The Aaron Rodgers speculation on draft day was just that, speculation. While there is legitimate knowledge that Aaron Rodgers could have been dealt and there were teams interested and calling Green Bay, the Packers were adament that Rodgers would not be dealt.
This does not mean that Rodgers won’t be dealt, but it’s likely that Green Bay could call Rodgers’s bluff, allow him to sit out, and wait for the right offer to come in. It is a perfect way for Green Bay to see what they have in Jordan Love, their 2020 1st round draft pick from Utah State. This is the preemptive action which potentially triggered Aaron Rodgers to want out of Green Bay.
I am going to take a look at some rediculous trade offers from QB needy teams in 2021 and what each team could give up to improve their chance at a Superbowl appearance and possible victory.
Philadelphia Eagles
Current QB’s
1. Jalen Hurts (1 Year) – Transfer from Alabama to Oklahoma. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Eagles. Hurts showed potential last season playing for the injured Wentz, but Philly has not commmitted to him this season.
2. Joe Flacco (13 Years) – Declining veteran
3. Jamie Newman (R) – Undrafted Rookie from Georgia whom I had as a 3-4th round draft projection in 2021.
Justification
The Eagles finished last in the division in 2020 primarily due to Wentz being injured most of the year and Jalen Hurts being a rookie thrust into the starting position too early in his development. This season the Eagles traded Carson Wentz away to the Indianapolis Colts and signing Joe Flacco as a back up after being cut by Denver. Joe Flacco is in no position to be the starter and is slotted as a back up. 13 year pro who has declined rapidly.
The Eagles roster is young with some solid veterans mixed in and if there was an interest in Aaron Rodgers, the Eagles could be a team that could benefit from what Rodgers brings to the table. Rodgers could add enough wins to the Eagles schedule to have them in the playoffs in 2021 with a potential to go deep into the play
The Trade
The Green Bay Packers Send:
- Aaron Rodgers
- 4th Round Pick
The Philadelphia Eagles Send:
- 2022 1st Round Pick
- 2022 1st Round Pick
- 2023 3rd Round Pick
- Zach Ertz, TE
- J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR
Summary
The Eagles could find themselves in a situation where Aaron Rodgers would or could get them back to the Superbowl considering the pieces that Philadelphia has in place. Philadelphia has 2 first round picks in 2022, which could be enough to sway the Packers to pick up th ephone if Philly comes calling. Dealing Zach Ertz has been a rumor over the past couple of seasons based on his consistent injuries, and the increasing role that Dallas Goedert has had due to those injuries could lead to more playing time or even sliding in as the starter if Ertz is dealt.
At the end of this deal would be J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. A 2nd round pick out of 2019 for the Eagles who had some promise at the beginning of his rookie season. He showed a knack for steady hands but got caught with an injury and couldn’t break through the other receivers as a promising threat. The Packers could find some use for the 3rd year vet while he is still on his rookie contract. The Packers did resurrect the career of Alan Lazard, a WR from Iowa State whom signed with Jacksonville and pushed to the practice squad. Green Bay added Lazard based on their WR issues and injuries 2 years ago.
The biggest question for this trade is, is Aaron Rodgers worth that collateral to push the Eagles over the top and get a good run to the Superbowl. How far would Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman go for this type of acquisition?