Aaron Rodgers made his blockbuster trade to the New York Jets last month but not without some lengthy negotiations.
According to ESPN, two previous trade offers for the star quarterback were turned down before both the Jets and Green Bay Packers finally came to an agreement. The 39-year-old’s new team were concerned about his age and the possibility he may only play one season before retiring.
Therefore, they were reluctant to relinquish a 2024 unconditional first round draft pick, especially as Rodgers himself had revealed that he was at one stage ‘90% retired’ in an interview on the Pat McAfee Show. The Packers then decided to offer the Jets a conditional draft pick in the 2025 draft should Rodgers hand up his cleats after the upcoming campaign, an offer declined by the 1968 Super Bowl champions.
To counter, the Jets preferred the 2024 pick was a conditional one and proposed the conditions be based not only on what Rogers' statistics might be but also on the number of matches won and whether the Jets ended the NFL's longest post-run run without a play-off appearance. However, this was turned down by the Packers and the two franchises were at a stalemate.
But after much deliberation, the teams eventually came to an understanding and Rogers was traded in a deal which included which included a first round pick swap at this year's NFL Draft, a 2nd round pick and and a sixth round selection, along with a conditional first rounder in 2024.
The condition is that the 2011 Super Bowl winner features in at least 65% of the Jets' offensive snaps next season. In addition to Rodgers, the Jets received the No. 15 overall pick and a fifth round selection in this year’s draft.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was relieved to complete the trade of one of the best players to ever compete in the NFL before the draft commenced. "Getting it done [before the draft] was important,” he said. “I just think certainly the capital for this year was very important, certainly more valuable than future stuff, for our football team."
Following his unveiling as a Jets player, a thrilled Rodgers is relishing the chance to get started with his new side. “I'm excited about being here, expect to be here for the duration of the offseason, and I'm excited to get to know my new teammates and the coaching staff and the organization," the 39-year-old said.
“Obviously, I have a background with that offense with coach Hackett, but I'm excited about just diving in and being a part of this group and getting to know some of the names of my teammates. And also, I'm excited about working with all you guys. I've heard a lot about the New York media. Excited to see what that's all about."
Though Rodgers is itching to represent his new team, his old team will begin the new campaign with a brand new face under center as Jordan Love takes over as the Packers quarterback.
