How Aaron Rodgers staying and Russell Wilson moving affects the Titans
It is finally over. The "Will he-won't he" proposition for Aaron Rodgers moving to a different team can finally be put to rest. Reports surfaced the morning that he will be staying in Green Bay and signing an extension. He later confirmed those reports on Twitter himself. So, yes, the Rodgers-to-Titans saga is officially over. […]
It is finally over. The "Will he-won't he" proposition for Aaron Rodgers moving to a different team can finally be put to rest. Reports surfaced the morning that he will be staying in Green Bay and signing an extension. He later confirmed those reports on Twitter himself. So, yes, the Rodgers-to-Titans saga is officially over. That saga may not have ever truly started, but that's irrelevant now.
According to the reports, the Titans probably weren't ever much of an option. Seemingly, it was either the Broncos or back to the Packers no matter what. Regardless, a return to Green Bay was always the most likely.
We then learned that the Broncos were doing some other QB investigating as well. They traded for former Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson. It took quite the haul, but Denver believes they are in a win-now window with the rest of their roster, so it was worth it.
Why do these moves matter to the Titans?
The first reason is obvious. Aaron Rodgers will not be the QB in Tennessee next season, and that only makes it more likely that Ryan Tannehill will return as the starter. Tannehill has been an above-average option at QB during his time with the Titans. Alas, is that enough? It may be for a division title, but after that, it is certainly cloudy for Tennessee when looking at the AFC landscape.
As a positive, last season's MVP stays out of the AFC. That resulted in one of the best QBs in the NFC over the past handful of seasons coming to the AFC, though. The AFC West just got even tougher. Russ joins Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr as the quarterbacks in the division. It's easily the most talented division at QB in the entire NFL.
Unfortunately, the AFC West is one of the divisions that the Titans play the entirety of next year. The good news just keeps coming, right? Regardless, Tennessee is still the favorite in the AFC South. The Colts have no idea what they are doing at QB, and Jacksonville and Houston are – well, they are the Texans and Jaguars. There's plenty of uncertainty with them both.
Both of these moves affect the Titans in different ways. The Broncos are now seemingly fellow playoff contenders in the AFC, and Rodgers could lead the Packers deep into the playoffs in the NFC. The rumors are finally over regarding the Green Bay Quarterback and the Titans, though.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
