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3/9/23

2 min read

Report: Jets Are 'Optimistic' Aaron Rodgers Trade Will Get Done

Aaron Rodgers
Nov 13, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts following a pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) (not pictured) during overtime against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets are confident they're close to landing their next quarterback. 

Following meetings Monday and Tuesday with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are "optimistic" they'll acquire the veteran signal-caller, ESPN reported Thursday. Jets owner Woody Johnson left the meetings feeling "excited and satisfied" about Rodgers' match with the Jets. 

The Jets and Packers are engaged in conversations about trade compensation for the embattled quarterback. Those discussions began before New York's contingent of Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew to California to meet with Rodgers on Tuesday. 

Although the Jets are optimistic a deal will get done, there is still a chance Rodgers will retire. The future Hall of Famer is reportedly open to playing in New York but has yet to commit to playing in 2023. 

During an appearance on The Aubrey Marcus Show on March 1, Rodgers said his decision would come "soon enough."

“I don’t want to drag anybody around,” Rodgers said. “I’m answering questions about it because I got asked about it. I’m talking about it because it’s important to me. If you don’t like it, and you think it’s drama, and you think I’m being a diva or whatever, then just tune it out. That’s fine, but this is my life. It’s important to me. I’ll make a decision soon enough, and we’ll go down that road. I’ll be really excited about it.”

Those were Rodgers' first comments since ending his three-day "isolation retreat." Before the Super Bowl, Rodgers said he'd decide on retirement following his retreat. 

During his NFL Combine news conference, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he wants an answer from Rodgers by the start of the new league year on March 15. 

New York has been adamant all offseason that a veteran quarterback is the "missing piece" to its Super Bowl chances. Rodgers was likely the Jets' favorite all along, as they called the Packers about a Rodgers trade before the Super Bowl. 

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