The New York Jets are expected to be a player in a potential Aaron Rodgers trade market, however, a unique relationship between the Green Bay Packers legend and New York quarterback Zach Wilson could very well make or break a potential deal.
Despite using a first-round pick on a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jets are back on the market for a starting QB. This season, the organization’s latest hope for a franchise signal-caller, Zach Wilson, regressed on and off the field. His decision-making didn’t improve following his rookie season, and his lack of dedication off the field frustrated teammates to the point where they “rejoiced” when he was replaced by backup Mike White.
It is a disappointing result for a team that hasn’t found a legitimate long-term answer at the position since the days of Joe Namath in the late 1960s and early 70s. Fortunately for the New York Jets, this offseason offers a strong QB market in NFL free agency and potential trades.
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One top star that could be up for grabs is Packers icon, Aaron Rodgers. The belief around the league is that the Jets will make a serious run at the future Hall-of-Famer if he does indeed become available. However, his friendship with Wilson could become a key factor in a possible deal.
Could Zach Wilson sink New York Jets’ attempts to trade for Aaron Rodgers?
There was a point this season where New York fans had hopes Wilson could possibly reach the potential he showed as a star for BYU. After missing the first few games of the season, the 23-year-old returned to help the team win four straight, including a 27-10 win over the Packers on Oct. 16.
In the lead-up to that game, Aaron Rodgers being Wilson’s childhood idol was highly publicized, as well as the fact that the two got a great deal of one-on-one time in the summer during a shared practice. It seems that those interactions have actually led to a friendship between the quarterbacks separated by 16 years.
During his latest weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers called Wilson “super talented” and explained his hope that the team’s next offensive coordinator can help him “have a long career in the league.”
If the pair is tight, Wilson certainly can give Rodgers an idea of the inner workings of the New York Jets organization and locker room, and if it will be a place he would actually want to bring his talents to.
- Aaron Rodgers stats (’22-’23): 3,695 yards, 26 TD, 12 INT, 91.1 passer rating
Playing with a friend and a young QB he very much is open to mentoring would definitely appeal to the three-time MVP at the end of his career. However, Wilson could give his pal a poor review of head coach Robert Saleh and his staff and make Rodgers — who will have a choice in his future team — scrap any potential deal with the New York Jets.