There has been nothing to Aaron Rodgers and the New Orleans Saints this offseason other than need at the position. At a recent event, Rodgers put the final nail in the coffin, and this conversation should never come up again.
A fan asked Rodgers if he would consider going to the Saints. Not if he wants to do it, but simply is it something he'd ponder. Rodgers swiftly answered, "no." He let it linger in the air before any elaboration. "I’ve played there a couple times, but no. I’m too old, I don’t want to live in Louisiana.”
Rodgers had previously left the Saints out of teams he had discussions with, so that was a sign there was no interest from the team's side. Of course, that doesn't stop fans from desiring and speculating. This comment, however, shows the disinterest from Rodgers as well. No one wants to hear a player say they wouldn't consider going to their team, but in this case, it's the best thing for the Saints.
Aaron Rodgers would have been a Band-Aid for the Saints
There have been conversations around the value of adding a veteran quarterback to the room. Having a player who has been around the league could help the young quarterbacks develop, but there's a difference between adding a veteran and adding Aaron Rodgers.
You'd bring a veteran in to be a mentor the starter can rely on. Rodgers is coming in to be a starter. You have Tyler Shough in the room to be your future. Acquiring Rodgers would signify the desire to give Shough a year to develop or the Saints trying to keep a closed window open for another year.
Either way, Rodgers would merely be a one-year solution. It's time to move into the future. Young offensive mind at head coach, multiple coaches on staff with connections to the college game and a new starting quarterback. Picking up Rodgers would be a complete 180 degree turn from of the direction the Saints are currently headed.
