Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are in talks over a trade, according to reports, as rumours continue to swirl connecting the superstar quarterback with a move to 'Gang Green'.
Fresh out of his four-day darkness retreat to contemplate his future in and out of the NFL, Rodgers is heading closer to the exit from the Green Bay Packers after an incredible 18-year run at Lambeau Field, punctuated by four league MVPs and a Super Bowl ring.
It remains uncertain whether the 39-year-old will continue playing at all, let alone the jersey he will wear should he return to the field, but when Derek Carr became the first domino to fall on Monday in the off-season quarterback carousel – inking a money-spinning deal with the New Orleans Saints – clamour for the Jets to trade for the future hall-of-famer intensified.
And Jets fans' wishes took a step closer to being granted the same day, according to Pro Football Network's Trey Wingo, who reports Rodgers and the Jets opened discussions on Monday.
"While nothing is imminent, Rodgers is open to the idea of going to NY," Wingo added.
ESPN's Dan Graziano later reported that the conversations between Rodgers and the Jets would continue on Tuesday, adding "If the Jets are speaking directly with Rodgers, they and he would have had to secure the Packers' permission, as he is still under contract with Green Bay. So, the discussions Rodgers is having with the Jets indicate at least some openness on the part of the Packers to the idea of trading him there."
Should the Jets be prompted to take their interest in Rodgers futher, there is the small matter of agreeing draft compensation with the Packers, who will demand multiple draft picks despite Rodgers' age.
But it could be a situation that satisfies all parties. The Jets are in desperate need of competent quarterback play to lead their exciting young roster to the next level, with Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner winning offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards respectively.
Head coach Robert Saleh is heading into his third year with the team and he has undoubtedly made improvements, but few coaches survive for more than three years without making the post-season and, on the evidence so far, Zach Wilson is not going to get the job done.
Rodgers represents an instant huge upgrade for the Jets, but he is not without baggage. His self-indulgent off-season activities have increasingly been played out in the public eye, including his four-day darkness experience at the Sky Cave Retreats in Oregon last month and his 2020 and 2022 trips to Peru to experiment with the hallucinogenic drug ayahuasca.
Indeed, a report from Michael Silver of Bally Sports on Monday said the Packers are " exhausted by the combination of Rodgers’ high-maintenance persona and what they perceive to have been his low-commitment leadership over the past 12 months".
Multiple reports have also emerged from Wisconsin in recent weeks talking up the ability of Jordan Love, with the Packers said to be pleased with his development and his potential as a starter next season.
