The Green Bay Packers, 5-8 through 14 weeks, could be heading toward an offseason of change and upheaval, depending on Aaron Rodgers’ plans. Amid the last two offseasons, Rodgers has hinted at retirement or perhaps trade requests, implying the 2023 offseason may be more of the same.

And if that occurs, or if Rodgers opts to fulfill his 2023 contractual duties in Green Bay, QB2 Jordan Love could request a trade out of Wisconsin, according to Jason Wilde, who covers the Packers for Madison.com.

The Packers shockingly drafted Love in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft during an event where many believed the franchise would select a wide receiver or non-quarterback. Thereafter, Rodgers went on a rampage winning MVP awards, and Love was effectively not needed.

Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

But that draft strategy and refusal to implement Love in the offense may be catching up to the franchise — if Wilde is correct. Wilde said this week, “I had a really great conversation with Jordan [Love] on Friday afternoon. I think he very clearly, even though he wouldn’t flat-out say it, he does not want to sit for another year.”

Love is 24 years old and has thrown 80 passes in three seasons.

“So, if we get to year four, and Rodgers does come back, I am fairly confident that he will seek a trade,” Wilde added about Love wanting out of Green Bay.

Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.

Rodgers signed a three-year $150 million contract extension last March, outwardly committing him to the franchise through the end of the 2024 season. That was the price for a man seizing back-to-back MVP awards — who turned 39 less than two weeks ago. And, truth be told, operations were running smoothly for the Packers, winning NFC North titles in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The Packers, aside from any age-related paranoia with Rodgers, had nothing to fear about the Rodgers extension. Yet, at 5-8, the team may regret the contractual decision, particularly with Love presumably growing disenchanted.

The eventual trade price for Love? That isn’t easy to quantify. Perhaps a suitor could attain his services for a 3rd-Rounder, possibly a 2nd if Love sees playing time and excels down the stretch in December and January. Otherwise, if Rodgers retires — a real possibility considering his age — Love is the heir apparent. We shall see.

Oct 16, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.

If Rodgers does walk away, Green Bay will be on the hook for a handsome sum of dead cap cash, but not quite the $101 million guaranteed at signing. The Packers can get creative with spreading a portion of the dead cap in various places if Rodgers walks.

Love could encounter QB1 duties after the Packers next loss, as both the coaching staff and Rodgers have indicated all parties should know “what they have in Love” if Green Bay is eliminated from postseason contention.

The Vikings play the Packers on New Year’s Day at Lambeau Field. Rodgers ranks around the NFL’s 18th-best quarterback through 13 games.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

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