5 ways Aaron Rodgers' trade decision can shake up 2023 NFL offseason
Aaron Rodgers has been one of the main focuses of the entire 2023 NFL offseason so far. His future with the Green Bay Packers appears to be in serious jeopardy as the franchise is reportedly open to hearing trade offers for their superstar quarterback.
While it's still early in the process, what is becoming a realistic possibility is that he will play for a new team in the 2023 NFL season.
If the Packers do, in fact, trade Aaron Rodgers for a new team, it could potentially have a serious impact on several other situations in the 2023 NFL offseason. Here are five such examples.
#1 - Aaron Rodgers is a major domino in the 2023 NFL QB carousel
Many teams will likely be interested in acquiring Aaron Rodgers if the Packers officially put him on the trade block. The New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans are among the teams rumored to be potential landing spots.
Teams in need of a quarterback may not pursue other options until Rodgers' future is determined. Once it's official, it will likely have a domino effect on other quarterback signings.
#2 - Jordan Love's opportunity to be the Packers starting QB
Jordan Love is likely as invested in Rodgers' future as anyone else. He's been serving as his backup since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Love is patiently awaiting his opportunity to eventually become the starting quarterback for the Packers. That chance is unlikely to ever come while Rodgers is still with the Packers.
#3 - Allen Lazard's next contract
Allen Lazard stepped up as the top wide receiver for the Packers following the departure of Davante Adams last year. Lazard's contract expired at the end of the 2022 NFL season, making him a pending free agent.
Whether or not the Packers bring him back on a new deal may depend on whether or not Rodgers is still there. He may also not want to return without Rodgers and could possibly even follow him to a new team to continue their partnership.
#4 - Packers could make a splash move with additional salary cap space
The Packers signed Aaron Rodgers to a record-breaking contract extension worth more than $50 million in AAV during the 2022 NFL offseason. If they decide to trade him, they will free up salary cap space and give themselves the flexibility to make a splash move in 2023.
They could pursue some of the top free agents or explore the trade market for some potentially available superstars to support Jordan Love in his new starting role.
#5 - 2023 NFL Draft order
Where Aaron Rodgers lands in 2023 could have a direct impact on the order of the 2023 NFL Draft. Some of the teams who could be in the market to acquire the former NFL MVP are also candidates to select a quarterback in the draft, either with their own pick or by trading up.
If Rodgers goes to one of those teams, such as the Carolina Panthers, they are no longer likely to draft a quarterback. In turn, their high draft pick could also possibly land with the Packers, further shaking up the order.