Aaron Rodgers has cut his darkness retreat short as he faces an impending decision about his future.
According to ESPN, Aaron Rodgers has concluded his darkness retreat, as reported by the owner of the Oregon-based Sky Cave Retreats. Rodgers departed from the retreat on Wednesday, two days earlier than initially planned, as disclosed by NFL Network last week. On "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers had previously stated that he would spend four days in complete darkness to "contemplate all things" and make a decision that he believes would be in his best interest. This marks the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of Rodgers' 2023 offseason, during which he and the Green Bay Packers will have to decide their future together: whether to stay or separate, via trade or retirement. All options have been discussed extensively throughout the offseason, and the outcome remains uncertain until Rodgers and the Packers make a final decision.
Rodgers has three options available to him. Jeff Darlington of ESPN reported on Wednesday that the Packers believe Rodgers will return to the team. If the Packers decide to trade Rodgers before June 1, they would owe $40.3 million in 2023, and $15.8 million if he were traded after June 1, according to Over The Cap. If Rodgers remains in Green Bay, the team would owe him $59.465 million this season. This would also affect the situation of Jordan Love, who is said to be uninterested in sitting behind Rodgers for another year and may seek a trade.
The New York Jets have been rumored to be the most prominent team interested in Rodgers if the Packers move on from him. The Jets have been linked to several veteran quarterbacks, including Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Ryan Tannehill, due to their coaching connections. However, the hiring of former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who coached Rodgers in Green Bay, makes the possibility of reuniting Rodgers with receiver Davante Adams in Las Vegas a likely option. Any team in need of an experienced passer could consider acquiring Rodgers, though cost may be a factor.
The third option is retirement, which is the least probable outcome, but still an option. Rodgers reportedly considered retiring before signing his massive deal last offseason and recently stated that he's "either all-in or all-out," though this could also just be a reference to his attachment to the Packers.
ESPN's Xuan Thai spoke with Scott Berman, the owner of Sky Cave Retreats where Rodgers stayed, about the accommodations and experience. Berman described the room as a "partially underground, Hobbit-like structure" with 300 square feet of space, a queen bed, a bathroom, and a meditation mat on the floor. The room has electricity and lighting, which can be turned on at any time from inside the room. Berman checks on guests once daily, and there are no restrictions on remaining in complete darkness.
