The New York Jets are reportedly optimistic they will land future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and have begun discussing trade parameters with the Green Bay Packers.
New York sent owner Woody Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on Tuesday to meet with Rodgers. The 39-year-old quarterback was reportedly weighing retirement or playing for New York next season.
- Aaron Rodgers contract: $31.62 million cap hit (2023), $40.7 million cap hit (’24), $59.3 million cap hit (’25), $53.45 million cap hit (’26)
A four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers’ career with the Packers is believed to be over. The franchise is ready to start quarterback Jordan Love, with the Packers’ front office and coaching staff on the same page for making a change.
Related: NFL teams skeptical Green Bay Packers get strong return in Aaron Rodgers trade
Following a four-day darkness retreat, the one-time Super Bowl MVP put off making a decision regarding his future. However, reports indicated that Green Bay would signal to the face of the franchise that it was ready to move on. Now, the wheels are in motion for a potential deal with New York this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Jets came away from their meeting with Rodgers with optimism that they will land him. Both teams began discussing the parameters of a deal before the face-to-face session, going over the initial details of a trade and contract restructuring.
Related: NFL insider says Green Bay Packers ‘disgusted’ by Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay is expected to eat a larger portion of Rodgers’ contract and the 10-time Pro Bowl selection already expressed a willingness to alter his deal. As a result, his cap hit if traded to the Jets will likely be lower than it is now.
- Aaron Rodgers cap hit: $31.623 million in 2023
Because the Jets are the only suitor remaining for Rodgers, the return package for Green Bay is expected to be far less than the Seattle Seahawks received in the Russell Wilson trade. However, the organization is motivated to make a deal so it can move on from Rodgers and start fresh at quarterback with a player it is very high on.
NFL teams can’t officially make a trade until the new league year begins at 12 PM ET on March 15. However, the Packers and Jets can have a deal in place that could be reported before Wednesday.
