19 NFL predictions for 5 years in the future of the league

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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2021 NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers, 2021 NFL Draft (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

14. Aaron Rodgers will still be playing… in the AFC West

Let’s get bolder! Everyone knows about the Aaron Rodgers saga, even those who tend to watch more Jeopardy! episodes than football games. Whether it happens this off-season or in a future one, I can’t see Rodgers’ tenure in Green Bay ending well. Either him or Jordan Love won’t be around long, and I’m guessing it’s not the player they traded up to take in the first round. Rodgers will be 42 in five years, which is fine for today’s quarterback standards (See: Tom Brady).

But where will he end up? The consensus seems to be Denver, and it makes sense. Although may I suggest Las Vegas? After everything I just said about them, a marriage between one of football’s best active quarterbacks and an extravagant, big-stage city makes sense.

Maybe the Chargers take a swing on him if Justin Herbert doesn’t pan out, though all signs point to Herbert’s future success in L.A.

15. Luke Kuechly will be in the Hall of Fame

Believe it or not, Luke Kuechly was the first retired non-quarterback I thought of when thinking about future Hall of Famers. In his eight years in the league, Kuechly reached seven Pro Bowls, was named to five First-Team All-Pros and helped to lead the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl.

He was arguably the NFL’s best linebacker during his career, though I understand concerns about his career length. For what it’s worth, I find that argument blasphemous. Terrell Davis was the best running back in football for three years before injuries derailed his career, and he still made the Hall of Fame. If he can do it, Kuechly should be a lock for a gold jacket.