Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers won his fourth MVP award and second straight, but what now for the future Hall of Famer?
On Thursday night, the expected became the reality.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was awarded his second straight MVP award, making it four in his career. Only the great Peyton Manning has won more, earning five during his career.
For Rodgers, the award comes bittersweet. The Packers were arguably the best team all season, earning the NFC’s top seed at 13-4. Rodgers was brilliant, throwing for 4,115 yards with 37 touchdowns against four interceptions. However, Green Bay suffered a stunning upset loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional round, leaving more questions than answers for Rodgers and the team as the offseason arrives.
After winning the award, Rodgers spoke with NFL Media’s Taylor Biscotti about what his plan is moving forward, per NFL.com:
“Well, I’ve got some decisions to make, for sure. Yesterday was like the first day that kind of felt like the offseason. I had a couple things I had to do before I got back to the West Coast, and then actually I was out in Scottsdale (Arizona) yesterday. So I’m going to enjoy the next couple of weeks. I’ve had good conversations with Green Bay. I’ll do some contemplating and make a decision here pretty quick.”
If Green Bay is going to move Rodgers — either by its own volition or at his request — it would make sense to agree in principle on a trade before the new league year begins on March 16. The Packers’ front office is going to want both cost certainty and to understand how many picks it has to utilize in the upcoming NFL Draft. Any trade of Rodgers would certainly bring in a slew of capital, likely netting multiple first-round picks among other assets.
Unlike last year where the drama unfolded through spring and summer, the Packers and Rodgers seem to agree something needs to happen quickly. If he stays, Green Bay is the favorite in the NFC, with maybe the Los Angeles Rams having something to say. If he leaves, it’s time to give Jordan Love his moment, and either find out whether he can play.
Rodgers has won his fourth MVP, as expected. Now the real intriguing portion of his winter begins.
