Packers Blockbuster Proposal Flips Rodgers, Adams for No. 1 QB Plus 5 Picks

Aaron Rodgers

Getty Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 9, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers remains the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback, but that may not be his professional moniker for long.

The two-time reigning NFL MVP has yet to inform his current team of any future intentions, per a March 5 tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Schefter added that if Rodgers does ask for a trade, Green Bay will grant him one — and with haste. And if Rodgers does leave, soon-to-be free agent wide receiver Davante Adams might not be far behind.

The offers for the Green Bay quarterback should be plentiful, but one proposed deal would simultaneously relieve Green Bay of both Rodgers and Adams, sending back a massive package of draft capital and a former No. 1 overall pick in return.

On March 4, ESPN’s Football Outsiders laid out a “bold move” trade proposal involving the Cleveland Browns and their quarterback, Baker Mayfield.

Rodgers is increasingly a lost soul searching for meaning to his football life. Bringing a championship to the long-suffering fans in Browns Town would (maybe) be enough of a goal to satisfy his yearnings. Meanwhile, Adams is likely headed for the franchise tag in Green Bay, but a sign-and-trade is equally likely, and the two players seem joined at the hip.

What would it take to get the twin superstars to Lake Erie? Mayfield, obviously, plus let’s say five draft picks, including at least two first-rounders. A young replacement wideout like Donovan Peoples-Jones or Anthony Schwartz. And any defensive player Cleveland has outside of [Myles] Garrett, [Denzel] Ward and the two rookies who flashed in 2021, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Greg Newsome II.

Even despite the bountiful return Green Bay could expect from the likes of the Browns or other trade suitors for Rodgers, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported March 7 that the Packers had made a “significant long-term contract offer” in an attempt to retain their MVP quarterback.

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Mayfield Can Serve as Bridge QB for Packers With Chance to Win Job Long Term

Baker Mayfield

Getty ImagesQuarterback Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield is not likely to excite the Green Bay fan base after he struggled mightily in 2021. But it was only a year ago that he led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002, not to mention their first postseason victory since 1994.

Playing most of last season with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and various lower-body ailments, Mayfield displayed a toughness and accountability across 14 gritty starts. His touchdown total (17) was the lowest in his four-year career, while his quarterback rating (35.1) also sank to a career low. Presumably, restored health could help Mayfield return to his 2020 level of performance, when he threw 26 touchdowns against a career-low 8 interceptions.

Packaging Mayfield with a quality wide receiver, a defensive starter and five draft picks could help Green Bay bridge the gap to a successful future without Rodgers while jumpstarting a rebuild at the same time.

Meanwhile, Rodgers and Adams would back up the proverbial Brink’s truck in the AFC, potentially saving the Packers hundreds of millions of dollars in future salaries and the headache of having to compete against either of their own All-Pros for the right to play in a Super Bowl.


Rodgers’ Decision on Future Expected in Green Bay Within Days

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

GettyQuarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.

The drama between Rodgers and the Packers stretches back almost a full year to last April, when the QB began pushing for a trade on draft night. The suspense is expected finally to end early this week.

NFL insider Michael Silver reported on March 5 that Rodgers’ decision on what he wants for his future — presumably either a trade to a contender or to stay with Green Bay on an enormous contract extension — should come by Tuesday afternoon.

“Today, Packers LT David Bakhtiari is getting married in California. Aaron Rodgers is set to officiate it,” Silver wrote. “[Packers head coach] Matt LaFleur will be there. Rodgers is likely to tell the Packers what he wants to do by Tuesday afternoon. Timing is kinda wild.”

Tuesday, March 8 marks the NFL’s deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag to a player, a move the Packers may want to make if they intend to keep Adams next year. The franchise tag could also be utilized as part of a plan to trade the wide receiver this offseason. The league’s free agency period officially opens on Wednesday, March 16.

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