Could Aaron Rodgers pull a Tom Brady? Mike Florio predicts Packers QB’s game plan
As Aaron Rodgers weighs his options, fans are still coming to terms with losing Tom Brady to fatherhood. If the Packers quarterback were to retire this offseason, the league will have lost both No.12s in essentially one fell swoop. However, even if Rodgers hangs up his cleats, one NFL analyst is claiming it would not be for good.
In an article on Pro Football Talk, NFL analyst Mike Florio explained why the quarterback might play a nuclear card in order to get his way. Basically, he could retire and unretire at an inopportune moment, forcing the team to get rid of him. Here's how the analyst put it:
Will the Packers lose a quarterback in 2023?
"If the Packers don’t want Rodgers to stay...but if they’re also resisting the possibility of trading him to the team of his choosing (whichever it may be), this would be one way for [the Packers quarterback] to take control of the situation."
“I’ve said it a MILLION times.. I don’t think Aaron Rodgers is retiring” ~ @OfficialAJHawk
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Aaron Rodgers' potential retirement ploy threatens to spice up offseason post-NFL Draft
Of course, this may require a bit of luck, assuming the teams he wants to go to are still in the market for a quarterback. Even if the New York Jets or Las Vegas Raiders draft a rookie quarterback, they may still be interested in getting Rodgers as a premium bridge player. No. 12 is no stranger to the idea, as many would argue that has been his position since Jordan Love was drafted.
GM Brian Gutekunst in a session with Packers reporters at the combine said he hasn’t spoken much with Aaron Rodgers since their end of season meetings but still hopes for a decision before free agency (March 15).
A team with a history of struggles like the Raiders or Jets may have a lower bar for the quarterback and be more patient, but that remains a long way off. Still, a sense of urgency lingers for the Packers, who have reportedly set a Mar. 15 deadline as a goal to get a resolution.
Many have speculated this is perhaps to let them find a backup for Jordan Love if they decide No. 12 has played his last snap.
Will No. 12 drag out his decision or could a political retirement be on the cards?