Finally, the Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers has been traded to the New York Jets. Rodgers wanted to play there, the Jets wanted him, and the Packers really had no choice but to deal a guy who just didn’t want to play for them anymore.
Fans and media will debate whether the Packers got a fair return for the 4-time MVP and, as usual, time will eventually deliver the answer.
But, well before the future Hall of Fame quarterback was dealt, he already seemed to be taking a mentor spot in the football life of embattled Jets first round pick, quarterback Zach Wilson.
According to reports, Rodgers had reached out to Wilson during this offseason and amid trade rumors, to offer support and to sing the praises of Jets new offensive coordinator Nаtһаnіel Hаckett, who spent three seasons with the Packers (2019-2021) and gelled famously with Rodgers.
Apparently, this isn’t the first time the veteran has been in contact Wilson.
Brіаn Costello of tһe New York Post talked about this during a March 24 appearance on Tһe Crew podcаst.
“[Tһe Jets] tһіnk Aаron Rodgers wіll be good for Zаcһ [Wіlson], tһere’s а relаtіonsһіp tһere,” Costello said. “Tһey’ve developed а friendship wһere tһey text bаck аnd fortһ. I’ve һeаrd tһere һаve been some recent dіscussіons between tһe two of tһem.”
And could there be a better mentor for the soon-to-be 24-year-old Wilson than the 39-year-old Rodgers?
Wilson, a no. 1 draft pick for the Jets in 2021 (2nd overall), struggled throughout his second full season in the NFL, on occasion falling to third-string status on an inconsistent Jets team. At times, the team was openly dismissive of Wilson’s abilities with even Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly declaring that, despite Wilson’s status as a very high first-round pick and the clear promise he showed in college, a quality quarterback was still “the missing piece” for his team.
Rodgers on the Jets means Wilson will be able to get out of the heat and further develop as he sits down a year (or two) and learns directly from the veteran. Wilson, who has admitted to idolizing Rodgers and studying his videos to better his own game, seems receptive to the idea and has reportedly been enthusiastic to move forward.
If everything plays the way it should, everyone will be a winner in this Aaron Rodgers deal. The Jets get the veteran quarterback they wanted. The Packers get the draft picks they wanted. Zach Wilson, meanwhile, gets a Hall of Fame mentor.
