At first, it seemed possible that Matthew Stafford’s trade to the L.A. Rams had cleared the way for an even bigger potential NFC West blockbuster:
Aaron Rodgers to the San Francisco 49ers.
Several sources considered the Niners as a possible suitor and landing spot for Rodgers, 37, a product of Chico, Calif., if the disgruntled two-time MVP were made available — with the aggressive Rams also viewed as a club that could shock the league with a Rodgers deal, too.
But when the Rams “made a run” at Rodgers, the Packers reportedly were “adamant” that they weren’t trading him, according to the Los Angeles Times. So the Rams made their move for Stafford.
Then on Monday, Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur said unequivocally that Rodgers isn’t going anywhere.
“He’s going to be part of our future, and we look forward to all the runs we’re going to try to make here over the next few years,” Gutekunst said.
“Absolutely,” LaFleur said of Rodgers being his quarterback in 2021. “There’s no doubt about it… Yeah, absolutely, he will be here for a long time.”
Assuming the Packers satisfy Rodgers with a salary bump to match their verbal commitment, staying in the NFC North with the Bears, Vikings and Lions certainly gives Rodgers an easier path back to the NFC title game than joining Russell Wilson, Stafford and Kyler Murray in the West.
Taking both Stafford and Rodgers off the trade market, however, suddenly leaves a gaping difference between the supply and demand in this offseason’s quarterback chase.
If all eyes weren’t already on the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson, they certainly are now.
The Carolina Panthers and Washington Football Team both confirmed in the Stafford sweepstakes that they are pursuing a QB aggressively this offseason. The Panthers offered the Lions their No. 8 overall pick in a package, and Washington offered pick No. 19, per The MMQB.
The Colts, Broncos and 49ers all checked in, per various reports. The Patriots, Bears and Jets put in calls, as well, per The MMQB.
First, remember that the Dolphins, Saints, Jaguars and Falcons also are teams with eyes on possible new starting QBs in 2021.
Houston’s trade request from the Jets hypothetically could include two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two top defensive starters, according to the Houston Chronicle.
If that represents an accurate starting point in negotiations, there is absolutely no question that the Jets, Dolphins and Panthers are in on that bidding war at minimum.
