With the NFL's postseason schedule set, exactly four discrete outcomes lie ahead for the Green Bay Packers this winter. While Packers Nation may feel that their team is only destined for one of these outcomes, the reality is that three other disappointing possibilities exist:
a Super Bowl loss, something Green Bay hasn't experienced since the Mike Holmgren era in 1998
a NFC Championship Game loss, which would be a repeat of last season's heartbreaker against the Bucs
an NFC Divisional Round loss: the absolute doomsday scenario that stunned the near-perfect Packers in 2012
Naturally, Packers fans yearn for a Super Bowl - or at least a Super Bowl appearance, at very minimum. But, equally as important, each of these four scenarios could have a unique influence on Aaron Rodgers' looming decision on whether to play again next season - and, if so, where he wishes to play. Rodgers recently shared that he would make the call on his future quickly after the Packers' season ends. So, let the early speculation begin.
...I'll reemphasize: speculation. Based on how Rodgers' season - one that he's described as the most fun he's had in years - comes to a close, it's likely to influence plans for his remaining playing days. Here are guesses at what happens with Rodgers - and, correspondingly, the Packers - based on how the team finishes the 2021 season.
Packers win the Super Bowl: Rodgers retires (might I add, as a Packer and only a Packer)
Packers lose the Super Bowl: Rodgers returns with interest in playing for Green Bay
Packers lose in either the NFC Championship Game or Divisional Round: Rodgers returns with interest in playing for a different team
We'll start with the best (short-term) scenario. If the Packers win the Super Bowl, I think Rodgers hangs up the cleats. While it would be surprising in the sense that he originally expressed interest in playing into his 40s, his recent quote related to "not wanting to go out as a bum" spoke volumes about what might happen if he has the opportunity to retire as a four-time MVP, two-time Super Bowl champ and on the heels of what's been magical season for Rodgers and the Packers.
If the Packers come up just short, I think Rodgers lends thought to staying in Green Bay. While the Packers will be challenged financially to uphold the continuity of key talent on the roster, Rodgers may feel that a franchise tag on Adams and retaining a handful of key vets (potentially at the expense of younger talent down the road) would give him the best chance at another ring over his final few seasons. However, this scenario requires mutual interest by the Packers' front office, which would likely require punting on the Jordan Love experiment this offseason.
Finally, should the Packers not even reach the Super Bowl, I have a tough time seeing Rodgers wanting to return to Green Bay. Despite being surrounded by a talent-rich supporting cast, he'll likely conclude that a change in scenery may be what's needed to get back to the game's greatest stage. Fortunately for him, there are plenty of teams happy to pivot from long-term franchise goals into "win now" mode (e.g., Broncos). Whether he'll truly be better positioned to chase another ring with those teams is highly questionable.
This last scenario would likely yield big-time draft capital for GM Brian Gutekunst and the Packers - but it would leave a massive question mark at the quarterback position. Which is the one position - like the 2021 Panthers, Saints, Dolphins and Browns will tell you - that can make or break a season. We can enjoy Rodgers and the Packers making a run at their first Super Bowl victory since February 2011 - but, that best-case outcome may be one that sends Green Bay into rebuild mode two months from now.
Comments