Derek Carr sent shockwaves through the NFL world with his surprise retirement this weekend, and the ripple effects could reach the Green Bay Packers.
It immediately raises new questions about Aaron Rodgers’ status. All roads seemingly led to the four-time MVP eventually signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but NFL player-turned-analyst Roch Ohrnberger believes Carr’s sudden retirement could throw a wrench into those plans.
“Rodgers NOT signing with Pittsburgh Steelers makes a lot of sense now,” writes Ohrnberger. “Derek Carr retires. My guess is the New Orleans Saints sign Rodgers in 7 to 10 business days.”
It’s undoubtedly a bold prediction, and the Steelers still feel like the best landing spot for Rodgers, but we can’t rule it out. A surprise Rodgers-to-Saints pivot might initially seem like an inconsequential move from a Packers perspective, but for fans eagerly awaiting an impending revenge game, it’s bad news.
The Packers play the Steelers this season, but not the Saints. All that anticipation over a Rodgers-Packers showdown? Crushed.
Packers fans hope Derek Carr’s retirement doesn’t lead to a last-minute Aaron Rodgers pivot
Some Packers fans love Rodgers for everything he gave this team, while others have grown frustrated after his awkward exit and rumored push to play for the Minnesota Vikings. No matter where you stand, the idea of a Rodgers vs. Packers game is fascinating for everyone — it’s either an intriguing, one-off matchup against a franchise legend or a full-on revenge game.
Ohrnberger raises a fair point. Rodgers’ delay could be interpreted as waiting for other opportunities to arise, and perhaps he is intrigued by the Saints’ sudden need for a quarterback.
However, it’s also fair to argue that Pittsburgh is still the best landing spot. The Steelers have made the playoffs four times in the past five seasons and added offensive talent this offseason, including star wide receiver DK Metcalf.
That’s the hope.
The league has already stolen the prospect of a unique Rodgers-Packers contest in Dublin away from us. We don’t want to lose the revenge game altogether.
