3 Aaron Rodgers replacements Packers should explore apart from Jordan Love in 2023
As time continues, fans are preparing more and more for Aaron Rodgers to cut ties with Green Bay Packers in one way or another. If No. 12 exits the team, most assume that Jordan Love will take the reins. However, that also leave a vacancy at backup quarterback and depending on the circumstances of how Love looks, a veteran quarterback could become the starter in 2023.
As such, the team needs to find a backup that is serviceable, who can serve as a mentor with a clipboard but also one that can step in and take over should things go off the rails. However, they can't get someone who expects to start and might cause trouble for the quarterback as he attempts his first starting season. Here's a look at the best candidates that can walk the fine line.
Will Aaron Rodgers start for the Green Bay Packers in 2023?
#1 Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo has been a starter in recent years, but injuries have derailed his career. He's well adjusted to living on the edge with a team that can't decide if they want him or not. If he were to come to Green Bay, he would likely find himself in a similar situation. However, he's also proven that he won't make a stink about the situation, as he's proven in his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Logistics of Aaron Rodgers' contract, if traded for, in 2023.
• $58.3M option bonus, which is prorated over four years on the cap.
• $28.3M of the bonus payable within 10 days of execution, $30M by Sept. 30.
• $1.165M base.
• $59.465M total in cash.
• $15.74M cap hit.
Garoppolo has been to a Super Bowl more recently (2019) than Aaron Rodgers and has defeated the team in the playoffs twice in recent years. Both assets would serve as reasons to get the quarterback.
Aaron Jones pleading his case for Aaron Rodgers to come back to the #Packers:
“Come back to the Packers. We’ve got everything we need. We’re right there.”
https://t.co/00bIbVuReW
Of course, the quarterback could see some stiff competition, so the odds of the team selling out for him in a way some other teams could might put him out of reach. That said, it would still be the best fit for the former heir to Tom Brady.
#2 Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariots has recent starting experience and has seen a thing or two since his debut with the Tennessee Titans in 2015. The quarterback served as a mentor to Desmond Ridder and could serve as a clipboard mentor to Love as well.
Also, if Love faceplants in 2023, the quarterback could serve as a "Tim Tebow"-esque pivot option for the team in an effort to save the season. Love hasn't shown to be a mobile quarterback, so a switch to Mariota could put defenses on their heels. Mariota could also slip into a "Taysom Hill" role with the Packers to take some pressure off of Jordan Love if used sparingly.
#3 Carson Wentz
Some are wondering if Carson Wentz wants to continue in the league after years of starting. Going from near-MVP status to holding a clipboard for an inexperienced quarterback is not how he saw his career going. However, unlike other situations that would put him as a clear second-string dungeon occupier, he would have an outside chance to start.
If Love faceplants, Wentz would get one last shot at redemption, and with Christian Watson exploding and a historically stable franchise at his fingertips, it would be as fair of a situation as any. In 2022, he threw for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The hope would be that he could get back to his 2021 production of 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.