One Team Is Gaining Momentum In Aaron Rodgers Trade Buzz

The Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes are picking up fast. With Tom Brady retiring, the list of viable veteran options shrank considerably for quarterback-needy teams. If the Green Bay Packers do intend to trade the future Hall of Famer, it's well-known they want to send him to the AFC. Most experts think the team to beat right now is the New York Jets. They just hired Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. He has a strong relationship with Rodgers. New York has a budding star receiver in Garrett Wilson and a tough top-ranked defense.

However, it is likely they won't be the only team ready to make a run at him. Sure enough, it appears another is gaining momentum on this front. Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network confirmed the Jets' interest in a recent article, but then he threw gas on the flames by mentioning another team that might be the real favorites.

"Enter the Las Vegas Raiders.

During Shrine Bowl week, a source told PFN that receiver Davante Adams is lobbying hard to bring Rodgers to the Raiders. That was further confirmed this week. Adams was twice a first-team All-Pro receiver and five-time Pro Bowler with Rodgers as his quarterback.

With Derek Carr on his way out of Las Vegas, the Raiders, like the Jets, will be a franchise in need of a quarterback. The question is, can the Vegas franchise find room under the salary cap to bring Rodgers to town?

Many I’ve spoken with tell me yes."

That confirmation came in the form of a tweet from Davante Adams himself. He opened the floor to fans to ask him any questions they wanted. One inevitably asked what neighborhood Rodgers would move to. This was his response.

Adams wanting Aaron Rodgers is hardly a shock.

The two were one of the best QB-WR combinations in the NFL for the past several seasons. They were the primary reason Green Bay reached back-to-back NFC championships in 2019 and 2020. Everybody knows Derek Carr is on his way out of Las Vegas. New head coach Josh McDaniels likely hoped to make a run at Brady. With that off the table, Rodgers is the best option left. From Green Bay's perspective, the trade is obvious. Send Rodgers to Las Vegas and get Carr back in return. This way, they don't see a massive drop in quality at quarterback and can remain playoff contenders.

There is one problem with that. Carr has a no-trade clause in his deal. The Raiders have until February 15th to find a place he wants to go due to contract guarantees. Reports indicate they haven't even permitted him to seek options. Everything points to them being forced to cut him instead. That means Las Vegas would need to include more draft picks in any deal for Aaron Rodgers. Keep in mind they already traded 1st and 2nd round picks for Adams. Are they prepared to do something similar for a quarterback who turns 40 this year and had his worst season in a long time?

It's their funeral.