Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors: Broncos Not Negotiating for Packers QB Despite Buzz

At least one team is reportedly showing serious interest in Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but nothing is imminent as the NFL draft gets underway.

Amid reports that the Denver Broncos had expressed interest in the quarterback, Pro Football Talk reported that Denver is focused instead on who it will pick when it drafts No. 9 overall on Thursday night. Mike Klis of Denver's 9News said the two sides "are not in talks" at the moment. 

The longtime Packers quarterback has reportedly said he does not want to return to the team, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.  

The Broncos acquired Teddy Bridgewater via trade from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, and he may slot in ahead of Drew Lock under center. Last season, Lock played in 13 games, amassing 2,933 yards and 16 touchdowns and league-leading 15 interceptions. Bridgewater threw for 3,733 yards, 15 TDs and 11 interceptions in 15 starts for the Panthers in 2020. 

According to Schefter, Rodgers' disappointment with the Packers dates back to the NFL draft, when the team selected quarterback Jordan Love without informing him.

NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported that Rodgers has a mutual attraction to Denver, rooted in the "sense of 'freedom' he'd feel running an offense with a franchise that has John Elway in the front office. In addition to the sense of trust he's reportedly building off of, there's familiarity as well. 

Pro Football Talk reported that general manager George Paton and head coach Vic Fangio are interested in Rodgers, considering they have plenty of experience playing against him during their time with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, respectively.

When Schefter initially published his report Thursday afternoon, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told him that the team was planning to move forward with the 37-year-old quarterback. 

"As we've stated since the season ended, we are committed to Aaron in 2021 and beyond," he said. "Aaron has been a vital part of our success and we look forward to competing for another championship with him leading our team."

But hours later, that may have changed.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN that the team is "now open to the reality" that Rodgers could be on the move, and the more likely destination would be a team in the AFC, putting the Broncos in position to contend. The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders were also among his preferred landing spots, according to Pro Football Talk.