Report: Jets, Packers Renew Aaron Rodgers Trade Talks
Expert Analysis 4/23/23
The 2023 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, and that seems to be pushing the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers back to the table for Aaron Rodgers trade talks, NFL Media reported Sunday.
No deal has been finalized or is even imminent, but at least the sides are talking again.
The Packers, who have made no secret of their desire to move on from Rodgers and elevate Jordan Love to their starting quarterback, would like to add a draft pick (or picks) in the upcoming draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst has refuted reports saying the Packers had to receive a first-round pick this year as part of the deal.
The Jets, meanwhile, would like to get Rodgers in the building to participate in their offseason program.
>>READ: 5 Marquee Veterans Who Could Be Traded
Speculation recently has focused on the Jets including one of their second-round picks (No. 42 or 43) in a deal for Rodgers. The quarterback's age (39), contract (he's due a signing bonus of $58.3 million before the regular season begins) and apparent year-to-year playing status have complicated negotiations.
The Jets possess just six picks, but three are among the first 43, and they pick two spots ahead of the Packers in the first two rounds.
In addition to their first-round pick at 15, the Packers have nine others including No. 45 in the second round.
The Jets have been gearing up for acquiring Rodgers since the end of the 2022 season. They hired Nathaniel Hackett, who was the Packers' offensive coordinator when Rodgers won his third and fourth MVP awards in 2020 and '21. They also signed wide receiver Allen Lazard and backup quarterback Tim Boyle, both friends of Rodgers' from their time together in Green Bay, during free agency.
A report then surfaced that Rodgers reached out to free agent defensive lineman Calais Campbell to recruit him to the Jets. Campbell signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
New York general manager Joe Douglas stated as recently as April 8 that Rodgers is "gonna be here" as Jets quarterback.
Trade talks reportedly came to a grinding halt because the Jets want protections on future draft capital. During his March 15 announcement that he intends to play for the Jets, Rodgers indicated he was leaning toward retiring this offseason but changed his mind after his February “isolation retreat.” Those comments caused the Jets to ask the Packers for protections on draft capital in the 2024 and 2025 NFL Draft if 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. However, New York wants the 2024 pick to be protected by team performance escalators.
Will this be the week one of the offseason's major stories gains a conclusion?
>>READ: Up for Debate: What Will Jets-Packers Trade Package Look Like for Rodgers?