Aaron Rodgers' future with the Green Bay Packers is the talk of the town after another disappointing playoffs exit: has he played his last game at Lambeu Field? Will he retire? Or will he ask to be traded to another team?
The 38-year-old QB did say that he won't take long in making his decision, though there are certainly a lot of factors he'll consider before making one. After all, according to him, what he decides on will be final and won't just retire only to return playing after a year.
“I think some of the factors are the direction of how the team and the organization and how I feel like I fit into the future mentally,” Rodgers said during the Pat McAfee show on what will be his considerations in deciding his future with Green Bay, via Packers Wire.
“Do I still have the passion, the competitiveness and the desire to keep playing, and I think it’s a feeling you just kind of know once you feel the offseason has started. When you’re a hypercompetitive individual, you also dream or think about what the fairy tale ending is, and it doesn’t mean Super Bowl necessarily – but that’s a pretty damn good fairy tale. Not too many people have been able to walk off like that.”
Aaron Rodgers also highlighted that he needs to assess if he can still give the same level of commitment as he had in years past–especially considering the grind of the season.
“I think the only way of knowing that is get away from it a little bit, let your mind clear, and think about it. And think about the enormity of the task, and what would bring you the most enjoyment. What’s the best for the quality of life at that point,” the Packers superstar added.
The Packers want to keep Rodgers, and head coach Matt LaFleur made that abundantly clear in the aftermath of their loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. However, given the lack of Super Bowl success the team experienced in recent years, it's no wonder why many are thinking that the veteran QB could jump ship and choose another team for one last shot at the title.
Article Continues BelowIt also didn't help that Rodgers fueled the flame of trade speculations when he mentioned that he doesn't want to be part of a rebuilding team. With plenty of Packers players entering unrestricted free agency–one of which is Davante Adams–there are now a lot of questions about the future of the team in general.
Ultimately, Aaron Rodgers' decision will be the biggest factor in Green Bay's decision making. It will also have a major impact on the decision of their free agents, considering that A-Rod's departure would signal a full rebuild for the squad and could spark an exodus of their free agents.
However, should Rodgers return, the Packers are more than likely to be buyers and big movers in free agency in a bid to build a better team for their QB and pave the way for him to get another shot at the Super Bowl. After all, that is the only reason Rodgers would return anyway.
It remains to be seen what will happen with the team, but it is surely a storyline worth keeping an eye on this offseason.