OPINION: Should the Cleveland Browns Trade for Aaron Rodgers?

It’s been a little over a week since the 2021 NFL Draft. Which means that it’s been the same amount of time that rumors of Aaron Rodgers wanting to leave the Green Bay Packers first emerged. 

The startling news was first reported a few hours before draft day and continues to be a story that NFL fans follow closely. The situation between the QB and the Packers franchise is believed to have deteriorated over the past few seasons. 

Starting with the draft of quarterback Jordan Love in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft, to not giving Aaron Rodgers the assurance of remaining Packers QB1 in the near future, the two parties seem destined to split. 

Unsurprisingly, a number of teams have been linked with making a trade for the 2020 NFL MVP. While most of such teams are in QB purgatory, the Cleveland Browns emerged as a surprise inclusion to the list.

The franchise has its starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield. But with Rodgers being an obvious upgrade, would it make sense for the Cleveland Browns to trade for Aaron Rodgers?

Trading for Aaron Rodgers could end up being a big mistake

The Browns are a franchise that have been hurt for years. The Browns had some of the tools that could lead them to success. But their overall inadequacies shone much brighter.

But 2020 was different for the Browns. In their first season under Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns finally broke their 18-year-long playoff drought.

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And many feel that a good chunk of their success could be credited to the performances of Baker Mayfield. The quarterback struggled with his previous coaches at the franchise.

Compiling a playbook suited to Baker’s game, Stefanski helped Mayfield address his issues with throwing interceptions. Brining in the Packers would only undo all the good work the duo have achieved in only their first season together.

Another important factor to remember is the age difference between the two quarterbacks. While Baker enters the 2021 NFL season aged 26, Rodgers will be entering his 17th season in the league at the of 37. 

And MVP talent, sure. But one knows that time isn’t on Rodgers’ side. With the offensive unit this side has, Rodgers could well carry the Browns to a Super Bowl. But how much of that unit would remain at Cleveland if it happened is a question mark.

To land Rodgers, the Browns will have to trade away some serious draft capital and possibly some of their biggest stars. But that’s the price one must pay to get the reigning MVP. 

If the Browns have a win-now strategy, then trading for Rodgers would be understandable. But that would simply jeopardize the future of a franchise that could become serious contenders for the next couple of years to come.  

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