The New York Jets have finally secured an agreement with the Green Bay Packers to acquire superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and are already feeling the benefits.
The Rodgers trade saga has been the story of the NFL off-season, and has dominated the sport's news cycle for months. After the end of what was a disappointing season for the Packers, Rodgers hinted it was time for him to move on.
He then went on a darkness retreat, before giving an interview to Pat McAfee in which he stated he wanted to either retire or play for the Jets. On Monday, his wish was granted as the two teams shook hands on a deal to send the 39-year-old to MetLife Stadium.
The deal had seemed inevitable for months, not least because there were no other suitors in for Rodgers and he had publicly declared his intent to join the Jets.
And just minutes after it was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, it was claimed the Jets were already expecting to receive a benefit in the form of more prime-time games next season.
The full schedule for the 2023 NFL season is due to be announced next month, and Schefter reported on Monday that the Jets are expected to have up to six of their games in prime time slots due to the acquisition of Rodgers. For comparison, they had one last season.
The Jets had been eager to change their quarterback going into the new season due to the disappointing campaign had by Zach Wilson last time out. The youngster was benched mid-way through the season after a string of poor performances.
Rodgers' arrival will give Wilson the chance to be a back-up to a former Super Bowl winner and Most Valuable Player, with the suggestion he will reclaim the starting spot when Rodgers retires.
The Jets will receive Rodgers, a first-round pick in Thursday's NFL Draft and a fifth round pick in the same draft. In return, they'll send the Packers the 13th overall pick in Thursday's Draft, as well as a sixth round pick and a conditional 2024 second round pick - which will become a first-round pick if Rodgers plays more than 65% of the available plays this coming season.