The New York Jets announced on Thursday that they have signed career backup quarterback Tim Boyle.
Typically, the signing of a quarterback with a career 106 regular-season passes to his name wouldn’t make the NFL news cycle.
That’s until we realize Boyle, 28, served as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup quarterback with the Green Bay Packers for two seasons. He also worked with new Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in Green Bay during that span.
As you likely already know, Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to be traded to Gang Green. Both the Jets and Packers have acknowledged this despite a trade not yet being finalized.
For the New York Jets, this is the latest example of the team looking to roll out the red carpet for Rodgers once a trade materializes. It was earlier in the offseason that New York signed Rodgers’ fravorite target, wide receiver Allen Lazard, to a lucractive contract in NFL free agency.
For his part, Rodgers has pretty much given the Jets a wish list of players he would like to see the team sign. Lazard was on that list. Others include current Packers free agents such as Randall Cobb and Marcedes Lewis as well as three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Related: Odell Beckham to New York Jets reportedly a lock if Aaron Rodgers trade finalized
What the signing of Tim Boyle means for the New York Jets
From a broader perspective, Rodgers likely has his hand-picked backup in Jersey. Prior to the Boyle signing, Zach Wilson and Chris Streveler were the only quarterbacks on New York’s roster.
Boyle doesn’t move the needle too much. As noted above, he has very limited experience during the regular season after being signed by Green Bay out of Eastern Kentucky back in 2019. That includes throwing three touchdowns compared to eight interceptions in 17 games (three starts).
This is more about Rodgers being given someone he’s close to. It also must be noted that the Jets will need someone to take reps during the offseason program given how long the Rodgers trade has been delayed.
As of right now, we have absolutely no idea if the aforementioned Wilson will take part in the Jets’ offseason program. There was talk about the former No. 2 pick being dealt after a drama-filled and disastrous sophomore campaign. New York might now be stuck with him.
One can only imagine the dynamics that would take hold in the New York Jets’ locker room if Wilson is brought back to be QB2 behind Rodgers. Given the number of Jets players who have campaigned to acquire Rodgers and Wilson’s immature attitude last season, this wouldn’t seem to be a great scenario.
As it stands, Boyle was brought in to be offseason and training camp fodder. But the fact that he has a close relationship with Aaron Rodgers does make the signing more intriguing.
As for Rodgers, we remain in a holding pattern. Green Bay’s reported asking price for the future Hall of Fame quarterback is a non-starter from the Jets’ perspective. Meanwhile, another team has gotten in on conversations surrounding Rodgers.
Something will have to come to fruition before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft in exactly three weeks.