Raiders: Aaron Rodgers looks like the answer, but is he worth it?
Soon the NFL world will know what will happen to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In the sweepstakes for the quarterback's services is the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders, caught in transition with the departure of Derek Carr, are looking for a veteran quarterback who can help the team win now. Since it was […]
Soon the NFL world will know what will happen to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
In the sweepstakes for the quarterback's services is the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders, caught in transition with the departure of Derek Carr, are looking for a veteran quarterback who can help the team win now.
Since it was first reported a few weeks ago that Rodgers is open to moving on from Green Bay, his link to the Raiders has only grown. Star receiver Davante Adams made his pitch to play with his former quarterback again. And star running back Josh Jacobs said he would take less money if it meant playing with Rodgers. However, holding the Raiders back from acquiring the Hall of Fame signal caller may be Green Bay's asking price.
Peter King of NBC Sports, believes that trading for Rodgers will cost two first-round picks.
Here is what King said:
"So, how possible is it? Well, consider that Rodgers’ cap numbers in the next two seasons would be $48.3 million, combined. That’s certainly manageable. As for the compensation due Green Bay, my guess is the Pack would want at least two first-round picks.”
Is Aaron Rodgers worth it?
Though the Raiders may be desperate, trading for Rodgers at that asking price is ludicrous.
Rodger is turning 40 years old in the 2023 NFL season. And if this past season is any indicator of how things may go, jumping off — not on — the Rodgers train makes far more sense.
It is easy to see how the Raiders, desperate for any crumb of success, can talk themselves into a big-name quarterback to cover the large holes in the roster. But all a deal like trading for Rodgers is doing is setting the organization up for long-term shortcomings for short-term success.
Dealing for Rodgers would mean giving up the No. 7 pick — a pick the Raiders can use to draft a quarterback that could be the future of the franchise. Say Anthony Richardson or someone similar.
Richardson is a quarterback that fits the Raiders' mold and has enough upside to warrant the risk high in the draft. But still, the organization remains enamored with old Rodgers for what he used to be.
Short-term thinking often lands teams in difficult situations. The Raiders trading for Rodgers would willingly be walking into a horrible situation, especially if the team is dealing first-round picks for a player well past his prime.
Related Las Vegas Raiders reading
"Raiders: Josh Jacobs gives his pitch for Aaron Rodgers."
"Josh Jacobs gives information that may help his return in 2023."
"Josh Jacobs' recent comments should excite Raiders fans in 2023."
Feature image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
