GREEN BAY - In a move that seemingly came out of nowhere, the defending Super Bowl champions shocked the world and traded the 2020 MVP Aaron Rodgers to the Denver Broncos for their next two first rounders, quarterback Drew Lock and the number nine overall pick in this year's draft, Patrick Surtain. The Packers also sent linebacker Zack Baun and a 2022 4th to Denver in the move.
GM SD stated, "We want to thank Aaron for all he's done for this franchise. It's not very often you trade a MVP after a Super Bowl win but Aaron has expressed to us a desire to move on and find a new challenge. We want to honor that and wish him well in Denver. He is a no doubt 3GML hall of famer and we look forward to welcoming him back after his career is over. We now turn our attention to defending our title with Tua and couldn't be more excited."
Rodgers won three titles with GM SD (two in Buffalo and one in Green Bay) and is coming off back to back MVP seasons. The move was a head scratcher to many but those who know Rodgers get he is just wired differently. Insiders say this came down to wanting to prove he could win elsewhere as well as being closer to the West Coast and his home state of California. It was likely he wasn't coming back to Green Bay and GM SD honored Rodger's request to move on.
In return, the Packers not only picked up two first-round draft picks but also filled a huge need with the best corner from this year's draft class in Surtain. "Oh man, I was looking for houses when my agent called. I'd trade me for Aaron Rodgers too. I'm beyond excited to head to Green Bay." Surtain said.
The move also signals Green Bay is committed to Tua Tagovailoa moving forward. Last year's number three overall pick will have the weight of Wisconsin on his shoulders but GM SD obviously feels he can handle it. He will have plenty of weapons to work with and the Packers are still favorites to take the NFC North.
The rest of the league meanwhile is still trying to absorb what just happened today. Miami's owner EP said, "He (Rodgers) will go down as the most accomplished and decorated player in our league's history. He plays the game the right way and we have always enjoyed competing with him (even though we rarely came out as victors)."
Rumors out of Green Bay state the New York Giants were also in on trade conversations, but the Packers likely felt better sending Rodgers to the AFC. Denver immediately becomes a Super Bowl contender with the move and is now listed at +450 with oddsmakers. Meanwhile, Green Bay dropped from the top of the list to 5th at +1200.
