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Heading into the offseason, one of the biggest unknowns is the future of Aaron Rodgers. Some analysts believe that the Super Bowl XLV champion still has some gas in the tank, while others think that few teams will be willing to tolerate the controversy that always surrounds him.
Rodgers had a lackluster 2024 season in of numbers, completing 368 es out of 584 attempts for 3,897 yards, with 28 touchdown es and 11 interceptions, resulting in a rating of 90.5. These aren't terrible stats, but they don't align with the expectations of a team with playoff aspirations, much less a championship run.
Another issue with A-Rod is injuries. Besides the ruptured Achilles tendon that sidelined him for the 2023 season with the New York Jets, the 20-year veteran has dealt with multiple injuries that limit his ability to play. This isn't to mention the never-ending controversy surrounding him.
Will Rodgers play in the NFL again?
The Athletics' insider Mike Sando polled agents and front-office officials on Rodgers' future. The consensus was that the star quarterback will have a tough time finding a new team. As one general manager explained, "Smart team builders will struggle with adding everything else that comes along with Rodgers."
One agent was more blunt on the matter, saying, "I bet he doesn't [play in the NFL again]," adding, "He won't want the teams that will want him."
With free agency and the draft still on the horizon, the market for a quarterback like Rodgers will be very limited. Quarterback-needy teams like the Giants, Raiders, Browns, and Titans will be fishing for new talent in the draft, and if any of them come away empty-handed, they still have options in free agency.
Rodgers' baggage
A-Rod's major issue isn't talent, age, or durability, but the constant drama surrounding him. His controversial statements, questionable practices like the therapeutic use of ayahuasca, and frequent slights on team discipline are powerful deterrents for any general manager.
Coaches also don't have it easy with the former Jets' star. The veteran demands complete control over the offense, including play-calling. Few offensive coordinators will want to delegate that kind of control to the quarterback, even to a Super Bowl MVP.
The bets are open. Will Rodgers play in the NFL again? The odds favor a forced retirement when no one is seeking the experienced quarterback, but if there is one thing that has characterized A-Rod, it is that he always manages to beat the odds.