NFL Rumors: Where Will Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford Play In 2021?

There could be major changes coming in the NFC North. The Detroit Lions are expected to trade Matthew Stafford this offseason, and there are at least questions regarding Aaron Rodgers’ role with the Green Bay Packers in 2021.

Heading into the NFC Championship Game, Rodgers called his NFL future a “beautiful mystery.” After the Packers were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the MVP favorite didn’t exactly eliminate concerns that his time in Green Bay could soon come to an end.

“[The Packers have] a lot of guys’ futures that are uncertain -- myself included,” Rodgers told reporters in regard to how different the team might look next season. “That’s what’s sad about it, most, getting this far. Obviously, it’s going to be an end at some point, whether we make it past this one or not, but just the uncertainty’s tough and finality of it all.”

While acknowledging that Rodgers is likely to still be the Packers’ starter in the 2021 season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on “Get Up” Monday that the quarterback could force his way out of Green Bay. It was less than a year ago that the Packers traded up to draft quarterback Jordan Love, upsetting Rodgers by seemingly picking his successor in the first round.

Rodgers is a -500 favorite to be Green Bay’s Week 1 starter next season, according to odds at BetOnline. The sportsbook sets the odds of Rodgers not being under center for the Packers at +300.

A costly salary cap hit would make it difficult for Green Bay to trade Rodgers this offseason. It’s more likely that the two sides might part ways in 2022.

Rodgers is signed through the 2023 season with Green Bay. He is coming off arguably his best NFL season.

As for Stafford and the Lions, a divorce appears to be a matter of when, not if. Schefter has reported that Detroit is listening to trade offers and actively trying to move its quarterback.

Stafford reportedly asked the Lions about being sent elsewhere. The veteran is expected to have several suitors on the trade market.

Not an elite quarterback like Rodgers, Stafford was productive for most of his career in Detroit. He’s expected to land with a playoff contender that could use an upgrade at signal-caller.

That’s why the Indianapolis Colts are the favorites to acquire Stafford with +300 odds. Indianapolis went 11-5 in the 2020 season and earned a wild-card berth. The team needs a quarterback now that Philip Rivers has retired.

Stafford has his eyes on the Colts, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The San Francisco 49ers have the second-best odds in the Matthew Stafford Sweepstakes at +350. A season after reaching the Super Bowl, San Francisco finished in last place in the NFC West. Jimmy Garoppolo missed most of the season with an ankle injury and struggled when he was healthy.

The Denver Broncos (+450), New England Patriots (+500) and Washington Football Team (+600) are also thought to be potential landing spots for Stafford.