NFL Trade Rumors: NFC West site revealed as shock landing spot for Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers has reportedly emerged from his hibernation cocoon, according to ESPN. Assuming he has decided to continue playing, the quarterback has plenty of options, despite reports and rumors that the Packers are ready to end the Rodgers era.
According to fans and pundits, the Jets are the most likely landing spot, but another team could be interested in having No. 12. Writing for Sports Illustrated, NFL analyst Gilberto Manzano named the Raiders and the Jets as the top two landing spots. However, he named the Seattle Seahawks as one of the potential destinations. Here's how he explained why:
Will Aaron Rodgers join a team other than the Jets and Raiders?
"The Seahawks have plenty to offer with a talented roster and they have the cap space and draft picks to execute a blockbuster trade. Seattle has two first-round picks and two second-round selections in April’s draft—courtesy of the Wilson trade with the Broncos."
Aaron Rodgers emerges from a dark room and it makes the news. I do it, and my wife yells at me because I didn't pay the electric bill.
He continued, chalking up the Packers' struggles with receivers over No. 12 and claiming that the Seahawks could better utilize the quarterback:
"Finding quality receivers was an issue in Green Bay. That wouldn’t be the case in Seattle with the receiving tandem of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Rodgers would also have a balanced attack with running back Kenneth Walker, who’s coming off a sensational rookie season."
#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers "basically has veto-power over any trade destination due to his contract and retirement threat.", @tompelissero said
Rodgers doesn't officially have a "no-trade" clause in his deal but still holds the same type of power if the Packers want to trade him. https://t.co/8UcnA2rabt
He also claimed that the Seahawks could have No. 12 for the fifth overall pick and a fourth-round pick.
Aaron Rodgers landing with Seattle set for bizarrely full circle ending to career
If he were to arrive in Seattle, the quarterback would return to the site of arguably his most painful defeat as a full-time employee. In 2012, the Seahawks were ascending under Russell Wilson and the Packers were riding hot as usual.
The two met in the regular season in the infamous "Fail Mary" game, but the most painful loss of the era for Packers fans may have been the NFC Championship game between the two teams. The Packers were up big going into the game's final few minutes. However, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the Seahawks needed a miracle, and they got one.
Brandon Bostick failed to recover a crucial onside kick and gave the Seahawks an additional free possession, ultimately leaving the Packers on skates for the rest of the contest. Rodgers could find himself working with the same head coach that buzzkilled his seemingly all-but-assured second Super Bowl appearance.