Could Panthers pounce if Aaron Rodgers becomes available?
By Dean Jones
Rodgers’ future in Green Bay
Emotions were obviously running high after such a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game. But the comments made by Aaron Rodgers could be perceived as a long time coming considering what’s transpired over the last 12 months in Green Bay.
The Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft rather than get Rodgers another wide receiver in the deepest class at the position in recent memory was damning. The quarterback made the most out of the weapons at his disposal to come within one game of the Super Bowl for a second straight year, but there is just no telling what a dynamic playmaker opposite Davante Adams would have done for the team’s chances.
Love didn’t see anything in the way of meaningful reps during his rookie season thanks to Rodgers’ exceptional return to form. However, Green Bay has clearly identified him as the heir apparent to their current No. 1 option, which is not too dissimilar to the scenario they faced with Brett Favre before trading him to the New York Jets.
This was a shock to Rodgers. But he harnessed this extra motivation in a positive way on his way to another expected NFL MVP Award.
It will mean a lot despite the Packers not getting over the line when it mattered most. But his future is far from certain and if the Carolina Panthers are intent on finding a game-changing quarterback this offseason, his potential availability is bound to spark a discussion between general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule.