Aaron Rodgers Addresses 'Conversations' Regarding Potential Trade
By Jason Hall
January 31, 2023
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed "conversations" regarding a potential trade centered around him during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday (January 31).
"It sounds like there's already conversations going on that aren't involving me, which is interesting...I'm not a part of those conversations right now," Rodgers said. "When I make up my mind one way or another then you guys and the Packers, not in that order, and everyone else will know at some point."
On Sunday (January 29), league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Packers would prefer "to move on from" Rodgers amid reports of a potential offseason trade.
"I'm not a part of those conversations right now but when I make up my mind everybody will know"@AaronRodgers12 dives into the possibility of returning to the Packers #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3e0QUXOGVZ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 31, 2023
An offseason trade of Aaron Rodgers remains an option for the Green Bay Packers for a variety of reasons:https://t.co/0XKiQp1Gn6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 29, 2023
The Packers are also reportedly committed to finding a trade partner and had "their next plan ready to go" should Rodgers request a trade, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
#Packers made a commitment with QB Aaron Rodgers to find a trade partner if he indicates a desire to be traded, per @TomPelissero
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 29, 2023
Green Bay have "their next plan ready to go" in case Rodgers does moves on. pic.twitter.com/vsaEb8NDgr
Last Tuesday (January 25), Rodgers suggested that the decision on where he plays -- if at all -- next season would ultimately be decided by the Packers during his weekly Pat McAfee Show appearance.
(WARNING: Video below contains language that may be considered unsuitable).
"I don't think there would be a scenario where I'd come back and that would be the number.. definitely things would have to shift"@AaronRodgers12 shares his thoughts on the $60M he's owed in 2023 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/d8kIBhy3cE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 24, 2023
"If they feel like it was in the best interests of the team to move forward, so be it," Rodgers said. "Again, that wouldn't offend me, and it wouldn't make me feel like a victim. I wouldn't have any animosity towards the team. I love the organization, I love the city, I love the region. I'm a minority owner in the [Milwaukee] Bucks; I'm going to be a part of the region long after I'm done playing. I have a lot of love for what's gone on in Green Bay. And I'd love to finish there, I would. I might have finished there. Who knows?"
Rodgers also told McAfee that he'd be willing to rework his contract with the team this offseason. The four-time NFL MVP is due a guaranteed $59.464 million next season as part of a three-year, $150 million extension he signed with Green Bay in March, which carries a salary-cap charge of $31,623,570 in 2023.
On January 23, NBC Sports' Peter King reported that the Packers will reportedly seek "at least two first-round picks" as compensation for a potential blockbuster trade involving Rodgers in the latest edition of his Football Morning in America column.
King's report came days after Schefter reported that a trade involving Rodgers was "a very real scenario" during the offseason and that the New York Jets would be among teams capable of fulfilling the request.
"As for the compensation due [to] Green Bay, my guess is the Pack would want at least two first-round picks," King wrote. "The Woody Johnson Jets, desperate for a star QB almost since the Broadway Joe [Namath] days, would happily pay that freight, I’d guess. But would Rodgers accept a deal to the Jets? We shall see."
Last Thursday (January 26), the Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett Rodgers' former offensive coordinator, for the same position.
Rodgers had publicly praised Hackett after he was hired as the Denver Broncos' head coach last offseason.
"He's a great coach," Rodgers said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show last January. "I love spending time with him. He's a fantastic teacher. He's incredible in front of the room."
Rodgers signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Packers last offseason amid previous reports of being disgruntled with the franchise. The 39-year-old was coming off back-to-back MVP seasons ahead of the 2022 NFL season, which resulted in Green Bay missing the playoffs after clinching a postseason berth during the previous three consecutive seasons and 11 of the past 13 years.