Jets Sign Aaron Rodgers' Former Backup QB Tim Boyle
Analysis 4/6/23
The New York Jets added a former Green Bay Packers quarterback on Thursday ... just not the one everyone expected. The Jets signed Tim Boyle, who played under new Jets' offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and of course, served as Aaron Rodgers' backup with the Packers.
Boyle worked with Rodgers and Hackett in 2019 and 2020 before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2021 and then the Chicago Bears in 2022.
Boyle is the second Jets' signing — Allen Lazard being the first — to have spent time with Hackett and Rodgers, the latter of whom is expected to be traded to the Jets this offseason. However, it appears trade talks between the Jets and Packers have reached a stalemate.
The two sides reportedly are hung up on additional protections for future draft-pick compensation in case Rodgers retires after the 2023 season. Talks have centered around the Jets trading a second-round pick in the 2023 and 2024 NFL Draft for Rodgers.
“I’m not hitting the panic button,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said on March 27. “I’m confident that things are going to work out. You guys know me. I’m a very positive person and optimistic, so I’m confident that things will go the way we’re hoping. But at the same time, it’s not going to eat at me.”
The Jets became concerned Rodgers would retire following the quarterback's appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on March 15. Rodgers told McAfee he was leaning toward retiring when he entered his isolation retreat in February, but the embattled quarterback changed his mind when he realized the Packers wanted to move him.
“I’ve got to admit, I went into the darkness 90 percent retired (and) 10 percent playing,” Rodgers said.
In the meantime, the Jets have built out their wide receiver room for Rodgers' arrival. Along with Lazard, the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman and reportedly is interested in signing Odell Beckham Jr, who was supposedly included on a list of players Rodgers wants the Jets to sign. Rodgers has denied he gave the Jets a list.
Boyle's signing likely wasn't a sticking point for Rodgers, but Boyle will be another familiar face whenever Rodgers does end up in New York.