Teams called Brandon Marshall about Aaron Rodgers' status

Alleged NFL insider Brandon Marshall. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Teams called Brandon Marshall regarding Aaron Rodgers' retirement status

By Colum Dell | Last updated 3/3/23

Former wide receiver Brandon Marshall isn't a reporter, but he can confirm that at least four teams are interested in trading for Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers.

On Tuesday, Marshall posted a video on Instagram suggesting Rodgers was retiring, leaving many to wonder if he was breaking news. As it turned out, the clip promoted the second episode of his new show, "Paper Route," titled "Aaron Rodgers Should Retire," which some failed to realize.

Speculations intensified after a screenshot of Marshall's post that included his caption, "@aaronrodgers12 RETIRES... . CONGRATULATIONS," circulated on Twitter. The screenshot and video caught the attention of NFL executives, but it seems they didn't catch the show.

In the following "Paper Route" episode, Marshall revealed that four executives contacted him about Rodgers' status.

BREAKING NEWS

At least FOUR NFL teams want in on Aaron Rodgers

“How do I know that? Because they all called me this morning.” - Brandon Marshall

Subscribe & watch the full #PaperRoute convo → https://t.co/qL4lULFVXg pic.twitter.com/WtGnhvmge1
— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) March 1, 2023

After reluctance to share additional information, Marshall confessed that all the teams that contacted him were from the AFC.

Even if Marshall didn't announce Rodgers' retirement, that doesn't mean it won't happen. ESPN's Adam Schefter said on "SportsCenter" Friday that there are more indications that Rodgers will leave Green Bay this offseason, likely by retiring or joining the Jets.

Rodgers had one of the worst statistical seasons of his 18-year career in 2022. He posted his lowest QBR (39.3) and averaged the fewest passing yards per game (217.4) since becoming Green Bay's starter.

There's little left to prove for the four-time MVP and one-time Super Bowl champ, but considering he's guaranteed $59.5 million next season, it'd be surprising if he retired.

An announcement on Rodgers' future should be made soon. Last week, he completed a "darkness retreat" in Oregon, where he considered his options. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this week he would like the situation resolved by March 15, the start of the new league year.

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