The New York Jets feel optimistic about the team’s chances of landing quarterback Aaron Rodgers and believe they could be “on the brink” of completing the trade for four-time NFL MVP, according to new reporting from Dianna Russini of ESPN.
Also from Russini, Jets owner Woody Johnson left a meeting with Rodgers in California on Tuesday feeling “excited and satisfied about the potential match.”
The Jets believe a deal will happen and remain in conversation with the Packers about all the logistics, including compensation and Rodgers’ contract, per Russini.
The two teams must determine what assets would go to the Packers in a trade, and how best to adjust Rodgers’ contract to fit the needs of both the Jets and Packers. Rodgers is due almost $60 million in guaranteed money in 2023, but a massive bonus due before the start of the regular season can be prorated over several years on the Jets’ salary cap.
The next step is a decision from Rodgers: Does he want to keep playing, and if so, where? More and more, it appears continuing his career in New York in 2023 is the most likely scenario.
If Rodgers is traded, the Packers would transition the franchise to Jordan Love, a first-round pick in 2020 who sat behind Rodgers for three seasons. The team is confident he is ready to take over as a starter in 2023.
Rodgers turns 40 in December. After winning the MVP in 2020 and 2021, Rodgers is now coming off a disappointing 2022 season in which he dealt with thumb and ribs injuries and finished with career-lows in several statistical categories, including passer rating.
Here is Russini’s reporting thread on Rodgers and the Jets from Thursday morning:
In the wake of an extensive in-person meeting between Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets brass, including owner Woody Johnson, there's optimism in the Jets’ organization that they are on the brink of landing the future Hall of Fame QB, sources close to the situation tell ESPN.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 9, 2023
