Aaron Rodgers is facing a major crossroads at the end of his NFL career as the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers continue to thrash out a trade to send him to the Big Apple.
It has been over five weeks since the Packers’ quarterback appeared on the Pat McAfee show stating his intentions to play for the Jets this coming year, and we seem to be no closer to a trade. It seemed like a move that worked for all sides, the Jets feel like they are a quarterback away from being a contender next year, the Packers have their young prospect in Jordan Love who they feel is ready to lead the team and it gives Rodgers one last shot at a Super Bowl ring.
But put simply, the Packers want a first round pick for their wantaway star and the Jets are not prepared to pay that price. Rodgers is 39 years old and whilst his talent is unquestionable, his age is not. A first-round pick for a player who is in the twilight of his career is steep, that’s before you factor in the fact that Rodgers has given no guarantees about playing in 2024, and even alluded to the fact that he considered retirement at the end of this season.
Usually, with deals that are so close to being completed both teams would work towards finding a compromise. However, for both teams they have found themselves in the unusual predicament of not having a deadline to complete the deal. Five weeks ago Rodgers had no bonus due and neither team were close to practising at their training camps so negotiations ground to a halt.
Now, all parties have run out of options, largely as a result of the snail-paced dealmaking, with CBS Sports referring to the situation as a Cold War. There are no more suitors for Rodgers, the Jets have the 13th overall pick in the draft and are unlikely to be able to draft a quarterback who will give them the quality to compete like they so desperately desire and the Packers need Rodgers’ contract off the books.
Jets General Manager Joe Douglas has also ruled out a move for Lamar Jackson showing they are all in on the idea of Rodgers playing at the MetLife Stadium next year.
If the Packers want to see any immediate return for their Super Bowl winning quarterback then they need to make a move within the next few days, as the Jets will draft twice in the second round. If not, then any return for Rodgers will come in the form of 2024 and 2025 draft picks.
What’s more, the Jets have made it clear that the only form of first-round picks they will give up are conditional second-rounders that could become firsts in order to protect themselves from a potential Rodgers retirement.
With all that being said, positive noises are being made by each side about a deal getting done. Douglas has stated he is in no rush to get the deal done and both the Packers and Rodgers have made similar statements. The closer we get to the NFL Draft, the closer we get to a resolution to this colossal tug-of-war.
