The New York Jets are expected to be one of the most aggressive NFL teams in the quarterback market this offseason. However, their interest in acquiring Aaron Rodgers could prevent them from landing Derek Carr in free agency.
Rodgers, poised to enter his age-39 season, is beginning a four-day retreat into complete isolation. While the experience is primarily for his own mental health, it’s also expected to help shape his future and decision on his status for the 2023 NFL season.
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It’s a situation being monitored closely around the league, with multiple teams having already made inquiries with the Green Bay Packers regarding a potential trade. The Packers are open to moving their future Hall of Fame quarterback, but they are providing him with the chance to dictate the next step in the process.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 103.6 QB rating, 59,055 pass yards, 475 passing touchdowns
New York is joined by the Las Vegas Raiders among the teams most heavily connected to Rodgers. However, the Jets are also monitoring Carr following his release by Las Vegas. While the veteran quarterback is available right now, Rodgers’ process might not allow New York to make a serious run at the former Raiders’ signal-caller.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer addressed the situation in his latest mailbag, sharing his belief that the Jets will likely wait for Rodgers to make his decision. If that takes until March, Carr will likely be signed by that point.
While the NFL insider leaves open the possibility for a quick decision from Rodgers, accelerating the Jets’ decision-making progress, recent comments from the Packers’ organization and the one-time Super Bowl MVP indicate New York will likely miss out on Carr.
On Feb. 9, Packers’ president Mark Murphy indicated the team hoped to hear back from Rodgers regarding his decision around the start of free agency in March.
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Rodgers also shed light on what he expects the timeline to be for his announcement. During his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, the four-time NFL MVP said he’ll return home after the four-day retreat. He’ll follow that up with a vacation before returning to California, with a decision likely coming around March 1.
Carr is well-positioned right now to land in a favorable situation. Because he was released, the four-time Pro Bowl selection is free to sign with a team as soon as he wants. The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are among his strongest suitors, with the Saints in an advantageous spot having already met with him twice.
As for the Jets, this is just a gamble the front office will have to make. If Carr is signed and Rodgers retires or doesn’t want to play in New York, the Jets can pivot to Jimmy Garoppolo, Lamar Jackson, or Ryan Tannehill as the next targets on their wishlist.
