Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of this generation. Although he once helped the Green Bay Packers win a Super Bowl, there are reports he no longer wants to play for the Wisconsin team. Should the Las Vegas Raiders try to trade for him?
Not long ago, Rodgers told some within the Packers he doesn’t want to go back to Green Bay, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Later, a report arose different members of the team’s brass met with him to mend things. Alas, the 2005 first-round pick has made it clear he won’t budge. As a matter of fact, he told prospective free agents this offseason he wouldn’t be with the Packers, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. Moreover, he wants to get general manager Brian Gutekunst fired, per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.
So let’s say the Packers facilitate a deal, why should the Raiders acquire Rodgers? Simply, he’s a top-two quarterback that can make everybody around him better. On the other hand, incumbent Derek Carr is talented but needs everything going in his favor for him to succeed.
Meanwhile, Rodgers gets the Packers into the postseason year in and year out. Even more surprising is the fact he does it despite the fact Green Bays seem more interested in looking for his replacements rather than actually putting a good team around him.
There’s the Jon Gruden factor
Do you want another reason for the Raiders to acquire Rodgers? Head coach Jon Gruden. The man also known as “Chucky” is hyper-competitive and demands the most from his quarterbacks. His unrealistic expectations tend to burn his players out unless they are as competitive as him. Do you remember Rich Gannon? He says that if players want to succeed under Gruden, they need to be as driven and competitive as him.
“It takes a special guy to play for him because he is so intimately involved. He’s so passionate and if you don’t have that same passion and drive, it’s not going to work.“
Do you know who fits that profile? That’s right, Rodgers desperately wants someone to coach him hard.
“I said, I love being coached, love talking football with smart coaches. I love the input, the dialogue, the conversation, I love feeling like I need to play well for my coach, like he is expecting me to play well.”
You could argue Rodgers is a diva and difficult to work with and you’re right, he can be overwhelming but if someone can keep his ego in check and channel that talent of his is Gruden. In fact, Gruden and Rodgers could be a match made in heaven.
[pickup_prop id=”6585″]
Trading for Aaron Rodgers would be worth it
The Raiders passed up the chance to draft Rodgers in 2005 and instead they took Fabian Washington. They may now have an opportunity to land him, but how much would it cost? If Las Vegas is serious about acquiring the three-time league MVP, they should offer Carr and two first-round picks.
You could argue first-round selections are the primary means for a team to add talent. However, picks are only as good as the men drafting and the Raiders don’t have a good record of using them in recent years. Moreover, the Los Angeles Rams have shown they can get around without first-round picks. In fact, the last time they had one was back in 2016.
Some general managers treat first-round picks as the ultimate way to get better. If that’s the case, why not use those premium resources in one of the three best quarterbacks in the NFL. Rodgers is 37 and isn’t getting any younger. However, if Las Vegas can squeeze three or four great years out of him, the trade will have been worth it.
The Raiders have a good quarterback in Carr. On the other hand, they could have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get one of the best ones. Yes, the difference between borderline top 10 and top 3 is significant. Think about it, for ‘4’ to reach his potential, he needs to be surrounded by talent.
There’s no doubt the Raiders can be good with Carr at the helm. However, Rodgers can take them to the next level. They have a promising team in place, they now just need a quarterback that can make use of all the weapons they have at their disposal. If they had the chance to pick between Carr and Rodgers, who do you think they would pick?
You May Also Like:Â Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce Brings Breath Of Fresh Air To Pass Rush
Top Photo: Mike Roemer/Associated Press
