Aaron Rodgers gives immediate insight to his future after Packers season ends
The Green Bay Packers' 2022 season officially came to an end on Sunday night thanks to a 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions. A win would've resulted in Green Bay going to the playoffs. But the Lions, who were eliminated earlier on Sunday because of the Seattle Seahawks win against the Los Angeles Rams, played […]
The Green Bay Packers' 2022 season officially came to an end on Sunday night thanks to a 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions.
A win would've resulted in Green Bay going to the playoffs. But the Lions, who were eliminated earlier on Sunday because of the Seattle Seahawks win against the Los Angeles Rams, played spoiler and kept their division rival out of the dance.
Now that the Packers season is over, it means the offseason speculation about Aaron Rodgers' future can begin.
Rodgers, who turned 39 last month, is under contract through the 2026 season. He could choose to retire, he could be released (unlikely), or he could be traded.
After the loss to the Lions, Rodgers gave us the first potential clue about his plans.
Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams asked Rodgers for his jersey right after the game. But Rodgers declined to give it to him as NBC's cameras caught the future Hall of Fame quarterback saying "I'm gonna hold onto this one".
After the game, Rodgers downplayed the jersey exchange moment by telling a reporter that he likes to hold onto certain jerseys from "big games" like Sunday night games.
Rodgers was directly asked directly about his plans for 2023 and, unsurprisingly, he didn't commit to anything.
"At some point the carousel comes to a stop and it’s time to get off," said Rodgers after the loss.
"I feel good about what I’ve accomplished in this league and wouldn’t have any regrets walking away, but I gotta see what it feels like once I get away from this."
Rodgers would be walking away from nearly $60 million if he chooses to retire. He said he could walk away from the money if that's what he feels he needs to do, but that decision will take some time.
The Packers can't release Rodgers because of a $99.7 million dead cap hit. A trade would also come with a big dead cap hit ($40 million) which would make that a challenging avenue as well.
Rodgers suggested that Green Bay might not want him back next season, telling reporters that the Packers might want to go young at quarterback.
It's going to be an offseason full of rumors and speculation. But ultimately, the most likely scenario is Rodgers playing for Green Bay next season. There's just going to be a lot of media-fueled drama before that decision is officially made.
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
