Aaron Rodgers wants out, citing culture and personalities.
Julio Jones wants out, and the Falcons need to clear his cap number off their books.
Where are the best landing spots for each superstar? Sound off in the comments and we’ll jump in with our own ideas. But we want to hear from you on where Rodgers and Julio fit best.
My top Julio fits, based on salary, needs and style of play:
Tennessee: Win-now team that needs another weapon in the passing game, can afford Julio, gets him out of the NFC, and they're not a team with enough future draft picks to send a conditional second-rounder that could become a first.
New England: Very similar to the Titans in terms of what they're building, future draft assets and cap space. And maybe Belichick sees this as another Randy Moss-type situation where his team adds a veteran with gas left in the tank to load up for a playoff run.
Kansas City: Yes, this is a dream fit, but KC did all it could in terms of cap restructuring before free agency and it would be a shock if the front office could manipulate the cap again to fit Julio under the books.
San Francisco: A need and a fit, but they have so little future draft capital after trading up for Trey Lance that this feels like a tough deal to broker.
Indianapolis: It makes a lot of sense, but they couldn't trade a 2022 early pick because both are currently tied up in the conditional trade for Carson Wentz.
Baltimore: The best and most likely fit, in my opinion, as the Ravens could team Julio up with rookie Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown to give Lamar Jackson a loaded room full of weapons.
Why not the Jets? The receiver room is relatively young and the presence of a future hall of famer could help? Plus, Jets have the draft capital, and I assume cap space too. I don’t think Joe Douglas would trade for a 32 y/o WR (and to be honest I probably wouldn’t either given age and picks required to take on a large contract), but I think in theory he’d be helpful for Zach Wilson, and for the young pass catchers. Full disclosure - I’m a Jets fan.
I'm probably one of the few Raider fans that doesn't think QB is an issue there. Sure, Rodgers is an upgrade but Carr puts up good numbers each year, but just doesn't have a defense to help him. Plus you are talking a haul of draft picks (even though Raiders seem to not do well with 1st rounders).
Now Julio, now that's a different conversation. Carr had probably his best (MVP level) season with Micheal Crabtree, Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts as his targets. Add Julio Jones to the mix with Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, John Brown, Bryan Edwards..oh and Darren Waller! That is the best receiving core he's had. That isn't including the backfield options too. Granted, if the OLine has drastically changed too.
Now as far as compensation, you could just straight up say 2022 1st round pick for Julio and you may get him for that and won't have to worry about drafting the wrong guy, because Raiders Raider their draft picks. But considering the news is out that he is probably not coming back, would something like a 2022 2nd, 5th, 2023 day 3 pick and a player (say Carl Nassib to offset some salary) get it done? Who knows, but its fun to think about.
Jacob... Let's talk. Bottom line is we do not have a WR1. To your second point he arguably had 2 then, and while at Fresno State he had Davante Adams. Julio could take us over the top in a hurry (peep Diggs at the Bills for reference).
Now hear me out here. A recent report said that the Falcons want a first rounder for him. To me that seems easy. They're trying to unload that contract. This is the kind of move that says we're no longer a rebuild but a team legitimately making a run this year.
Absolutely agree. Right now, our current WR1 based on productivity and reliable numbers is Renfrow (not putting Waller because he's clearly #1 but he's a TE). Would love to see year 2 growth from Ruggs/Edwards if they can stay healthy. You add Julio Jones and Carr has Elite Weapons at each skill position.
If they can land Julio for a 1st or any other trade compensation, you do it. Extend Carr to create cap space. And if Gus Bradley can do to this defense what he has done with others, then you have a team not in rebuild but a competitive football team.
I agree with the WR expectation. It should get better in Year 2 for those guys and Brown/Snead are just good adds. To me Gus is the most exciting add! We have a lot of new pieces all over the defense but for him it starts with the secondary and ours has been 3 years in the making with CB1 Mullen CB2 Arnette SS Abram and FS Moehrig.
Gus Guys add veteran leadership to implement his system with Hayward in the secondary and Ngakoue in the trench. Maybe we bring over KJ Wright for the LB room and we have a guy from each of his last 3 defenses at each level on D! (Wright the only one with a SB ring).
Here's my thing about Carr. I need playoffs or bust out of him. If not I can't see us extending him (at least not long term), and we can keep Mariota for cheaper as a replacement or just a bridge and then look to the draft for the future. But I am definitely expecting the D to help get DC there this year.
Dave! I can see the Washington Football Team being a legit contender for Aaron should he be released for "retiring" or sitting out next season. It's looking at Tom to the Bucs or Peyton to the Broncos: Look for a team with a legitimate defense in a winnable division.
Aaron Rodgers sounds like he wants more involvement in decisions. Where would he get that? Denver, maybe, they also have a young core that Rodgers could elevate. Raiders? I don't understand the reason he would want to go there. Team talent is definitely not on Green Bay's level. I think the most likely result is retirement for at a minimum one year.
Julio Jones just wants to win. Who can afford his contract. LA Rams are a sneaky pick. They have never had a problem trading high picks for veterans. San Francisco has been floated because of Shanahan, but I don't see them giving up even more draft capital after the Trey Lance move. Says he likes the Patriots but are they really Julio away from a Super Bowl. I doubt it. There is some wide receiver needy teams but they are rebuilding. Colts aren't a bad landing spot if you truly want to make Wentz successful.
Hey David. The only issue with the Rams and Niners is that they've already traded away their most valuable draft capital. Falcons want to unload Julio's contract and picks are the cleanest way to do so. To me, Colts seem like the best fit right now.
Rams still own their own 2nd. I doubt Falcons get a 1st. The problem with the Colts is that their 1st and 2nd in 2022 are tied to Carson Wentz. They are conditional to Wentz's playing time.
True on the conditional pick. Good eye. The price is still market driven. Falcons have said they wanted a first so any bidding would start there. A number of teams have multiples firsts and any bubble/playoff team like the Colts should consider that cheaper trade than the Bills did for Stefon Diggs.
Ultimately there's that price and the actual price. Julio is due $15M this year. The Rams have done wonders finding loopholes in the CAP but their receipts have started coming due and their $7M compared to the Colts $14M is just what it is.
What is the best fit for Julio and what is the realistic capital that needs to be given up to obtain him? I'd assume the Falcons would want to trade him to someone in the AFC?
It looks like I’m late to the party on this one but :
Tim Patrick/KJ Hamler
Albert O
Dre Jones
Alexander Johnson
3 1sts
You throw in a Lock/Teddy so that GB doesn’t have to start Lobe this yr if they don’t want to. Chubb would be needing a big payday on the upcoming season so I don’t think GB wants to take that on.
Here’s the most likely scenario: Julio stays put. Falcons keeping the price tag high and not settling but still appeasing him by listening to offers and that’s all they can do. Julio is still going to show up to camp and he will NOT sit out and make this about himself. Jet still puts the team first guaranteed. So then we make it to the start of the season and (hopefully) Falcons start out hot and turns out, Julio decides to stay on at least another year. Plus, if he stays healthy and performs well, teams will pay that price tag next off-season.
Eric I love that the likely scenario includes the Falcons starting hot. I personally love the moves (picks) GM Terry Fontenot has made so far. I can see 5 of the rookies potentially contributing this year:
TE Pitts, S Grant, OT Mayfield, C Dalman, WR Darby
That's a good thing for the future! And moving on from Julio to free up cap space and gain some more good draft capital is a good thing too. Ridley is ready to be WR1 and Pitts if as advertised is going to do numbers. Matty still has valuable, competitive years but the team still has holes that would be harder to fill with quality with both he and Julio's contracts to pay.
Denver makes the MOST sense for Rodgers, even though it's still a long shot. However, if the talks dont START with: 2 firsts, 2 seconds, and 2 young players, the Packers are hanging up straight away. Is that a lot? Of course. The reigning league MVP has never been traded. Its unprecedented. "No way Denver gives all that up!" Ok well, then no way Denver is getting Aaron Rodgers.
He's under contract through 2023, so I don't see what sitting out does. I think he cares way too much about his legacy and his teammates to just sit there for 10 weeks. Agree that's more likely than GB trading him though.
Matt, what a time we are in where 3 Franchise QBs in Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson all want out, while younger QBs are needing to be great immediately or risk being moved on from!
With that said, I believe only one of these QBs moves this year allowing the market to shift and for the 2022 QB class to be evaluated before any other significant moves are made. There has been 3 teams that are mostly noncommittal to a starter/future and that's the Texans, Broncos, and Eagles. The market simply is not great right now after the Draft. While any of the 3 would be an upgrade to 90% of the league it just is not realistic i.e. the Browns trading for Russ. To me:
Aaron Rodgers would need to "retire" like Favre in order to leave Green Bay. Hopefully Love plays well and they will be comfortable working out a release next year in which case (out of the 3 teams above) the Broncos do currently seem like the best landing spot.
Russell Wilson plays out his contract (-2023) before leaving. They have no legitimate backup and Russ really seems like he just wanted to make a statement.
Deshaun Watson sits out like Le'Veon Bell did but will not be a Texan again. Pending the investigation clears, we know that there is a market out there for him. A team like the Dolphins already made a legitimate pushes for him with Tua on the roster and ave future draft capital to pull it off still.
As for Julio I agree with most that the best fit would be the Colts. Personal bias likes him to the Raiders. I think a trade for him would be easier and cheaper than it seems because the Falcons would really benefit moving on from that contract and building up draft capital.
I think the best fits for Aaron and Julio are Denver and New England, respectively. Denver doesn’t have to blow it all up to get him. They can offer Courtland Sutton and/or Bradley Chubb and still keep in tact a very good roster. For New England, they feel like a receiver away from being dangerous on offense. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are really good, but they’re still in need of a #1 WR. With Julio, New England becomes a dangerous team in the AFC.
Rodgers to Miami for mostly picks, the Fins can keep Rodgers and Tua to start, then trade one or the other later; Jones to Indianapolis seems to make the most sense for everyone involved and be the best fit for Jones.
Waddle was drafted for Tua but if Aaron is coming over Waddle could easily be traded with Fuller V and Parker still viable options. But a rookie coming off an injury doesn't sound so sweet.
So how about a 2022 first and to instantly improve the defense and pair opposite of Jaire Alexander you get CB Xavien Howard whose 10 INTs and 20 PD led the league in exchange for the reigning MVP.
Everybody talks about them having one of the deepest rosters and they historically love picks over established (and expensive) players. What do they need?
I'm a Jets fan, I just thought the Dolphins made sense.
Dolphins do make sense, Dino! Mainly because Coach Flores and GM Grier have showed they have no problem moving on from anybody. They have deep draft capital and are relatively deep at coveted positions like CB.
Both in Green Bay. If you really want to find a way to make amends with Rodgers, get him Julio, restructure Rodgers, Julio Jones, and extend Davante Adams. Commit to the 3 of them for the next 2-3 years and hope for the best.
Hey Ross. I think the "keep Russ happy" train begins with linemen though. DK, Lockett, and now Eskridge already seem like a strong WR core. Then I do believe Aaron has a "no trade clause" and so Texans as a rebuild should be a no.
Just picks. They want to unload his contract. Reports say that they want a first but that most teams are probably not willing to do that. Don't doubt that the bidding will start there though.
Pat Sime, You're on crack if you think Gruden is dealing Waller for anything, or anyone.... Besides, statistically Carr isn't that much of a downgrade from Rodgers, therefore it doesn't even remotely make sense for the Raiders to seriously consider trading for Rodgers. If the Raiders show any interest whatsoever in Rodgers, it'll be just to drive the price up for the Donkeys. Which would still work in Green Bay's favor though..
No reason as a fan you should not want that, but it is WAY too much. I know exactly the caliber player Rodgers is, and in a different situation, you could get it, but I think the Packers are lacking the leverage to get his true value. MAYBE you can get what Matt is suggesting, and I am not even 100% sure they do. I would think a good starter and a 1st and maybe a day 2 pick
For the franchise, at that point you're better off calling Rodgers bluff than to deal him. You aren't moving him unless you get a ransom that helps you rebuild. Otherwise its simply not worth it.
Pat I love your direct interest in this. I had heard that the Packers would still like a veteran alongside Jordan Love, suggesting that he still needs time to develop, which is why many have included QBs. Now I am a Raiders fan, and realistically against popular opinion of my fanbase I don't believe our roster is better than the Packers and if ARod couldn't win it with them he won't win it with us just like that. Broncos do seem like the best team "currently" looking. Draft picks can usually be matched so a QB (if desired) could be a kicker. I personally think Von Miller should be involved with Lock (cheap option) and any value of picks the market demands. Love hopefully beats out Lock and you have a decent and young backup. Von brings championship experience to that defense.
Matt, I am interested in your take about Julio to the Chargers. You did not mention them in your list, but I think it is a really compelling place. Young team on the rise, have more than enough cap space and picks to work it, and moves Julio to the AFC. I think it might create a spoil of riches in the WR room with KA and MW, but give Herbert all the weapons because I am here for ALL of that. On a final note, if Rodgers goes to the Ponies, and Julio to the Bolts, the AFC West match-ups are going to be must watch TV.
Agreed. KA is making big money as well, but Julio's contract over the next three-years is not as large as expected. Man, would it be electric (pun-intended), but think that Tommy T lets this one go and carry's the cap over to next year to spend.
What if the Pack works out a deal for Julio - maybe Love and a 3 next year - but it requires Rodgers to redo his deal. If 12 agrees they are loaded for another run and all is forgiven, but if he refuses then trade him to Denver of Vegas (or any AFC team) next week. Worst case for the Pack is they go into August without knowing how this saga - which is entirely their own fault - ends.
You can make the case for Julio to go to any team with a QB on a team friendly deal to give them a chance to win now. I came between the Chargers and Jaguars. I know he said he wants to win now and LA would probably be the best option for that and the team friendly QB deal, him and Allen would be electric. I think Jacksonville would be a great spot given they have Lawrence cheap for 4 years, get him a veteran WR to help with his development to go with Chark. It may not fit the “I want to win” mold this year but if Lawrence turns out to be as good as everyone thinks give it a year or two
My top Julio fits, based on salary, needs and style of play:
Tennessee: Win-now team that needs another weapon in the passing game, can afford Julio, gets him out of the NFC, and they're not a team with enough future draft picks to send a conditional second-rounder that could become a first.
New England: Very similar to the Titans in terms of what they're building, future draft assets and cap space. And maybe Belichick sees this as another Randy Moss-type situation where his team adds a veteran with gas left in the tank to load up for a playoff run.
Kansas City: Yes, this is a dream fit, but KC did all it could in terms of cap restructuring before free agency and it would be a shock if the front office could manipulate the cap again to fit Julio under the books.
San Francisco: A need and a fit, but they have so little future draft capital after trading up for Trey Lance that this feels like a tough deal to broker.
Indianapolis: It makes a lot of sense, but they couldn't trade a 2022 early pick because both are currently tied up in the conditional trade for Carson Wentz.
Baltimore: The best and most likely fit, in my opinion, as the Ravens could team Julio up with rookie Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown to give Lamar Jackson a loaded room full of weapons.
Why not the Jets? The receiver room is relatively young and the presence of a future hall of famer could help? Plus, Jets have the draft capital, and I assume cap space too. I don’t think Joe Douglas would trade for a 32 y/o WR (and to be honest I probably wouldn’t either given age and picks required to take on a large contract), but I think in theory he’d be helpful for Zach Wilson, and for the young pass catchers. Full disclosure - I’m a Jets fan.
he said he wants to go to a winner..
I'm probably one of the few Raider fans that doesn't think QB is an issue there. Sure, Rodgers is an upgrade but Carr puts up good numbers each year, but just doesn't have a defense to help him. Plus you are talking a haul of draft picks (even though Raiders seem to not do well with 1st rounders).
Now Julio, now that's a different conversation. Carr had probably his best (MVP level) season with Micheal Crabtree, Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts as his targets. Add Julio Jones to the mix with Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, John Brown, Bryan Edwards..oh and Darren Waller! That is the best receiving core he's had. That isn't including the backfield options too. Granted, if the OLine has drastically changed too.
Now as far as compensation, you could just straight up say 2022 1st round pick for Julio and you may get him for that and won't have to worry about drafting the wrong guy, because Raiders Raider their draft picks. But considering the news is out that he is probably not coming back, would something like a 2022 2nd, 5th, 2023 day 3 pick and a player (say Carl Nassib to offset some salary) get it done? Who knows, but its fun to think about.
Jacob... Let's talk. Bottom line is we do not have a WR1. To your second point he arguably had 2 then, and while at Fresno State he had Davante Adams. Julio could take us over the top in a hurry (peep Diggs at the Bills for reference).
Now hear me out here. A recent report said that the Falcons want a first rounder for him. To me that seems easy. They're trying to unload that contract. This is the kind of move that says we're no longer a rebuild but a team legitimately making a run this year.
Absolutely agree. Right now, our current WR1 based on productivity and reliable numbers is Renfrow (not putting Waller because he's clearly #1 but he's a TE). Would love to see year 2 growth from Ruggs/Edwards if they can stay healthy. You add Julio Jones and Carr has Elite Weapons at each skill position.
If they can land Julio for a 1st or any other trade compensation, you do it. Extend Carr to create cap space. And if Gus Bradley can do to this defense what he has done with others, then you have a team not in rebuild but a competitive football team.
I agree with the WR expectation. It should get better in Year 2 for those guys and Brown/Snead are just good adds. To me Gus is the most exciting add! We have a lot of new pieces all over the defense but for him it starts with the secondary and ours has been 3 years in the making with CB1 Mullen CB2 Arnette SS Abram and FS Moehrig.
Gus Guys add veteran leadership to implement his system with Hayward in the secondary and Ngakoue in the trench. Maybe we bring over KJ Wright for the LB room and we have a guy from each of his last 3 defenses at each level on D! (Wright the only one with a SB ring).
Here's my thing about Carr. I need playoffs or bust out of him. If not I can't see us extending him (at least not long term), and we can keep Mariota for cheaper as a replacement or just a bridge and then look to the draft for the future. But I am definitely expecting the D to help get DC there this year.
Nice conversation piece, Matt.
The tricky thing with Rodgers is that they don't necessarily need a QB if they decide to roll with Jordan Love.
I think Washington is a great fit. Can give defensive starters and draft picks.
I also think that Denver and Miami would also work.
Julio fits anywhere really, but Julio to GB might be a draw for Rodgers to stay put.
Julio to Baltimore, New England or Indianapolis also makes sense to me.
Maybe even Buffalo if the price isn't too high.
Dave! I can see the Washington Football Team being a legit contender for Aaron should he be released for "retiring" or sitting out next season. It's looking at Tom to the Bucs or Peyton to the Broncos: Look for a team with a legitimate defense in a winnable division.
That would be ideal. If a super bowl is attainable, why not make the move?
Who said it's not already for the Football Team? I like the offseason moves. Trust the Riverboat Ride.
I would like to know what kind of trade package WFT could offer for Rodgers.
I would probably say Ryan Fitzpatrick, Landon Collins, Matt Ioannidis, 2 1sts (something along those lines)
Aaron Rodgers sounds like he wants more involvement in decisions. Where would he get that? Denver, maybe, they also have a young core that Rodgers could elevate. Raiders? I don't understand the reason he would want to go there. Team talent is definitely not on Green Bay's level. I think the most likely result is retirement for at a minimum one year.
Julio Jones just wants to win. Who can afford his contract. LA Rams are a sneaky pick. They have never had a problem trading high picks for veterans. San Francisco has been floated because of Shanahan, but I don't see them giving up even more draft capital after the Trey Lance move. Says he likes the Patriots but are they really Julio away from a Super Bowl. I doubt it. There is some wide receiver needy teams but they are rebuilding. Colts aren't a bad landing spot if you truly want to make Wentz successful.
Hey David. The only issue with the Rams and Niners is that they've already traded away their most valuable draft capital. Falcons want to unload Julio's contract and picks are the cleanest way to do so. To me, Colts seem like the best fit right now.
Rams still own their own 2nd. I doubt Falcons get a 1st. The problem with the Colts is that their 1st and 2nd in 2022 are tied to Carson Wentz. They are conditional to Wentz's playing time.
True on the conditional pick. Good eye. The price is still market driven. Falcons have said they wanted a first so any bidding would start there. A number of teams have multiples firsts and any bubble/playoff team like the Colts should consider that cheaper trade than the Bills did for Stefon Diggs.
Ultimately there's that price and the actual price. Julio is due $15M this year. The Rams have done wonders finding loopholes in the CAP but their receipts have started coming due and their $7M compared to the Colts $14M is just what it is.
What is the best fit for Julio and what is the realistic capital that needs to be given up to obtain him? I'd assume the Falcons would want to trade him to someone in the AFC?
It looks like I’m late to the party on this one but :
Tim Patrick/KJ Hamler
Albert O
Dre Jones
Alexander Johnson
3 1sts
You throw in a Lock/Teddy so that GB doesn’t have to start Lobe this yr if they don’t want to. Chubb would be needing a big payday on the upcoming season so I don’t think GB wants to take that on.
I would say if Washington could give up 2022,2023,2024 1st 2022 3rd and Brandon Sherrif that would be a great offer for A Rod and a 2022 3rd
Here’s the most likely scenario: Julio stays put. Falcons keeping the price tag high and not settling but still appeasing him by listening to offers and that’s all they can do. Julio is still going to show up to camp and he will NOT sit out and make this about himself. Jet still puts the team first guaranteed. So then we make it to the start of the season and (hopefully) Falcons start out hot and turns out, Julio decides to stay on at least another year. Plus, if he stays healthy and performs well, teams will pay that price tag next off-season.
Eric I love that the likely scenario includes the Falcons starting hot. I personally love the moves (picks) GM Terry Fontenot has made so far. I can see 5 of the rookies potentially contributing this year:
TE Pitts, S Grant, OT Mayfield, C Dalman, WR Darby
That's a good thing for the future! And moving on from Julio to free up cap space and gain some more good draft capital is a good thing too. Ridley is ready to be WR1 and Pitts if as advertised is going to do numbers. Matty still has valuable, competitive years but the team still has holes that would be harder to fill with quality with both he and Julio's contracts to pay.
Denver makes the MOST sense for Rodgers, even though it's still a long shot. However, if the talks dont START with: 2 firsts, 2 seconds, and 2 young players, the Packers are hanging up straight away. Is that a lot? Of course. The reigning league MVP has never been traded. Its unprecedented. "No way Denver gives all that up!" Ok well, then no way Denver is getting Aaron Rodgers.
I think Rodgers sits out a year. You people have no idea what sort of cat he is. GB fans will be pissed they didn’t even get a ham sammich for him.
No chance
He's under contract through 2023, so I don't see what sitting out does. I think he cares way too much about his legacy and his teammates to just sit there for 10 weeks. Agree that's more likely than GB trading him though.
For Rodgers:
1- Washington Football Team - high-level defense, good offensive weapons, o-line a little suspect but could be good, respected veteran coach
2- Miami - play-off caliber roster, fast skill players, decent offensive line, good front office/coaching staff
3- Denver - good defense, good young skill players, decent offensive line, biggest question is head coach (I like Fangio but is he the long-term guy?)
Anything to get him out of the NFC North (go Bears!)
Matt, what a time we are in where 3 Franchise QBs in Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson all want out, while younger QBs are needing to be great immediately or risk being moved on from!
With that said, I believe only one of these QBs moves this year allowing the market to shift and for the 2022 QB class to be evaluated before any other significant moves are made. There has been 3 teams that are mostly noncommittal to a starter/future and that's the Texans, Broncos, and Eagles. The market simply is not great right now after the Draft. While any of the 3 would be an upgrade to 90% of the league it just is not realistic i.e. the Browns trading for Russ. To me:
Aaron Rodgers would need to "retire" like Favre in order to leave Green Bay. Hopefully Love plays well and they will be comfortable working out a release next year in which case (out of the 3 teams above) the Broncos do currently seem like the best landing spot.
Russell Wilson plays out his contract (-2023) before leaving. They have no legitimate backup and Russ really seems like he just wanted to make a statement.
Deshaun Watson sits out like Le'Veon Bell did but will not be a Texan again. Pending the investigation clears, we know that there is a market out there for him. A team like the Dolphins already made a legitimate pushes for him with Tua on the roster and ave future draft capital to pull it off still.
As for Julio I agree with most that the best fit would be the Colts. Personal bias likes him to the Raiders. I think a trade for him would be easier and cheaper than it seems because the Falcons would really benefit moving on from that contract and building up draft capital.
I think the best fits for Aaron and Julio are Denver and New England, respectively. Denver doesn’t have to blow it all up to get him. They can offer Courtland Sutton and/or Bradley Chubb and still keep in tact a very good roster. For New England, they feel like a receiver away from being dangerous on offense. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are really good, but they’re still in need of a #1 WR. With Julio, New England becomes a dangerous team in the AFC.
Rodgers to Miami for mostly picks, the Fins can keep Rodgers and Tua to start, then trade one or the other later; Jones to Indianapolis seems to make the most sense for everyone involved and be the best fit for Jones.
The thing is, GB needs players too.
A 2024 first won’t help now.
Here's one for MIA:
Waddle was drafted for Tua but if Aaron is coming over Waddle could easily be traded with Fuller V and Parker still viable options. But a rookie coming off an injury doesn't sound so sweet.
So how about a 2022 first and to instantly improve the defense and pair opposite of Jaire Alexander you get CB Xavien Howard whose 10 INTs and 20 PD led the league in exchange for the reigning MVP.
Everybody talks about them having one of the deepest rosters and they historically love picks over established (and expensive) players. What do they need?
I'm a Jets fan, I just thought the Dolphins made sense.
Dolphins do make sense, Dino! Mainly because Coach Flores and GM Grier have showed they have no problem moving on from anybody. They have deep draft capital and are relatively deep at coveted positions like CB.
Both in Green Bay. If you really want to find a way to make amends with Rodgers, get him Julio, restructure Rodgers, Julio Jones, and extend Davante Adams. Commit to the 3 of them for the next 2-3 years and hope for the best.
Julio to Seattle. Scary idea of him being paired with that group, and it makes sense that Seattle would acquire him to "keep Russ happy".
Rodgers to HOU seems the most likely to me. But, ideal would seem to be DEN or NO. NO would be amazing.
Hey Ross. I think the "keep Russ happy" train begins with linemen though. DK, Lockett, and now Eskridge already seem like a strong WR core. Then I do believe Aaron has a "no trade clause" and so Texans as a rebuild should be a no.
What is the Houston trade package?
I can’t think of a good skill player on that team. lol
What kind of offer, realistically, would it take to get the Falcons to deal Julio to the Patriots? Draft picks and a player, or just a pick(s)?
Just picks. They want to unload his contract. Reports say that they want a first but that most teams are probably not willing to do that. Don't doubt that the bidding will start there though.
What is the trade package for Rodgers?
And no, we won’t take Lock, Teddy, Carr, etc
I don’t think any deal for Rodgers involves a QB. That seems redundant. Couple of 1s and a starter at CB or WR?
Would have to think two 1s, Juedy and something else. Or two 1's + Ruggs
Any Rodgers trade with the Raiders needs to bring Waller too.
Pat Sime, You're on crack if you think Gruden is dealing Waller for anything, or anyone.... Besides, statistically Carr isn't that much of a downgrade from Rodgers, therefore it doesn't even remotely make sense for the Raiders to seriously consider trading for Rodgers. If the Raiders show any interest whatsoever in Rodgers, it'll be just to drive the price up for the Donkeys. Which would still work in Green Bay's favor though..
Thanks. I’ve seen a lot of trades (mostly from Denver fans) that include Lock/Teddy.
Jeudy, Fant, & 2 firsts is my starting point if I’m GB.
I just can't see a trade of Rodgers to Denver that doesn't include Juedy. He is your long term replacement for Davante Adams for Love to grow with.
No reason as a fan you should not want that, but it is WAY too much. I know exactly the caliber player Rodgers is, and in a different situation, you could get it, but I think the Packers are lacking the leverage to get his true value. MAYBE you can get what Matt is suggesting, and I am not even 100% sure they do. I would think a good starter and a 1st and maybe a day 2 pick
A team needs to blow GB away with an offer, otherwise they’re not trading him.
None of this Teddy, Hamler, and a first for Rodgers BS.
I would rather he hosts Jeopardy than deal him for that.
For the franchise, at that point you're better off calling Rodgers bluff than to deal him. You aren't moving him unless you get a ransom that helps you rebuild. Otherwise its simply not worth it.
Then no team gets the MVP. Simple as that.
Pat I love your direct interest in this. I had heard that the Packers would still like a veteran alongside Jordan Love, suggesting that he still needs time to develop, which is why many have included QBs. Now I am a Raiders fan, and realistically against popular opinion of my fanbase I don't believe our roster is better than the Packers and if ARod couldn't win it with them he won't win it with us just like that. Broncos do seem like the best team "currently" looking. Draft picks can usually be matched so a QB (if desired) could be a kicker. I personally think Von Miller should be involved with Lock (cheap option) and any value of picks the market demands. Love hopefully beats out Lock and you have a decent and young backup. Von brings championship experience to that defense.
Matt, I am interested in your take about Julio to the Chargers. You did not mention them in your list, but I think it is a really compelling place. Young team on the rise, have more than enough cap space and picks to work it, and moves Julio to the AFC. I think it might create a spoil of riches in the WR room with KA and MW, but give Herbert all the weapons because I am here for ALL of that. On a final note, if Rodgers goes to the Ponies, and Julio to the Bolts, the AFC West match-ups are going to be must watch TV.
I love the idea of it, but feels like overkill for the Chargers to put that many assets into the WR position.
Agreed. KA is making big money as well, but Julio's contract over the next three-years is not as large as expected. Man, would it be electric (pun-intended), but think that Tommy T lets this one go and carry's the cap over to next year to spend.
What if the Pack works out a deal for Julio - maybe Love and a 3 next year - but it requires Rodgers to redo his deal. If 12 agrees they are loaded for another run and all is forgiven, but if he refuses then trade him to Denver of Vegas (or any AFC team) next week. Worst case for the Pack is they go into August without knowing how this saga - which is entirely their own fault - ends.
I would argue the worst case is trading Rodgers to Denver for peanuts and watching them win a title.
Washington. For both.
East is bad, Rivera is respected, they’ve got cap room and a ridiculous defense. And Julio would be like a god to the other Bama dudes on the roster.
(Washington fan here 👋)
What is the WFT sending to GB?
They can have Landon Collins! And Fitzmagic...or Heineicke. Picks wouldn't necessarily be a problem, either, if GB wants to go that route.
lmao. GB doesn’t need a QB or a $12.5M box safety.
It would need to be picks and *good* players.
I know, I know. But as a Washington fan, that’s what I’d want to send away.
You can make the case for Julio to go to any team with a QB on a team friendly deal to give them a chance to win now. I came between the Chargers and Jaguars. I know he said he wants to win now and LA would probably be the best option for that and the team friendly QB deal, him and Allen would be electric. I think Jacksonville would be a great spot given they have Lawrence cheap for 4 years, get him a veteran WR to help with his development to go with Chark. It may not fit the “I want to win” mold this year but if Lawrence turns out to be as good as everyone thinks give it a year or two