3 trades the Packers could make to convince Aaron Rodgers to return in 2023 NFL season
Aaron Rodgers' 2023 NFL offseason is off to a similar start to last year's. His future with the Green Bay Packers appears to be in serious jeopardy as he debates what he wants moving forward. Apparently, all options are on the table, including requesting a trade to a new team and possibly even retiring.
Rodgers failed to lead the Packers to the NFL Playoffs last season and hasn't appeared in a Super Bowl in more than a decade. He's still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, as well as of all time. He has been named the NFL MVP in two of the last three seasons, giving him a total of four in his career, the second-most by any player ever.
The Packers struggled during the early part of the 2022 NFL season, but turned things around late. They ended up missing the postseason by just one game after being defeated by the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
This came after winning 13 games in three consecutive seasons prior to 2022. This means they can realistically expect to be contenders once again, as long as they have their quarterback.
With Aaron Rodgers reportedly on the fence about whether or not he wants to remain in Green Bay for the 2023 NFL season, the Packers may need to do some convincing. One way to do that is by acquiring him a new superstar offensive weapon via trade.
Here are three potential options that may inspire Rodgers to make another run at a Vince Lombardi trophy with them.
#1 DeAndre Hopkins
Many reports indicate that the Arizona Cardinals are currently listening to trade offers for DeAndre Hopkins. This will give Aaron Rodgers a truly established number-one wide receiver. He desperately missed this during the 2022 NFL season after the Packers traded away Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. Aaron Rodgers could just be the superstar Hopkins needs to return to Green Bay.
#2 Tee Higgins
While the Cincinnati Bengals don't necessarily want to move on from Tee Higgins, they may be left with no choice. He could potentially end up being a salary cap casualty, as the organization is expected to soon give Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase massive contract extensions.
This has led Tee Higgins' name to be involved in many trade rumors during the 2023 NFL offseason. He's already exceeded 1,000 receiving yards as a WR2, so becoming the primary target could potentially unlock even more production. Pairing him with Aaron Rodgers could elevate the Packers to the next level and get them back to being Super Bowl contenders.
#3 Darren Waller
The Packers reportedly pursued Darren Waller at the 2022 NFL trade deadline. They ultimately failed to agree on a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Packers made run at Raiders TE Darren Waller ahead of trade deadline, per @RapSheet and @TomPelissero
nfl.com/news/packers-m… https://t.co/A7PWutgy6Q
Now that the 2023 NFL offseason is here, they can once again explore the possibility of acquiring Waller from the Raiders. He would provide a significant upgrade from Robert Tonyan as much more of a receiving threat from the tight-end position. This could potentially add another layer to Aaron Rodgers' passing attack, and may intrigue him to return.