The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers have reportedly gotten “closer” to finalizing an Aaron Rodgers trade, however, there is a new holdup in getting the deal across the finish line.
With most of the big-name talents off the NFL free agent market, much of the offseason focus has shifted to the trade market. The most notable name up for grabs is future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers, but his destination is already determined, at least for now.
The sports world is well aware that the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets are engaged in discussions to send the four-time MVP to the AFC and bring a legendary era to an end. However, despite both teams’ strong desire to get a trade done, the process has hit some hurdles.
Related: Aaron Rodgers’ return to Green Bay Packers still an option according to team’s GM
The most recent reports on the discussions claimed that the Packers’ preference for a first-round pick in 2023 was a cost the Jets were not ready to pay, yet a new report claims that a deal is actually close, but there is a new stumbling block that is keeping things from crossing the goal line.
New York Jets record (2022): 7-10, last place in AFC East
On Monday night, Yahoo Sports NFL insider Charles Robinson reported that the two sides are now “closer” on an Aaron Rodgers trade but draft compensation for the New York Jets has become the latest issue in negotiations.
“The trade is currently orbiting a deal that would swap Rodgers for two high draft picks, according to multiple sources who spoke with Yahoo Sports. The sources characterized a deal as getting ‘closer’ despite stiff negotiation over how those picks would stack up and whether the package would include ‘give back’ protection for the Jets if Rodgers does not play beyond the 2023 season.”
– Charles Robinson
Also of note is that both sides are looking for certain picks to be altered based on Rodgers’ performance in 2023. If the “Jets were to host a home divisional playoff game or advance to the AFC championship game” the second of a pair of day-two selections going to Green Bay would turn into a first-round pick.
On the New York Jets side, Robinson reports that the team wants 2025 draft compensation if the legendary QB decides to call it a career after just one season in New York.
While both are notable hurdles, neither seems like the type that will stop a deal from getting done.