The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers have been engaged for weeks in trade talks centered around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With the 2023 NFL Draft closing in, there is reportedly another hurdle that is holding up a deal.
While all involved parties want a resolution in place by April 28, there appears to be no end in sight for the blockbuster trade talks. New York has reportedly wanted Green Bay to attach a conditional 2025 pick in the deal, sent to the Jets if Rodgers retires after the 2023 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)
The Packers have thus far been unwilling to make that unwilling to agree on those terms, believing their asking price for Rodgers already factors in the cost of retirement. However, another element of a potential deal also seems to be standing in the way of an agreement.
Related: Jets believe Packers ‘unreasonable’ for Aaron Rodgers trade
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported on March 27 that the Packers and Jets were discussing a swap of Rodgers and two high draft picks. New York would send one of its second-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft and a 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if specific criteria are met next season. It now appears as if even that won’t be enough for Green Bay.
Robinson shared on the You Pod to Win the Game that the Packers are ‘adamant’ about receiving a first-round pick back from the Jets in any deal.
“I had a chance to talk to somebody inside the Packers. What I was told was, they’re really actually pretty adamant about wanting a first-round pick in the 2024 draft without escalators, without anything attached to it. They just want a first-round pick in the 2024 draft. That is what’s kinda creating chaos right now.”
NFL insider Charles Robinson on latest Green Bay Packers’ asking price for an Aaron Rodgers trade
The Jets are against that requirement for obvious reasons. While they expect to be a Super Bowl contender in 2023 with Rodgers, there is also a desire for insurance. If the future Hall of Fame quarterback suffers a significant injury, New York is stuck with Zach Wilson and starting him likely means a much higher first-round pick goes to the Packers.
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From Green Bay’s perspective, the demands are tied to positional value and a desire to build for both the present and future. The 2023 second-round pick acquired from New York would allow the Packers to add an immediate piece to help create a better supporting cast around Jordan Love for the upcoming season.
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Meanwhile, most in the NFL believe the 2024 draft class will be stronger than the pool of talent in the 2023 class. From that perspective, the Packers see more value in obtaining the Jets’ 2024 first-round pick and don’t believe it should be conditional.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 103.6 QB rating, 475-105 TD-INT, 59,055 passing yards
While many around the league believe a trade will eventually be worked out, it has already taken longer than expected. As the 2023 NFL Draft draws closer, both teams will start facing more pressure to make a deal and turn the page at quarterback.
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