Analysis

1/17/23

3 min read

Aaron Rodgers Deliberating 2023 Options, With Packers or Not

Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after an interception was nullified by a Detroit Lions penalty during the third quarter Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. the Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 20-16. Packers08 2

A week after missing the playoffs for only the fourth time in his 18 NFL seasons,  Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not commit to returning to Green Bay or another team for the 2023 season.

"I just need some time right now," Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee show Tuesday. "I'm either all in or I'm out. There's no point in coming back to play football unless you think you can win it all."

Rodgers might need time to consider his future but the one thing he was firm on was not wanting to return to Green Bay if the team enters a rebuild. "I won't be a part of that," he said.

After three straight 13-win seasons, Rodgers led the Packers to a 9-8 record in 2022, culminating in a Week 18 loss to the Lions, which prevented Green Bay from making the playoffs.

Following that game, former Packers receiver and The 33rd Team analyst Greg Jennings was unsure Rodgers would be back in 2023.

Rodgers is signed through the 2026 season and has a cap hit of more than $31 million in 2023, but there is an out for the Packers in 2024. Love will be entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2023, but the Packers can exercise his fifth-year option for the 2024 season this offseason.

Whether Rodgers returns or not, the Packers are confident in Love.

"I definitely think [Love] is ready to play," Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters last week. "I think he feels that way. I think he's champing at the bit. But at the same time, we're going to do what's best for the Green Bay Packers and what gives us the best chance to win moving forward."

Rodgers' 26 touchdowns this season were the fewest since 2019, and his 12 interceptions were the second most of his career. Despite that, Rodgers believes he can win MVP next season with the Packers or another team.

"Do I still think I can play? Of course. Can I play at a high level? Yeah. The highest," Rodgers said. "I think I can win MVP again in the right situation. Right situation, is that Green Bay or is that somewhere else? I'm not sure. But I don't think you should shut down any opportunity.

"But like I said during the season, it's got to be both sides actually wanting to work together moving forward."

>> Read: Is Aaron Rodgers Tradeable? 


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