NFL Trade Predictions: Aaron Rodgers To The Raiders, Julio Jones To The Patriots

Not only are Aaron Rodgers and Julio Jones two of the NFL’s biggest stars, but they find themselves at the center of trade rumors. With more than three months left until the start of the 2021 season, it appears that neither player wants to stay with his current team.

It was first reported on Day 1 of the NFL Draft that Aaron Rodgers no longer wants to be a member of the Green Bay Packers, and the quarterback isn’t hiding his dissatisfaction with the front office. Jones indicated to FS1’s Shannon Sharpe that he’s not returning to the Atlanta Falcons next season.

Where will the superstars be playing in Week 1?

Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay and Rodgers have been in a standoff for several weeks. The Packers have been steadfast in their decision to keep their franchise quarterback. Rodgers doesn’t plan on wearing the green and gold again, potentially even stepping away from football if he isn’t dealt to another team.

It’s possible that Green Bay will keep Rodgers and force him to either show up or quit, but the relationship between the two sides is so strained that odds are he’ll end up in another uniform. Star athletes usually get their way when they demand a trade. It was only a year ago that the Packers began to seriously prepare for life after Rodgers by moving up in the draft to pick Jordan Love

The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly the two teams on Rodgers’ wish-list. With the threat of retirement out there, Rodgers won’t be traded to a team for whom he has no interest in playing.

Denver needs a quarterback, though the organization still has hope that Drew Lock can be the signal caller of the future. Las Vegas is desperate to make the playoffs after doing so just once in the last 18 seasons. It’s often speculated that Jon Gruden is interested in upgrading over Derek Carr. The Raiders are the more likely team to throw a Godfather offer at Green Bay that finally entices the Packers to pull the trigger on a deal.

Prediction: Raiders trade for Aaron Rodgers

Julio Jones

Jones’ situation is simpler than the one involving Rodgers. It appears that both Jones and the Falcons are ready to move on from one another. Atlanta wants to trade the receiver, and it will bite when an acceptable offer comes its way.

The number of legitimate suitors for Jones is limited because of his age, salary and the Falcons’ asking price. The 32-year-old has a $15.3 million base salary in 2021, and Atlanta has reportedly been seeking a first-round pick in return. That might not be realistic, and the Falcons will probably be forced to settle for a second or third-round pick.

The idea that the Packers might trade for Jones to appease Rodgers doesn’t make much sense. The Tennessee Titans have been linked to Jones, but their cap situation could make a trade difficult. The Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers have also been suggested as possible suitors.

The New England Patriots are the most logical candidate for a few reasons. New England needs a No. 1 wide receiver, given the team’s struggles in the passing game since Tom Brady’s departure and Julian Edelman’s retirement. The Patriots went on a historic spending spree to start free agency, and it’s clear that they are looking to improve the roster in hopes of making an immediate deep playoff run.

Prediction: Patriots trade for Julio Jones