49ers rumors: Packers want hefty exchange for Aaron Rodgers trade

Sure, it’s provocative to think the 49ers could finally trade for Aaron Rodgers this season, but it appears as if the Packers will keep that from happening again.

Yes, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a strange fellow, and he also might be tough to deal with.

However, despite a lackluster 2022 campaign, Rodgers is still a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Yet the shape of the Packers’ roster heading into 2023, and probably also influenced by his numerous conflicts with Green Bay’s front office, it appears as if the former Cal star from Northern California has played his final game in the green and gold.

Would this mean Rodgers would somehow find a way to return home to play for his boyhood team, the San Francisco 49ers?

Sorry to burst your bubble if you were hoping so, but, no. Rodgers won’t be traded to the Niners this offseason.

For starters, San Francisco found itself shot down by Green Bay already back in the 2021 offseason, and that’s straight from head coach Kyle Shanahan himself.

Tack on Rodgers’ recent comments about “not going to San Fran,” and anyone who was hoping the 49ers would go with the veteran over incumbent youngsters, Trey Lance and Brock Purdy, will be in for a disappointment.

But, there’s more.

Packers’ asking price for Aaron Rodgers already eliminates 49ers from bidding

Despite being 39 years old and coming off one of the poorest seasons of his career, Rodgers will have no shortage of suitors this offseason.

According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Green Bay isn’t looking to move the quarterback for just whatever it can get. No, King reports that the Packers’ asking price is at least two first-round NFL Draft picks.

If a bidding war ensues, expect that price tag to go up.

Still without a first-round selection this year because of the 2021 trade to grab Lance, the Niners are effectively out of the bidding war before one actually starts. To compound San Francisco’s situation, it also lacks a pick in Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft after trading for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.

With a number of their marquee players poised to either hit hefty contract numbers this year, or other stars like EDGE Nick Bosa preparing to empty the 49ers’ savings account, the Niners are going to need future first- and second-round picks (and associated cheaper contracts) to offset massive price tags on players like Bosa, tight end George Kittle and left tackle Trent Williams.

Trading for Rodgers and then fitting in his own contract in there?

Nope, won’t happen.