Out Of The Darkness…

02/24/2023 Out Of The Darkness…

By: Jeff Yoder

And Into the Spotlight… What Will Aaron Rodgers Do Next?

You won’t hear me judging Aaron Rodgers for his week-long getaway to gain clarity on his future. It’s true that many of us wouldn’t subject ourselves to an extensive, monk-like experience in a cave, but I support the personal journey and self-reflection. The Packers, though? They might be growing impatient.

 

Rodgers made offseason headlines last week when he escaped to a “darkness retreat” in Oregon, essentially isolating himself in a meditative sanctuary to gain perspective on his NFL future. Rodgers reportedly left Oregon yesterday, and now the NFL world awaits what is likely the next QB domino to fall this offseason.

 

What Did Rodgers Do Again?

The future Hall of Fame quarterback, now 39, went to the Sky Cave Retreat in Oregon to lock himself in a 300-square-foot facility, complete with a queen bed, bathroom, and meditation mat. Rodgers signed a 3-year, $150 million contract with the Packers last March, but he’s contemplating what’s next — return to Green Bay, request a trade, or retire from football. The Jets and Raiders are rumored as the top potential landing spots should Green Bay trade their 10-time pro bowler. And after a week in darkness, Rodgers is now prominently in the spotlight.

 

What Comes Next?

The Rodgers decision has implications for the 2023 quarterback carousel that could see Derek Carr (Raiders), Jimmy Garropolo (49ers), Ryan Tannehill (Titans), and Lamar Jackson (Ravens) on the move. The franchise tag window is open and free agency begins in roughly three weeks (Mar. 15). It seems like a handful of QB-needy teams are waiting on the Rodgers news before locking down their signal-caller. Your move, Aaron.

 

Latest NFL Offseason Roster News

Titans Release OT Taylor Lewan & WR Robert Woods

Rams & LB Bobby Wagner to Part Ways After Year 1 of 5-Year Deal

Free Agent RB Miles Sanders Wants to Re-Sign With Eagles

QB Lamar Jackson & Ravens Prepared for Contract Standoff

 

Additional Storylines

NBC Sports: Darkness Retreat Over, Decision Time for Aaron Rodgers

ESPN+: Best Fits for Top 50 Available NFL Free Agents

B/R: Dream Offseason Trade Scenarios for Every NFL Team

USA Today: Six NFL Teams in Jeopardy of Crippling Setbacks During 2023 Offseason

 

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images