When the Broncos signed former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach last year, many believed the Broncos would be next in line for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Many also don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Broncos struck a deal centered around quarterback Russell Wilson just hours after Rodgers announced he would stay in Green Bay.
This year, with Hackett becoming the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, speculation is already rife that Rodgers will join his Green Bay predecessor on Broadway.
But will he join the Jets? First, Rodgers must decide that he wants to play. Second, he must decide that he doesn’t want to play for the Packers. Third, he must choose the Jets as his target. Fourth, the Jets and the Packers must negotiate an acceptable trade. Fifth, Rodgers and the Jets need to negotiate an acceptable contract.
After the first three, the last two should be relatively easy. The Packers, who would save themselves nearly $60 million in cash and cap commitments, certainly won’t want a large sum for a player who may only have a year to play.
Fifteen years ago, they gave Brett Favre a fourth-round player with an opportunity to upgrade him to a first-round player. If Rodgers decides he wants to play, that he wants to get out of Green Bay, and that he wants to play for the Jets, the Packers won’t be able to make unreasonable demands.
Ultimately, the Packers can only get two picks at best. One in 2023 and another in 2025 if he plays in 2024.
As for Rodgers’ contract, the fact of the matter is that he’s already getting $58.3 million fully guaranteed in 2023. While he has said there would need to be “some adjustments” to his contract, that doesn’t mean he’d take even a dollar less than he’s entitled to. Nor should he. It means payments would need to be designed to make the cap more manageable for 2023, 2024 and beyond.
Earlier this week, Rodgers claimed he didn’t believe in Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson because of the media. The Jets are owned by Johnson & Johnson heir Woody Johnson.
Would the work for Johnson’s team be possible at all? Or would he just ignore the connection?
Anyway, Sauce Gardner “wouldn’t mind” if the Jets brought in Aaron Rodgers. Calling Rodgers “definitely elite,” Gardner addressed a question about whether he would like the Jets to strike a deal that brings the four-time MVP to town.
“I mean, I would,” Gardner said. “That wouldn’t bother me. I just want what’s best for offense. But at the same time I have to focus on my job and what we have on the defensive side.”
