There is a very good chance that we will see Aaron Rodgers dealt from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets at some point before the 2023 NFL Draft late next month.
The four-time NFL MVP has made it clear that he wants to be traded to the Jets. Both Green Bay and New York are also talking like a trade has already been consummated. Despite this, nothing has been hashed out between the organizations.
Just don’t tell that to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson who seems to think that Rodgers is already a member of Gang Green.
“I know that the reaction of the building was pretty high and everybody was pretty excited about having a player of that caliber,” Johnson on Aaron Rodgers.
Say what? Did we miss some major news from the NFL owners meetings in Arizona?
Johnson’s comments come after reports indicated that the Jets and Packers are in a holding pattern due to potential compensation heading back to Green Bay in a potential Rodgers trade. They also come after Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst noted that “all options are on the table” as it relates to their quarterback situation.
It still seems to be a foregone conclusion that Rodgers will head to the Jets. In fact, Gutekunst’s comments from earlier in the week in Arizona tells us this story.
“Our inability to reach him or for him to respond in any way,” Gutekunst said Monday, “I think at that point, I had to do my job and kind of reach out (to other teams) and understand that a trade could be possible and see who was interested.”
Related: Aaron Rodgers trade scenarios to the New York Jets
Rodgers would obviously be a marked upgrade over struggling young quarterback Zach Wilson who has fallen out of favor in Jersey. His numbers speak for themselves.
Aaron Rodgers stats: 64.6% completion, 59,055 yards, 475 TD, 105 INT
Green Bay was said to be demanding a first-round pick and change for Rodgers. Boasting the 13th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Jets have rightfully pushed back against that.
However, their ability to land a second-round pick in the Elijah Moore trade with the Cleveland Browns could change the dynamics here. New York now has two second rounders (42nd and 43rd overall). Offering up one of those in addition to a conditional early-round selection in 2024 could help expedite a trade.
As for Woody Johnson, he needs to start playing this close to the vest. Technically, Aaron Rodgers is under contract with another team. The last thing New York needs is to be penalized under the guise of the NFL tampering policy.