Colin Cowherd: Aaron Rodgers Fits 49ers, Saints, Chargers If He Leaves Packers

Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd said Thursday there are three "perfect fits" for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers if he leaves the organization in two years: the Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. 

Cowherd explained the stance on his radio show, The Herd:

Rodgers, 36, is basically locked into the Packers through 2021. His four-year, $134 million contract includes massive dead-cap hits—$19.6 million in 2020 and $31.6 million in 2021 for a post-June 1 release or trade this year or $14.3 million in 2021 and $17.2 million in 2022 for a post-June 1 move next year.

The numbers begin to decline in 2022, though the deal runs through the 2023 season.

His contract situation is why the Packers' selection of Utah State quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft caught so many people off guard.

Rodgers hasn't discussed the situation publicly, but former Green Bay superstar Brett Favre said Thursday on the Rich Eisen Show (via ESPN's Rob Demovsky) he spoke with the two-time NFL MVP, who was "surprised that they went in that direction."

"My gut tells me no," Favre said when asked whether his replacement in 2008 will finish his career with the organization. "I don't know this for certain, but I guarantee you, it's got the wheels turning in Aaron's mind. If that's the case, then that means there's a chip on his shoulder toward the organization that otherwise was not there. All he needs is a reason other than this reason to expedite that."

Cowherd suggested Rodgers, the NFL's all-time leader in career passer rating (102.4), will be the perfect plug-and-play option for a contender once his contract becomes more movable.

The fit with the Chargers and Niners would be dependent on the success of Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, and Jimmy Garoppolo, respectively.

New Orleans could be a more direct match. Longtime starter Drew Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract in March to keep him with the franchise through 2021.

If Brees, 41, retires at the conclusion of that deal, the Saints could bring in Rodgers in an effort to remain among the NFC's elite while searching for a long-term replacement at the league's most important position.

A lot could change before the 2022 offseason, however, so it's impossible to handicap the Rodgers' trade sweepstakes. His own level of play over the next two years will also be a key factor.