with heavy skepticism.
Rodgers and his future, with or without the Green Bay Packers has carried the offseason news cycle. The latest on his status, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, is that the superstar is "truly torn on where he wants to play in 2022." The expectation among league decision makers is that Green Bay will ultimately end up keeping him, but Rodgers' willingness to stay there will be the deciding factor.
As to where else the reigning MVP would consider taking his talents, the Titans are one of the teams on the table.
Have the Titans even explored trading for Rodgers?
It would be a borderline fireable offense for any front office not to dig into the viability of a trade to land Rodgers for their respective clubs.
As Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk reported late Friday night, multiple teams are preparing compensation packages should the Packers put Rodgers on offer. Tennessee, Denver or Pittsburgh are all on the table in addition to staying put. The Titans have prepared multiple quarterback scenarios for 2022, including what a deal for Rodgers might look like. Their company line, publicly and privately, has been commitment to current starter Ryan Tannehill.
Those within the organization feel it is extraordinarily unlikely that Green Bay even makes their starting quarterback available unless he is entrenched in a forthcoming decision not to return. Tennessee, and every other team who might be in the running for Rodgers' services, will not be unprepared should a trade opportunity materialize.
That is not at all the case as of Saturday in Indianapolis.
"We see all the news, all the speculation that's out there," Titans general manager Jon Robinson said on Wednesday. "It is part of my job to stay on top of that, but we haven’t had any discussions with any other teams about any other quarterbacks."
Additionally, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst telling Green Bay media this week that he has yet to receive a single call about trading Rodgers. Per reports, the Packers have yet to engage in trade talks with any teams about their incumbent signal caller.
One NFL source with knowledge of the situation described the news of destinations Rodgers is currently considering nothing more than the gaslighting of quarterback-thirsty fan bases. The sense is that veteran players at the position and their potential availability are far more intriguing than the current crop of draft prospects.
After how Tennessee fans saw their season end, one can hardly blame them for desperately wanting their franchise to flirt with Rodgers if he deems them worthy of his affections.
Featured Image: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
