The Green Bay Packers and New York Jets are not as far away on an agreement for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers as some may have thought. In fact, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the two sides are virtually in agreement that it will take two high round draft picks to send the four-time MVP to New York. The problem, however, is that Rodgers’ NFL future beyond this upcoming season is a mystery.
The Green Bay Packers Want Straight Shot Picks While the New York Jets Want Protection for 2024
According to Robinson:
“As it stands, talks are focused on the Jets dealing two picks for the Packers quarterback — one second-round pick in next month’s NFL Draft, and another second-rounder in 2024 that could graduate to a first-round pick with “achievable” team performance escalators. An example of such an escalator would be if the Jets were to host a home divisional playoff game or advance to the AFC championship game.
“A sticking point in the talks is the Jets seeking an element of protection built into the trade, specifically one that sends some 2025 draft compensation to New York from Green Bay if Rodgers does not play in 2024 and beyond.
“It boils down to the Packers wanting “straight shot” draft picks without qualifiers, while the Jets want such high level of compensation to be based on 2023 team performance and Rodgers also playing for New York in 2024.”
This is the most complete reporting of the talks that we have had since they were rumored to have began a few weeks ago. It certainly makes sense that the Packers would want as rich of a return as possible. However, it also makes sense that the Jets plan for Rodgers potentially only playing for one year, and are seeking protection from that happening.
Aaron Rodgers’ Retirement Talk Hurt His Trade Value
The problem, as Robinson notes and as many Packers fans are aware, is that Rodgers has reached Brett Favre levels of offseason flip-flopping. Telling Pat McAfee that he [Rodgers] was 90% leaning towards retirement when he entered the darkness did absolutely nothing to help his trade value. If anything, it hurt his value because the Jets can use that against the Packers in negotiations. If they are only getting Rodgers for one year, they do not want to lose out on too many draft picks.
This is understandable, but it’s also Aaron Rodgers we’re talking about. He is one of the best to ever play the quarterback position. On the other hand, the sooner the Packers move him, the sooner they can move on and start building their 2023 roster.
It’s getting messy.
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