Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed in March his desire to play for the New York Jets in 2023. As the Packers and Jets continue to negotiate a potential trade, it appears New York reportedly could’ve faced some competition.
When the 2023 NFL offseason began, many viewed the Jets as the only viable landing spot for Rodgers. It became even more apparent when the Las Vegas Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo and the Tennessee Titans hinted they were rebuilding.
- Aaron Rodgers contract: $31.62 million cap hit (2023)
The Jets flew out team officials to meet with Rodgers, after receiving permission from the Packers. Thanks to the meeting, Rodgers announced his desire to play for New York this fall and he called on Green Bay to complete a trade.
There have been no signs of progress on trade talks between the two sides since. The Jets don’t want to part with an unprotected first-round pick, insisting on conditions and potential protections for them in case Rodgers retires next spring. Meanwhile, Green Bay is holding out for a much stronger return with the belief its asking price already accounts for Rodgers’ indecisiveness regarding his career.
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While many around the league still expect Rodgers to play for the Jets in 2023, with the two teams likely figuring out a deal before the 2023 NFL Draft, there was reportedly at one point another suitor in the mix for Rodgers.
Packers” reporter Rob Demovsky shared on ESPN’s NFL Live that the Packers could entertain talks with another team if talks with New York don’t progress. Demovsky also noted that there was at least one other NFL team interested in Rodgers.
The Packers could be using this to create leverage in trade talks with New York. If the Jets believe there is any other suitor for Rodgers, there suddenly becomes a risk of losing out on the four-time NFL MVP and having to settle for Zach Wilson.
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However, it’s not easy to find another viable suitor at this point in the offseason. The Raiders are satisfied with Garoppolo, the San Francisco 49ers are high on their quarterback options and there are conflicting reports on Mac Jones’ future with the New England Patriots.
While Green Bay might’ve had additional suitors for Rodgers early in the offseason, the 39-year-old’s decision to not make a decision on his future until after the start of NFL free agency pushed several potential clubs to alternative options.
Ultimately, it would still be a surprise if the Packers and Jets don’t have a deal in place by the second night of the NFL Draft. It just might be a deal that has to come together at the last minute, with both teams feeling like they lost too much value in the trade.