It’s been nearly three months since news broke at the 2021 NFL Draft that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wanted a change of scenery. However, we’re just a few weeks away from training camp and little progress has been made.
It’s clear that the Packers have no interest in moving Rodgers, who’s slated to have a $37 million cap hit in 2021. Considering how the three-time NFL MVP threw for over 4,200 passing yards and 48 touchdowns last season, it’s clear that Green Bay likely can’t get the value that they’d be looking for in a trade right now. That’s why, at -400 odds, Bovada is favoring Aaron Rodgers to start the new season as a member of the Packers.
The Packers have a “win now” mentality and trading away Rodgers would put them further away from a Super Bowl than it would bring them closer. So, if Green Bay doesn’t trade Rodgers, would he sit out the 2021 NFL season? Probably not, in all honesty. He’s going to turn 38 years old in December, so it’s not like he can afford to sit out for a full campaign. Even if he’s unhappy about his situation, Aaron Rodgers is a professional and could easily finish up with one more season with the Packers before the two sides explore a trade next year.
With that being said, there’s always a chance that Rodgers does get moved — as unlikely as it appears. Here’s a look at the rest of the odds for likely destinations to begin the upcoming season.
Where Will Aaron Rodgers Begin the 2021 NFL Season?
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, July 15
- Green Bay Packers (-400)
- Denver Broncos (+400)
- Las Vegas Raiders (+650)
- New Orleans Saints (+1200)
- Washington Football Team (+1600)
- Carolina Panthers (+1800)
- Cleveland Browns (+2500)
- Miami Dolphins (+2500)
- Los Angeles Chargers (+10000)
Broncos, Raiders Continue to Remain Favorites
When the rumors of Aaron Rodgers wanting out of Green Bay were first reported, the Denver Broncos instantly became one of the top frontrunners. There were even rumors that the reason why the Broncos didn’t draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft was that they were pursuing the Packers signal-caller.
Now, Denver has +400 odds to land Rodgers if he’s traded. Obviously, most teams would love to acquire a QB of his talents, but he would certainly help the Broncos return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. The defense is there, however, the team needs a difference-maker on offense and Rodgers would be that guy. Besides, there wouldn’t be a better scenario for young wideouts like Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy than to get to play with someone who has accomplished as much as the Packers QB has.
On the other hand, the Las Vegas Raiders (+650) have had decent odds this whole time to land Aaron Rodgers as well. The Raiders are in an interesting situation as they’ve just moved to Las Vegas and need that face of the franchise that could attract new fans. As loyal as Derek Carr has been to the organization, he hasn’t produced the type of results that Rodgers has done in Green Bay and could continue to do in Las Vegas. Hockey is the top sport in town and baseball could be on the way, so the Raiders need to capitalize on building a fanbase as soon as possible.
If he’s available for a trade and they have the pieces to pull it off, the Raiders shouldn’t think twice about trying to bring in Rodgers.
