The Green Bay Packers general manager has explained why there might be a hold up in getting a deal done for Aaron Rodgers.
Both the Packers and New York Jets are keen to make the deal happen after weeks of talks, with the Jets to finally acquire a franchise quarterback - something they've been needing for three decades.
The Packers, meanwhile, are set to rebuild around fourth-year quarterback Jordan Love, who has been benched throughout the first three seasons of his career behind Rodgers. Green Bay had seen Love as their long-term successor to Rodgers, but that transition was halted after the latter won consecutive MVP awards.
But with Rodgers now entering the latter years of his career, he does not want to be involved with a rebuilding team, and has made it clear he wants to join the Jets.
The two teams remain in conversation with each other over the deal, with it recently being reported that a hold up has been because of the Jets worried about Rodgers retiring after this season. A number of reports have now stated that the Jets may not give up a first round pick for Rodgers, but instead two second-round picks.
However, the Packers might be holding out for more than that, with their general manager Brian Gutekunst stating why they must receive a strong package if they are to move on from their legendary quarterback.
Gutekunst said: "That's not a necessity but at the same time the value of the player ... he's a premier player. You know, so I think getting premier players or picks back is important."
Rodgers has spent 18 years with the team, winning one Super Bowl and four MVP's, going down as arguably the greatest player in franchise history. But earlier this month, he told Pat McAfee, he explained why he wanted to move on from the team.
Rodgers said: "I've got to admit I went into the darkness 90 per cent retiring, 10 per cent playing, my mind was I am tired of this. I thought that's what was best for me."
"Before I went in, I was told that the Packers wanted me to come back and retire a Packer. When I came out of the darkness, something changed. I had no WiFi on my 'hippie mountain', I received texts that there had been a shift and I had heard from multiple people that there were some shopping going on. Then I had come to the realisation that the Packers want to move on, they have made that clear in so many words.
"The Packers decided to let the Jets talk to me about a deal and we had a nice conversation and I told them I am not ready to make a decision about anything. I told them that I needed to see if that drive is still there... if my body is still there. I made the decision that it was. And I made it clear I wanted to play and play for the New York Jets".
