What would an Aaron Rodgers trade realistically look like for the Broncos?
There is a reward and a risk in the Denver Broncos pulling off a blockbuster trade for QB Aaron Rodgers, but what price tag would be too high?
For much of this offseason, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said he wants out, and among his preferred destinations is the Denver Broncos. It all sounds well and good, and it would certainly provide a boost to Denver’s quarterback room that hasn’t had an All-Pro since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after Super Bowl 50.
However, acquiring such a player would require a heavy price, and given that Denver is considered a top destination for Rodgers, the asking price from Green Bay will certainly be high. Furthermore, draft picks will be asked for, but so will players, players who could potentially help Rodgers not only contend in a crowded AFC West featuring Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert but a tough conference overall that includes Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
That only leaves one question. What would it take for the Denver Broncos to pull off the move of the offseason and acquire Aaron Rodgers?
There is no firm answer on what the Denver Broncos would need to give up to acquire Aaron Rodgers.
There is no firm answer. In fact, it depends on whom you ask. However, blockbusters trades come with mixed results. Many will recall the most recent trade in 2018 when the Chicago Bears backed up the truck to land Khalil Mack from the Raiders by virtue of two first-round picks, a third and a sixth-round pick. Chicago earned two playoff appearances in the last three years as a result so, it’s fair to say they won the deal.
Additionally, in 2011, the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the draft with the Cleveland Browns for Julio Jones in exchange for two first-round picks, one second-round pick, and two fourth-round picks. It’s clear Atlanta won that deal as Jones is considered among the best receivers in the league.
Also, who can forget the mega-deals that were paid in order to acquire a running back? The 1999 Ricky Williams blockbuster still remains among the largest trades in NFL history, an entire draft and a future first and third by the Saints to exchange with Washington. However, there isn’t a clear winner among both sides.
And, of course, the Herschel Walker deal in 1989 in which Minnesota essentially traded enough draft picks for three Lombardi trophies to Dallas. We don’t need to explain who won this deal.
Ultimately, there is no fixed price that the Denver Broncos will have to give up if they want to pry Aaron Rodgers away from Green Bay. It all falls on the shoulders of Broncos general manager George Paton if he is willing to get aggressive and make an offer that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst can’t refuse.
While the latter has consistently spoken out against trading away Rodgers, only time will tell if his words will come to fruition, and all the eyes of the Mile High city will be watching.