5 Realistic Landing Spots for Aaron Rodgers in 2023



It's that time of the year again. The time when everyone wonders what Aaron Rodgers is doing/thinking. He's notoriously tight-lipped and likes to keep people guessing, even his own team's front office, but I have some thoughts. 

The Lions rained on the parade in Green Bay last night, spoiling a "win and in" situation for the Packers and eliminating them from the postseason. He seemed sentimental leaving the field with Randall Cobb, who is likely retiring. He declined to give his jersey to Jameson Williams who asked for it following the game. This would indicate that he was keeping it as a memento from his last ever NFL game. He's almost definitely doing these things to shroud his future in uncertainty as he works very hard to be mysterious. Whatever he ends up doing, the offseason speculation may now commence for those that take part. 

Some people will dissect the actions after the game and heartfelt farewells during his press conference. I like to look at things from a very realistic standpoint and make rational, educated guesses. Here's where he could land in 2023, if my assumptions are correct. 

  1. The Indianapolis Colts - This is a perfect destination for Rodgers and it'd continue a trend of hiring ~40 year olds and/or quarterbacks well past their prime for Colts GM Chris Ballard. There's been a different starter the last four seasons since Andrew Luck retired (Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan) and this could provide the Colts with some geriatric comfortability like they're used to as opposed to drafting a young, promising talent to build around. He checks all the boxes the Colts seem to gravitate toward, he could be wearing the horseshoe for year 19.  
  2. The Houston Texans - After a heroic effort to beat the Colts and lose out on the #1 draft pick, the Texans can still wise up and draft CJ Stroud. However, don't be surprised if Texans GM Bill O'Brien (noted for having applesauce as a brain) shakes things up and brings Rodgers in to right the ship. They need a new head coach since they fired Lovie Smith after one season, so it's even possible that Aaron Rodgers could pull double duties and assume a "Head Coach/Quarterback" role like Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam'. Maybe if things go well and they hit it off, he could even be co-GM with Bill O'Brien. The Texans franchise is a bit of a wildcard, so all options are on the table. 
  3. Retirement Option 1: The Milwaukee Bucks - It doesn't have to end here, Rodgers could retire and start a whole new chapter of his life. One of my favorite Aaron Rodgers offseason storylines is "WHO IS HE DATING?!" For now, Rodgers is reportedly wooing Milwaukee Bucks heiress Mallory Edens. Perhaps Rodgers does actually hang up the cleats for good and settles down for a retired life in marriage. If everything goes well and this happens, he could theoretically join forces with his new slingpiece to become a part owner of the Bucks, have a few kids, and sit courtside together forever and ever. 
  4. Retirement Option 2: WWE - Rodgers is made for the WWE with his propensity for drama and his championship belt touchdown celebration (if you don't know what I'm talking about come out from under your rock). If you'll recall, on the trophy podium after the Packers' Super Bowl win in 2011, Rodgers had the WWE Heavyweight Championship Belt slung over his shoulder. Was this foreshadowing for Rodgers as a future professional wrestling figure? The WWE engraved it and made him an official WWE Champion to lay the foundation in case he ever decided to step into the ring. To top it all off, he also happens to be friends with Pat McAfee who's dabbled in professional wrestling since his retirement in 2017 so he has an in with Vince McMahon should he pursue this option.
  5. Retirement Option 3: Ayahuasca Shaman - It's not out of the realm of possibility that Aaron Rodgers completely evaporates from the public eye and retires to a shack in an unmarked jungle location to devote his life to DMT and receive total consciousness. He could live out the rest of his days doing what he loves: ayahuasca, meditation, letting his hair grow long, not talking to his family.
Aaron Rodgers was cryptic last night after the loss, as expected. He stated that he needs to "get away" and think things over before making a call on 2023, so expect some "retreats" regardless of what he decides. I fully anticipate a chaotic offseason leading up to his decision. What transpires over the next several months will be a big determinant as to whether or not he continues his storied NFL career or goes in a different direction. 

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