Aaron Rodgers To Denver Speculation Heats Up With Broncos Reported Hiring Of Nathaniel Hackett

Speculation that Aaron Rodgers is soon headed to the Denver Broncos has only been strengthened by the team’s reported head coaching hire. Denver is set to make Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett its head coach, NFL Network reports, igniting speculation that the quarterback will join the coach for the 2022 season.

The Broncos offered the job to Hackett on Wednesday night before he could fly to Jacksonville and interview for the Jaguars’ coaching vacancy, according to reports. “Rodgers to Denver” quickly became one of the top trending topics on Twitter.

When it was reported last year that Rodgers wanted out of Green Bay, Denver was viewed as his top landing spot. Shortly after the San Francisco 49ers eliminated the Packers in the divisional playoffs, the Broncos were named the betting favorites to acquire Rodgers in the event of a trade.

Hackett has been Green Bay’s offensive coordinator for the last three seasons, during which Rodgers arguably achieved the greatest individual success of his career. The Packers have won three division championships with no Super Bowl appearances since 2019.

Rodgers won the 2020 NFL MVP award and is likely to be named the winner in consecutive years. Under Hackett, Rodgers leads all quarterbacks with 111 passing touchdowns and 21 games with at least three passing touchdowns. Rodgers has been picked off 13 times during that span with the league’s lowest interception rate.

Green Bay missed the playoffs in the two seasons prior to Hackett joining the coaching staff. Rodgers' 25 touchdown passes in 2018 are his career-low for a full season as the Packers' starter. The Jaguars reached the 2018 AFC Championship Game with Hackett as their offensive coordinator.

Still under contract with Green Bay, Rodgers has not decided what he wants to do in 2022. It’s believed that the Packers will trade the quarterback if he asks to be sent elsewhere. Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he wouldn't let his decision drag out into free agency.

After posting a 7-10 record with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock getting starts under center, the Broncos would likely jump at the chance to trade for Rodgers. Denver hasn’t made the playoffs since Peyton Manning retired following the team’s Super Bowl title in the 2015 season.

The Broncos are among several teams rumored to be interested in acquiring Rodgers' services, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins. Rodgers has not ruled out the possibility of retirement.