If we look at the salary cap implications of the trade happening before June or post June as basic accounting, I think it leads to some interesting ideas.
Aaron Rodgers traded before June 1st → $40,313,570 in 2023
Aaron Rodgers traded after June 1st → $15,833,570 in 2023 and $24,480,000 in 2024
I think it is safe to say the Packers would prefer acceptable 2023 draft compensation AND to consume the dead cap hit in 2023 salary cap, yes? I can fall in line with that, however, I do not think it's the end of the world for the Packers to do a post June trade. And here is why.
NOTE: Teams have until May 1st to use 5th Year Designation. QB Jordan Love → $20.2m against the 2024 salary cap -- guaranteed.
Pre June 1st Rodgers Trade - Safe to say if Rodgers is traded before May 1st, the Packers absolutely use 5th year designation on Jordan Love, right?
- Rodgers cap hit is consumed solely in 2023 cap
Post June 1st Rodgers Trade - Even though I think it's unlikely, I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers and Love go into training camp (or even the season) working on an extension. I think this scenario is highly risky for the Packers. Jordan Love could simply choose to bet on himself and then try to cash in 2024.
- Rodgers cap hit $15,833,570 in 2023 and $24,480,000 in 2024
- The ~$24m 2023 "savings" (robbing Peter to pay Paul here) could be used on contract extensions or a portion of 2023 cap can be rolled over over into 2024. Browns carried $30m from 2021 into 2022. I would guess with that ~$24m they use it on guys like Rashan Gary, Jordan Love and whomever else.
While I would like the trade to go into July/August just to watch folks lose their mind, I really think the deal parameters are much closer to being final than any of us know. I can't remember a time when a player publicly stated they intended to paly for a different team and the trade didn't happen within days/weeks though, haha.
I do think if Rodgers is on the Packers roster 11:59pm on April 30th, that they kind of gain some leverage. I think the leverage tilts towards the Packers because they have their QB in camp while the Jets do not. Although, how do you keep Rodgers from doing something that could cause injury? And if he is injured, doe that money become guaranteed? Also, I am not in the belief that Rodgers showing up to camp rattles the cages of the Packers.
It is fun to speculate on all the scenarios even unlikely as they may be. If I had to bet on things, I would bet that Rodgers is traded during the draft and Packers use 5th year option on Love. Gosh, if he's not traded during the draft, the scenarios are fascinating!