Imagine the Miami Dolphins with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback
You can’t help but not think about this opportunity – Aaron Rodgers as a Miami Dolphin? Just thinking about that should give Miami Dolphins fans goosebumps. Yes, there were many rumors suggesting Deshaun Watson to the Dolphins, but those have faded mainly due to his legal concerns and to be honest, Watson is not comparable to Rodgers.
But Aaron Rodgers? A Super Bowl Champion, a two-time NFL MVP, multiple pro bowls, and a resume that is comparable to Dan Marino? This is a player that never becomes available. The last time the Dolphins were linked to a player of this caliber was Barry Sanders. The Dolphins were trying to get Dan Marino a running back to finally lift the team to a Super Bowl.
The downside, Rodgers is 37 years old, but if Tom Brady has taught us anything, Rodgers could play for another four to five years. The Dolphins’ offense has talent that could entice Rodgers. A WR group that is better than what he has in Green Bay, although there is no Devante Adams, the talent of Jaylen Waddle, Devante Parker, and Will Fuller is something far better than what is in GB. There is also a TE group that has Mike Gesicki and a supporting cast that looks legit with the addition of Hunter Long. You add an offensive line that is built with 1st and 2nd round picks, the talent is there for Rodgers to consider.
The only downside? No legit running back. If the Dolphins trade for Rodgers, you have to believe that Todd Gurley or Lavon Bell would sign with the team immediately, thereby completing the offense that could finally take the Dolphins to the Super Bowl. Those are the expectations that Rodgers would bring to Miami – Super Bowl, as he has made a deep run into the playoffs almost every single year.
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On the flip side, what type of compensation would it require to get Rodgers? The only comparison would be to look at the Carson Palmer trade from Cincinnati to Oakland. Cincinnati shipped Palmer to Oakland for a first-round pick and a conditional second-round pick. Let’s be honest with each other first, Green Bay has had a fortunate run on quarterbacks for the last 20 years. Brett Favre to Aaron Rodger has made life in Green Bay easy, with that being said, Miami would need to include Tua Tagovailoa. In addition to Tua, the Dolphins might be wise to include Devante Parker and a 2022 first-round pick and 2023 2nd round pick.
This suggested trade would eliminate the Dolphins from a 1st round selection next year, but they still maintain two 1st rounders in 2023, to continue to build and protect Rodgers. In terms of cap space, the Dolphins have the cap space this year to support it and next year if Rodgers creates a deep playoff run, they are in a great position to negotiate his contract. Basically, the Miami Dolphins have the structure and cap space to accommodate Aaron Rodgers today and tomorrow.
One key component that I haven’t presented yet, is the starting-caliber defense that will support Rodgers. A revised state income in Florida for him to obtain more assets, out of the frozen tundra of Green Bay, and an easier path to the Super Bowl than within his current NFC division. The Bills are the Dolphins’ primary competition, with the Patriots and Jets in a rebuilding stage. The Dolphins got blown out last year in week 17 but were competitive with Buffalo early in the season. You now add Aaron Rodgers, and you have to think the Dolphins would be the favorite to win the division outright and a potential 1st round bye.
It’s hard not to think about the possibilities, and what can potentially unfold. The Miami Dolphins defense is playoff-caliber, you add last year’s MVP to an offense that has speed, not just NFL speed, but break-out speed with the addition of Jaylen Waddle, this offense has the potential to be comparative to Kansas City.
That’s what Rodgers would bring to Miami. The cost, 2 former 1st round picks, and one extra one, in my opinion, is worth it. Bring your talent to South Beach Mr. Rodgers and take over our neighborhood.