The Green Bay Packers are aiming high in trade negotiations with the New York Jets for Aaron Rodgers, reportedly seeking at least a first-round pick in exchange for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Green Bay wants a first-round pick in this year’s draft in addition to some type of draft compensation in 2024 in the event Rodgers plays at least two seasons in New York, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Thursday.
This report comes a day after Rodgers stated his intentions to play for the Jets in 2023 if compensation in a trade could be worked out between the two teams. The fact that a trade hasn’t been consummated yet lends credence to the Packers’ elevated asking price.
If the Packers are to receive that type of compensation, it likely will end up costing more than just Rodgers, who signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension in March of last year, a deal that includes $59.465 million guaranteed in salary and bonus in 2023. More than $58 million of it is due in the form of a bonus no later than the first game of the 2023 season in September.
“It’s more than just draft compensation,” said Rick Spielman, former GM of the Vikings and Dolphins and analyst for The 33rd Team. “Draft compensation is not as important as the financial package and what his contract looks like. Will Green Bay take on some of that contract? … What Green Bay is potentially paying on that may affect how much draft compensation is involved in this deal.”
The Jets pick at No. 13 in the first round of this year’s draft, meaning it would be a premium pick they are sending for Rodgers if a first-rounder ends up being the price. They also hold the No. 43 overall pick, their own selection in the second round, and their own Day 1 and 2 selections in 2024.
