Is Aaron Rodgers returning in 2023? Packers QB drops massive hint on NFL future before 'darkness retreat'

Aaron Rodgers has been in the NFL for 18 years, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he retired immediately. The Green Bay Packers, and Rodgers himself, struggled this past season and the quarterback has big decisions to make on his future.

He's decided to take a "darkness retreat" to search for the answers and the path forward. Ahead of that, the quarterback dropped a bit of a hint on the Pat McAfee Show regarding his future.

"18 years man.. Green Bay is always gonna be home" ~ @AaronRodgers12

#PMSLive https://t.co/9lHz9evNMk

Rodgers said:

"Listen, I would love to continue with it [coming on Pat McAfee show]. It's a lot of fun for me. Regardless of what I decide to do, I would love to continue to talk to you guys in some capacity. But we kind of meet that bridge when we get there. 18 years, man. It's [Green Bay] always gonna be home."

Rodgers seemed to imply that he'd like to stay as a guest on the show even if he's not a player. That could be interpreted as a hint that he's leaning towards retirement.

Rodgers probably hasn't made up his mind. It's very likely that he is genuinely going to make the decision alone on his retreat.

However, it's difficult not to look at a few things from Rodgers' season and think he's not at least strongly considering hanging his cleats up.

If Aaron Rodgers returns, where will he play?

Most NFL insiders agree: Whether or not Aaron Rodgers retires, he will not be in Green Bay anymore. The Packers have effectively decided to move on whether he does or not.

That likely means a trade is coming if he doesn't retire. The New York Jets seem to be the most likely location for Rodgers to end up. However, the Las Vegas Raiders, where former teammate Davante Adams currently plays, make a lot of sense, too.

His contract and the return the Packers would likely ask for make a trade difficult, but it's hard to see Aaron Rodgers in the green and gold next season if he plays at all.