It has been almost two weeks since Aaron Rodgers announced his intention to play for the New York Jets in 2023, but he’s still on the Green Bay Packers. On Monday at the NFL owners’ meetings, Jets coach Robert Saleh remained confident Rodgers would be New York’s quarterback this season, ESPN reported.
“I’m not hitting the panic button,” Saleh said. “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.”
Due to NFL tampering rules, Saleh couldn’t name Rodgers specifically, but it was clear that’s the quarterback he was referencing. Trade talks between the two sides have reached a standstill since Rodgers’ announcement. While some reports have stated that Green Bay wants a package that includes the No. 13 overall pick this year and extra picks next year, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst reportedly said the Packers do not necessarily need a first-rounder in return for Rodgers.
While Gutekunst admitted that it’s unlikely that Rodgers will return to Green Bay, all options are apparently on the table, and there is no timeline yet on a potential trade.
Mitchell Schwartz, an analyst for The 33rd Team, believes the Packers have short-term leverage while the Jets have long-term leverage.
“The Packers’ short-term leverage is the Jets want Rodgers in the building as quick as possible,” Schwartz said. “The Jets’ leverage is the Packers have to get Rodgers off the roster at a certain point. They do not want to pay him $60 million in cash and take his cap hit if that bonus gets paid out.”
The Jets begin offseason activities on April 17, which run through the middle of June. Saleh didn’t commit to Rodgers having to be on the roster by April 14.
In the meantime, the Jets have spent significant time changing their wide receiver room in anticipation of Rodgers’ arrival. One name the team has been linked to is Odell Beckham Jr., who has a strong relationship with Rodgers.
Beckham Jr. was reportedly included on a list of names Rodgers wanted the Jets to sign before he came to the team. Rodgers denied the report calling it “stupid.” Either way, the Jets seem interested in Beckham Jr.
“He’s been a fantastic receiver in this league,” Saleh said about Beckham Jr. “Everything you hear about him, he’s a phenomenal person. That’s something you’re always going to look over, turn over every stone, cross your t’s, dot your i’s, just make sure you’re, you’re not missing an opportunity to add a great player. And there’s no guarantee anything will happen.”
At his news conference Monday, Jets general manager Joe Douglas said he has spoken with Beckham Jr.’s agent, and signing the veteran receiver is an “opportunity to add a unique player,” NFL Media reported.
Beckham Jr. did not play last season after recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI.
The Jets have already added former Packers receiver Allen Lazard and former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman this offseason while trading away 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore.
