Raiders’ Contract with Maxx Crosby: A Missed Opportunity for Rodgers?
When tracking down the details of the Raiders’ latest contract with Maxx Crosby on Thursday, a curious point came up. Just a day or two before signing his new deal, Crosby expressed his desire to see Aaron Rodgers join the team. So, why weren’t the Raiders and Rodgers in talks? According to our source, the answer is straightforward: the Raiders simply weren’t interested. This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga surrounding Rodgers’s future, especially given his considerable talent and experience.
Pete Carroll’s Preference: Geno Smith Over Rodgers
The source also mentioned that Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seahawks, has shown a strong preference for Geno Smith. This preference became even more pronounced when the Seahawks officially signed Smith, effectively dashing any hopes Rodgers might have had of joining the team. The situation underscores the complex dynamics in the NFL, where a coach’s trust and rapport with a quarterback can significantly influence team decisions. With Carroll now committed to Smith, Rodgers’s options have narrowed considerably.
The Giants: The Most Likely Destination for Rodgers
With the Seahawks and Raiders out of the picture, the Giants remain the most likely destination for Rodgers. The Giants, despite their recent struggles, have a solid offensive line and a young, talented roster that could benefit from Rodgers’s leadership and playmaking abilities. However, the lack of a clear front-runner for Rodgers’s services suggests a cautious league, possibly wary of the potential disruptions associated with the star quarterback. The Giants’ interest seems genuine, but the absence of other obvious suitors leaves the situation somewhat uncertain.
The Steelers: A Missed Opportunity
The Steelers, another logical choice for Rodgers, have shown no interest in pursuing him. This is somewhat surprising, given the team’s need for a seasoned quarterback to guide their young talent. The Steelers’ decision not to engage in talks with Rodgers could be due to a variety of factors, including financial constraints, a preference for a younger quarterback, or a belief that their current options are sufficient. Whatever the reason, it leaves Rodgers with even fewer options and raises questions about the team’s long-term plans.
The Browns, Colts, and Titans: Potential Dark Horses
Beyond the Giants, the Browns, Colts, and Titans emerge as the only other possibilities for Rodgers. However, if these teams are considering Rodgers, they are being extremely discreet. The Browns, with Deshaun Watson, might be content with their current quarterback situation. The Colts, with Matt Ryan, and the Titans, with Ryan Tannehill, might also feel they have enough stability at the position. The secrecy surrounding these teams’ interest, or lack thereof, adds another layer of mystery to Rodgers’s future. It’s possible that one of these teams could surprise everyone by making a move, but for now, they remain dark horses.
The Aaron Rodgers Experience: A Complex Decision for Teams
The Raiders’ lack of interest in Rodgers, and the cautious approach of other teams, sheds light on the broader challenges of landing a star quarterback like him. While Rodgers’s on-field skills at age 41 are still formidable, his overall personality and approach might not align with the team-centric culture many NFL organizations strive to maintain. Over the years, some have argued that Rodgers could have achieved even more success in New England, comparing him to Tom Brady. However, the reality is that Rodgers’s unique blend of brilliance and occasional off-field drama might not be worth the hassle for every team. In the end, it seems that Rodgers might have to wait until after the draft, or possibly even longer, to find a new home that is willing to embrace the full package he brings.
