Tom Brady’s Retirement Means The Price Tag For Aaron Rodgers Just Went Up

Tom Brady, the greatest player in NFL history, is officially off the market.

Brady, who won seven Super Bowls, played in 10 and competed in 14 conference title games, announced his retirement Wednesday morning.

That made it a lousy day for Tampa Bay, Las Vegas, Tennessee and other quarterback needy franchises.

It also made it a good day for the Green Bay Packers.

With Green Bay deciding whether to trade quarterback Aaron Rodgers — and Brady now in retirement — the price for Rodgers likely just went up.

In March, 2022, Seattle traded quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver and received two first-round draft picks, two second rounders, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock and defensive end Shelby Harris. In addition to Wilson, the Seahawks sent a 2022 fourth-round pick to Denver.

The Packers aren’t likely to receive nearly as much as the Seahawks did for Wilson, who was 33 at the time of the deal. Rodgers will turn 40 during the 2023 season, but he has won four MVPs and still could net the Packers a pair of first round picks.

If teams were hesitant to pay such a hefty price for Rodgers, they might be more willing to do so now that Brady is off the market.

During the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers acknowledged the possibility of being traded this offseason.

“It sounds like there’s already conversations going on that aren’t involving me, which are interesting,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers hasn’t announced whether he’ll play or not in 2023. But Rodgers is guaranteed $59.465 million if he plays next season, part of the three-year, $150.8 million contract extension he signed last offseason.

Rodgers is coming off arguably his poorest season since he became Green Bay’s starter in 2008.

His quarterback rating (91.1) was the lowest in that time and his yards per completion (6.8) were his second fewest. Rodgers’ 1.53 touchdowns per game and his passing yards (3,695) were both career lows, as well, in years where he’s played a full season.

When the 2022 campaign ended, Rodgers was asked if he’s still good enough to win at a high level.

“The answer is yes,” Rodgers said.

It’s uncertain whether the Packers feel the same way, though.

Green Bay believes 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love is ready to take the reigns.

Love was outstanding during a loss at Philadelphia in November after subbing for an injured Rodgers (ribs). Love was thrust into action in the fourth quarter and went 6-of-9 for 113 yards and had a quarterback rating of 146.8. He led the Packers to 10 points on his two drives.

“I’m not shocked, to be honest with you, that he went out there and played well and showed great poise,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Love that night. “We see it on a daily basis in practice.

“I think he’s a guy that has continued to get better and better each and every day in practice and just does a great job against our defense, giving them fits and giving them really tough looks.”

Love played in four games in 2022 and finished the year 14-of-21 for 195 yards, one TD, no interceptions and a quarterback rating of 112.2.

If Green Bay opts to trade Rodgers, there would be plenty of teams likely to get in the bidding.

The New York Jets have a terrific defense and recently hired former Packers offensive quarterback Nathaniel Hackett. What they don’t have is a quarterback.

Tennessee is expected to move on from Ryan Tannehill this offseason. Coincidentally, Rodgers built a house in Tennessee last year and is chummy with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Washington has a terrific defense and a trio of gifted wide receivers. The Commanders have also used 12 starting quarterbacks since 2018, and would love to get that position fixed.

Indianapolis has been searching for a quarterback since Andrew Luck retired after the 2018 season. And Las Vegas is desperate for quarterback help after ending the Derek Carr-era late last season.

With so many coaches and general managers needing to win immediately or likely lose their jobs, the Packers would undoubtedly be operating from a position of strength if they choose to deal Rodgers.

And their position got even stronger Wednesday after Brady’s retirement.