Even though a report surfaced about the Carolina Panthers inquiring about quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the move appears highly unlikely.
Another day when the Carolina Panthers were linked with a veteran quarterback. This time, it was Aaron Rodgers.
According to ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter via NFL Live, the Panthers have reportedly reached out to the Green Bay Packers about their four-time MVP. This would be an absolute bombshell in no uncertain terms and would instantly propel Carolina into playoff contention within a weak-looking NFC South.
Those in power are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of finding a better option under center. They’ve already spoken with Derek Carr and met with the consensus top-five draft prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, so calling the Packers about Rodgers shouldn’t come as a surprise from a due diligence standpoint if nothing else.
With that being said, here are three reasons why a Carolina trade for Rodgers won’t be happening in 2023.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers also reside in the NFC
Even if Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers decided to go their separate ways, it’s unlikely they’ll want to trade their signal-caller to a team within the NFC. Something that could jeopardize their own chance of postseason success depending on how Jordan Love transitions into a prominent starting role.
Rodgers is now out of his long-awaited darkness retreat, so something should become concrete soon enough. But the Panthers being in the same conference makes this a virtual non-starter.
Carolina Panthers cannot afford Aaron Rodgers
Regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers can turn the Carolina Panthers into a Super Bowl challenger, there are other critical elements to consider that make this almost impossible. Mainly, it centers on potential draft compensation and the financial aspect.
Rodgers might be heading into his career twilight, but the Green Bay Packers are going to want maximum return for a player that’s a sure-fire Pro Football Hall of Famer one day. This would likely include a first-round selection and more if a bidding war is instigated.
Not only this, Rodgers is still owed astronomical sums on his contract, which doesn’t expire until 2027. If the Panthers or anyone else trades for the player, it’s going to severely hinder their chances of acquiring free agents and keeping some of their top stars around.
This just makes no sense. Even if the Panthers are probably just investigating all avenues to keep everyone guessing.
It’s almost like the Panthers are trying too hard to convince people they aren’t drafting a quarterback. Something that’s cheaper and far more realistic than acquiring Derek Carr or Rodgers – two veterans that would take up a substantial amount of salary-cap space.
Nobody knows what Rodgers is thinking, either. A project like Carolina with little hope of winning a Super Bowl next season might not exactly be what he’s looking for.
And that’s absolutely fine.
Carolina Panthers don’t need the drama
As the years go on, drama seems to follow Aaron Rodgers wherever he goes. Something that the quarterback’s become pretty fond of from the outside looking in.
Whether it’s his weekly appearances on the Pat McAfee Show or his controversial opinions on other matters, Rodgers is more polarizing than ever before. So one has to question whether this baggage is something the Carolina Panthers could live with under Frank Reich and an exceptional coaching staff.
Rodgers is a little long in the tooth to take on coaching right now. This means the Panthers might have to tailor their offense to benefit Rodgers rather than implementing Reich’s methods and nurturing a rookie signal-caller over time.
Is the juice worth the squeeze?
The former California standout has unbelievable talent. But this might be on the wane, and Rodgers’ lack of postseason success outside of a memorable Super Bowl XLV triumph is another reason this trade doesn’t necessarily guarantee success.
Considering the recent culture shift in Carolina and the stage Rodgers is at in his own career, it just doesn’t make a ton of sense. And if things don’t start well, it won’t take long before he starts stirring the pot based on how things unfolded with the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
There’s no harm in making a call. Anything other than that just doesn’t seem feasible when one factors everything into the equation.