The New York Jets have been warned against pursuing Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers over concerns regarding how he would ‘fit’ with the young core.
Rodgers - who was drafted by the Packers in 2005 before assuming the starting role from Brett Favre in 2008 - has refused to rule out joining a new franchise via trade this offseason. The four-time MVP has declared a number of times that he will take the coming weeks to decide whether he will retire or return for the 2023 campaign.
The 39-year-old signed a monster new contract last offseason to earn $50.27million per year through the 2026 campaign, when he will be 43 years of age. Rodgers finished 2022 with 12 interceptions - the most he threw in a single campaign since 2008, his first year as a starter - while he also failed to post a single 300-yard passing game for the first time in his career.
As a result, rumours are suggesting Rodgers could leave Green Bay after 18 seasons. He has been heavily linked with a move to the Jets, and while many fans are excited about the possibility of such an illustrious and talented player joining their ranks, not all agree - including Jets legend and Hall of Famer Joe Klecko.
“I don't think Rodgers fits in with the young guys,” Klecko told the Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports. “You bring in a guy who has his own opinions on things, I think that could turn a bad feeling in that locker room.”
Ultimately, Klecko is concerned that Rodgers’ talent may not be worth the frustration he could bring for the Jets franchise. Rodgers has been embroiled in some very public battles with Packers management and the front office in recent years, and Klecko is nervous that the 39-year-old could unsettle a growing project in New York after the team finished 7-10.
It will be interesting to see how any potential trade is facilitated. Rodgers’ mega contract means the Packers need to find another franchise willing to compensate them effectively while any suitor would also be wedding themselves to the media circus surrounding the quarterback, who has been in the headlines for taking psychedelic drugs more than he has been for winning playoff games in recent years.
The Packers are reportedly willing to deal Rodgers to the AFC if a trade is sanctioned, despite head coach Matt LaFleur publicly stating they hope the quarterback will return to Green Bay for 2023. A move to the Las Vegas Raiders has been touted, but links with the Jets are strengthening after they hired Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
Last month, Rodgers heaped praise on Hackett - his OC in Green Bay as the quarterback won back-to-back MVP awards - on The Pat McAfee Show. He said: “We all have certain coaches who have meant a lot to us over the years and have created those special rooms to play in. Obviously Nathaniel is one of those guys.
“Love Hack. Hack is my guy. Love him and Megan and the kids. They're really special to me. We really bonded when he was in Green Bay. He made it fun. He made the room fun. He made the weeks fun.”
