Packers could deal star quarterback in the offseason
It appears the Aaron Rodgers offseason saga with the Green Bay Packers is coming to an end. Well, at least, for 2021.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the star quarterback and the Packers are finalizing a new deal that would make Rodgers comfortable in returning to the team for the start of training camp — and to play for the Packers this season. The likely end result, though, is the Packers will probably trade Rodgers after this season.
If Packers’ officials sign off on their willingness to trade Aaron Rodgers, and the agreement is finalized soon, here’s the biggest concession the reigning MVP will receive: the freedom to decide where he wants to play in 2022.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2021
With this major develop, let’s look at how it could affect the Las Vegas Raiders, who reportedly have been on Rodgers’ wish list.
Raiders still extend Derek Carr?
The Raiders can essentially end any Rodgers speculation by extending Derek Carr’s contract now. There has been talk that Carr could get an extension this year. He has two more years left on his Las Vegas contract.
If the Raiders give Carr an extension, that means they will be committed to him as their quarterback beyond this year. Sure, they could extend Carr and trade him if they were to trade for Rodgers, but why extend him if you are not sure. So, if Carr’s deal is done before Rodgers hits the market, it would all but end the Rodgers-Raiders talk.
If not, things can get interesting.
Will Rodgers want to head to Las Vegas in 2022?
When news broke on the first day of the April draft that Rodgers could be traded, there was a report that said the Raiders, Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers were the teams Rodgers (who is from the west coast) was interested in playing for.
Quarterback situations across the league will change naturally after this season. So, Rodgers could have other wishes and opportunities with a full offseason of possibilities. It could also be possible that Raiders may not have interest in Rodgers, who turns 38 in December, after this season.
Could end Davante Adams-Raiders speculation:
As part of the salary-cap ramifications of Rodgers’ deal, ESPN reported the Packers and star wide receiver Davante Adams will now try to get a long-term deal done again. It was reported last week that talks broke off and the two sides were not in a good place.
With Aaron Rodgers expected to return to Green Bay while giving the Packers more cap room, the team now can make another run at trying to sign WR Davante Adams to an extension, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2021
Adams can be a free agent in 2022. Of course, Carr has been extremely vocal about his desire for the Raiders to pursue Adams — they starred at Fresno State together — next year if he hits the market. Now, that notion may have hit a snag.