Aaron Rodgers Trade: Broncos, Raiders Are Top Candidates, 49ers, Rams Inquired About QB

An Aaron Rodgers trade might be inevitable. Although Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst says the team plans to keep the quarterback, superstar athletes usually get their wish when they demand a deal.

Rodgers appears to be steadfast in his desire to move on from Green Bay, according to multiple reports. If the three-time MVP continues to indicate that he won’t return to the Packers, the organization will have to consider its trade options for the 37-year-old.

Trade rumors started shortly before Thursday’s opening round of the NFL Draft, when it was reported that the San Francisco 49ers inquired about Rodgers. Now that the 49ers have used the No. 3 overall pick on quarterback Trey Lance, a deal with San Francisco seems unlikely.

Both ProFootballTalk and Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer have reported that the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders are the top candidates to trade for Rodgers. The first round of the draft might’ve only increased the chances of Rodgers ending up with one of the AFC West teams.

Denver decided not to draft a quarterback at No. 9 overall, even with signal-callers Justin Fields and Mac Jones both still on the board. With Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater currently set to compete for the Broncos’ starting job, the organization could have its eyes on a potential trade for Rodgers later this offseason.

There are constant rumors that the Raiders could move on from Derek Carr. The quarterback is coming off the best statistical season of his NFL career, but he has never led the team to a playoff win.

A haul of future first-round picks and promising young players would probably have to be included in any offer to Green Bay. The Packers are more likely to accept a trade after May because of salary cap implications.

The Packers likely wouldn’t ask for a young quarterback in a Rodgers trade. Green Bay hopes it has its quarterback of the future on the roster in 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love, a selection that has reportedly played a role in Rodgers’ desire to leave Green Bay.

When the Packers drafted Love and it seemed reasonable that Rodgers wouldn’t finish his career in Green Bay, the New England Patriots seemed like a logical landing spot for the quarterback. That looks less likely after the Patriots drafted Jones in the first round Thursday.

The Los Angeles Rams reportedly reached out to the Packers about Rodgers earlier this year. Los Angeles later traded for Matthew Stafford, knocking the Rams off the list of Rodgers’ suitors.

The Packers might soon regret rejecting earlier offers if they have no choice but to give in to Rodgers’ request.