The Green Bay Packers lost their second straight NFC title game, and just hours after rumors swirled about the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
While Rodgers had a fantastic year— and will more than likely win the NFL MVP award—the possibility of Rodgers playing elsewhere or hanging up his cleats is on the table.
The Packers have a good team, obviously, so finding a potential replacement for number 12 would be priority number one if he decides to leave this offseason. With that being said, let's examine three potential replacements for Rodgers if he does decide to head off from Green Bay in 2021.
3. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy G might not be the most attractive name for the Packers, but adding a decent quarterback who has been to the Super Bowl would make sense for both sides, especially if Rodgers does request a trade.
There have been reports that Rodgers might consider a move to San Francisco, which is close to where he played college ball at Cal Berkeley. If he goes that route, a Rodgers for Garoppolo swap would make sense for both sides, obviously with the Niners getting the better end of the deal.
Garoppolo only played six games in 2020 due to injury, but he's only a year removed from a terrific season where the Niners made it to the Super Bowl before losing to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Garoppolo had 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, so the talent is evident. The issue with him has always been injuries, as he only played six games in 2017 and three games in 2018.
Still, if Rodgers decides to leave via retirement or trade request, adding Garoppolo would help make the Packers playoff contenders still with the talent that's around the rest of the roster.
2. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
This might be a surprise, but adding Stafford would immediately help the Packers stay in contention even if Rodgers decides to head out.
It was reported last week that Detroit and Stafford have agreed to part ways and are exploring trade options for the veteran signal-caller who has spent his entire career with the Lions. This is where the Packers could come in.
Breaking: The Lions and QB Matthew Stafford are expected to part ways this offseason, with Detroit listening to trade offers starting next week, per @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/SPk6cFMdZY
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 23, 2021
Stafford has been one of the better quarterbacks in the league even with Detroit being one of the worst teams year in and year out, and his 2020 season was no different. The former Georgia Bulldog finished the year with 4,084 with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as the Lions once again missed the playoffs.
He played all 16 games in eight straight seasons before suffering an injury in 2019 that caused him to miss half the year, and he bounced back and played every game in 2020 for Detroit. His durability is a huge bonus for any team looking to add him, and he could help out a contender who is just looking for a capable quarterback to lead them to the promised land.
Matthew Stafford is officially on the market after mutually parting ways with Detroit Lions…#NFL #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/89hR5GWhK6
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) January 23, 2021
The Packers adding Stafford would make sense and keep them in contention, and Matt LaFleur would have another talented gunslinger who can throw the ball at will.
1. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
This is the most obvious choice, solely because he's already on the roster and was drafted as the heir apparent to Rodgers. While Love had mixed reviews coming out of college, the Packers decided to trade up and take the young QB from Utah State.
The selection was puzzling to everybody, especially fans and Rodgers, who showed this season that he can still play at a high level in the league. Nonetheless, Love has spent a year learning from Rodgers, and the Packers are out to show that he can be the guy to replace number 12.
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State:
• Backyard football thrower
• Easy arm strength
• Pocket Maneuverability (+)
• Multi-pitch pitcher (++)
• Quick flick/fiery throwing motion
• Sky-high confidence (+)
• High risk/reward type of prospect pic.twitter.com/NVnf2x1N8g— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 11, 2020
Love spent three years at Utah State and had his best season in 2019. He finished with 3,567 yards with 32 touchdowns and six picks before regressing a bit in 2020 as his numbers dipped in every category.
Still, Love had first-round reviews and the Packers liked what they saw enough to move up to draft him and peg him as the next franchise quarterback in Green Bay. While he might not pan out, the Packers essentially need to give him a shot and hope that he can be a capable quarterback to lead this team in the future.
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