With Derek Carr's retirement, the idea of Aaron Rodgers joining the Saints suddenly seems much more plausible. RG3 shared this thought on X, suggesting that the Saints should reach out to Rodgers now that Carr is out of the picture.
While some people disagreed, there’s a reasonable argument to be made here. It’s clear that Rodgers prefers not to play in the AFC. Although he might consider a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it doesn’t seem like a move he would be thrilled about. After all, why would he be? The road to the Super Bowl is significantly tougher in the AFC compared to the NFC.
If Aaron were to join the Steelers, he would have to face formidable opponents like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, among others, just to have a shot at the championship.
In contrast, the playoff journey in the NFC, with players like Baker Mayfield, Dak Prescott, and Matthew Stafford, likely appears much less daunting to him.
The Packers might not have left him with much of a choice when he was traded to the Jets. Although it was reported that they were flexible with his trade request, it's probable that the team would have asked for significantly more in return if he had remained in the same conference.
Aaron Rodgers and Robert Griffin III
Sep 15, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10)meet at the field after the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Redskins 38-20.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Derek Carr's retirement has made the possibility of signing Rodgers much more feasible for the Saints. Without the savings from the salary cap, their chances were quite slim.
Interestingly, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough will both celebrate their birthdays on September 28th, turning 25 and 26 respectively. They still have plenty of time ahead of them, and I believe that learning under a future Hall-of-Famer for a year will only benefit their growth.