Aaron Rodgers’ pre-divorce MVP and Super Bowl frontrunner season is poised to rattle the NFL like never before

Aaron Rodgers’ journey has always been compelling — the quarterback fell in the draft, had to wait his turn on the sideline, replaced a legend and became an icon — and his latest chapter has stitched together drama, awkwardness, ignorance and excellence in a way that has never been seen.

In April, Rodgers reportedly told members of the Packers organisation he didn’t want to stay in Green Bay for his 17th season. During the off-season, he declined a contract extension, skipped voluntary organised team activities for the first time in his career then sat out mandatory minicamp. He hosted “Jeopardy!” and questioned whether he wanted to continue his football career. He then returned to the only NFL team he’s ever known, as he — and impending free-agent wide receiver Davante Adams — posted matching photos of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen with the Chicago Bulls, intimating it was their last dance with the team.

Rodgers opened the season with the worst loss of his career, throwing for 133 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 38-3 loss to the Saints. In November, Rodgers suffered an unthinkable hit to his popularity and credibility when he tested positive for COVID-19 and was revealed to have misled the public about his vaccination status.

Now Rodgers, 38, looks like a lock to become the second-oldest NFL MVP in history. He is listed as a strong favourite (-175), followed by Jonathan Taylor (+600) and Tom Brady (+650). The fourth MVP award of his career — and second consecutive — would place Rodgers alone in second place all-time, only trailing Peyton Manning’s five MVPs.

Since the season-opening loss, Rodgers has thrown two interceptions in 13 games and the Packers (12-3) have built the best record in the NFL. It could lead to the team’s first trip back to the Super Bowl since Rodgers won a ring 11 years ago. Then, his time in Green Bay could end.

There is no precedent for such a path. A reigning NFL MVP never has been traded. Other late-stage divorces between superstar quarterbacks and their longtime teams offered some rational explanation. Brett Favre threatened retirement 100 times. Manning missed an entire season after neck surgery and stood in the way of No. 1 pick Andrew Luck. Brady was 42, coming off his worst statistical season in 13 years and a playoff loss in the wild-card round.

Rodgers’ potential departure would have been sparked by Green Bay’s questionable trade to move up and select Jordan Love — who threw a nation-worst 17 interceptions at Utah State — with the 26th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Rodgers had just led the Packers to the NFC Championship game and had no plans to walk away, as Favre did.

“My sincere desire to start and finish with the same organisation … may not be a reality at this point,” Rodgers said shortly after the selection. “And as much as I understand the organisation’s future outlook and wanting to make sure they’re thinking about the team now and down the line, and I respect that, at the same time, I still believe in myself and have a strong desire to play into my 40s, and I’m just not sure how that all works together at this point.”

Rodgers responded by winning his third MVP and leading the Packers to a second straight NFC Championship game appearance. He believed it might be his final season in Green Bay. Then came a months-long feud during which the quarterback questioned the team’s commitment and fumed at his lack of involvement in personnel decisions.

“A commitment for the 2021 season and beyond … that really wasn’t given at any time,” Rodgers said. “So for me, I had to assess the situation, not necessarily wanting to be a lame-duck quarterback, especially after an MVP season, which I think you can understand.

“I felt like if you can’t commit to me past 2021 and I’m not part of your recruiting process in free agency, if I’m not a part of the future, then instead of letting me be a lame-duck quarterback, if you want to make a change and move forward, then go ahead and do it.”

This season’s success may not change anything. There are consequences for this summer’s staredown.

After restructuring Rodgers’ contract and voiding the final year (2023) of his deal, Green Bay could face a cap hit of roughly $46 million if Rodgers returns to Green Bay. The Packers are already projected to have the lowest amount of cap space in the league next season with Rodgers’ salary slated to eat up over 20 per cent of their total space. Plus, Love will be entering the third year of a four-year contract, having thrown just 41 passes. He led the Packers to seven points during the Nov. 7 loss to the Chiefs while Rodgers was out with Covid.

An easily avoidable predicament could leave the Packers in shambles next season instead of chasing another ring. And a mediocre team could become a juggernaut, like when the Broncos landed Manning and the Bucs signed Brady.

The Eagles, Panthers, Broncos and Dolphins reportedly checked in on Rodgers’ availability during the spring. Each would be expected to be interested again. If Ben Roethlisberger retires, the Steelers could be in the mix, too. If the Browns are ready to give up on Baker Mayfield, they could contend for a title with Rodgers in the huddle. Who would bet against Rodgers winning another championship, as Manning and Brady did, with even more motivation in a new place?

Before that, Rodgers will win another MVP. Then, perhaps, the Packers’ first title in more than a decade. Goodbyes are rarely so great. Goodbyes are rarely so strange and unnecessary.

- New York Post