Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers is still in the process of making a decision about his future in the league.
Rodgers, 39, just exited a four-day “darkness retreat” in which the enigmatic future Hall of Famer contemplated whether to return to the Green Bay Packers, request a trade to another team or retire altogether.
It’s not yet known what Rodgers is going to decide. He’s also been a bit of a loose cannon, especially when deciding on a future in the gridiron world.
One team has been linked to Rodgers more than others. That comes in the form of Robert Saleh and the New York Jets.
According to this note from veteran NFL reporter Trey Wingo, the two sides reportedly had conversations on Monday about a potential union. Wingo notes that Rodgers is “open to the idea of” heading to Jersey while indicating that “nothing is imminent.”
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky followed that report up by indicating that a “contingent of Jets team officials are scheduled to fly out” and meet with Rodgers personally on Tuesday.
This is a rather interesting development in that it suggests Rodgers is seriously considering playing for another team outside of the Packers in 2023. It also comes at the same time that reports suggest Green Bay would prefer Rodgers either opt to retire or request a trade. In order for the Jets to talk with Rodgers, they need permission from Green Bay. After all, he’s still under contract with the Packers.
Related: Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets?
The New York Jets as a fit for Aaron Rodgers
Looking to find a quarterback to replace the struggling Zach Wilson, New York previously met with four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr. A marriage did not come to fruition with Carr agreeing to a four-year, $150 million contract to play for the New Orleans Saints.
Despite this, rumors linking Rodgers to Jersey just won’t die down. Jets owner Woody Johnson played into that back in February.
“You want the best quarterback that you can get to lead the Jets. I can’t really talk about him, because he’s a member of another club, but everybody recognizes talent when they see it.”
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson on Aaron Rodgers
It must also be noted that New York hired former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett to be its next offensive coordinator. Hackett served in that role with Rodgers and the Packers from 2019-21. The two are said to have enjoyed a great relationship in Green Bay.
- Aaron Rodgers stats (2022): 64.6% completion, 3,695 yards, 26 TD, 12 INT, 91.1 QB rating
Despite a down 2022 season, Rodgers would be an upgrade for pretty much all but five teams around the NFL. In fact, the stats he put up for the Packers last year would represent the best for a Jets quarterback since Chad Pennington back in 2002.
New York boasts some solid skill-position talent in that of running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. It also has a capable offensive line and one of the more-talented defenses in the NFL.
In a vacuum, Rodgers to New Jersey makes sense. However, there’s several other layers to a potential blockbuster. First off, Green Bay is said to want at least two first-round picks for the future Hall of Famer. Secondly, he’s playing under a massive three-year, $150.8 million contract that would require a restructure in order for Green Bay to trade him.