The Green Bay Packers could very well be close to trading four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in what would be yet another major quarterback-related blockbuster around the NFL.
After meeting with Rodgers in California earlier this week, the Jets are confident that a trade is nearing. If it does come through, this would be a franchise altering move. It also won’t come cheap from a compensation standpoint.
According to NFL insider Michael Lombardi, the Packers are requesting a first-round pick in exchange for Rodgers. Said asking price would also include future conditional compensation based on whether the 39-year-old signal caller suits up beyond the 2023 season.
It stands to reason that the Packers would demand New York’s first-round pick in 2023 (13th overall). It’s also common logic to believe that New York has agreed to this asking price. Green Bay had to grant permission for the Jets to meet with Rodgers.
At this point, it’s a commonly held belief that Rodgers will either play for the Jets or retire altogether. He just exited a four-day darkness retreat (whatever that means) to contemplate his future in the NFL. Those around the league believe that Rodgers has played his final snap for the Green Bay Packers after 18 up-and-down (largely up) seasons in Wisconsin.
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As for the New York Jets, acquiring someone of Rodgers’ ilk would be an absolute boon for head coach Robert Saleh and Co. They stared out last season with a 7-4 record before losing their final six games. A large part of that was due to the performance of former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson as a sophomore under center. Obviously, Rodgers would be a marked upgrade.
- Aaron Rodgers stats: 65.3% completion, 59,055 yards, 475 TD, 105 INT, 103.6 QB rating
Those around the league also believe that Green Bay is secretly hoping Rodgers opts to retire or request a trade. It is prepared to move forward with former first-round pick Jordan Love at quarterback, meaning a trade could be completed in short order should Rodgers decide to play his 19th season in Jersey.