NFL News: Aaron Rodgers has made headlines all off-season. From the moment the Green Bay Packers’ season ended in early January 2023, speculations began about his future. Those speculations intensified when Rodgers announced the darkness retreat he planned to go on after the season was over.
Finally, those speculations came to a head when Aaron Rodgers announced his intentions to play for the New York Jets in mid-March. It took nearly six weeks, but the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets finally came to an agreement days prior to the 2023 NFL Draft. One aspect that may have delayed the initial trade? The New England Patriots supposedly had an offer on the table, or did they?
How Realistic Was Aaron Rodgers To The New England Patriots?
According to an article by Jason Ounpraseuth:
Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with the Green Bay Packers soured in recent years, and it seemed possible the four-time MVP quarterback would make his way to the New England Patriots.
That’s what radio host Crag Carton threw out Thursday. Rodgers was dealt to the New York Jets, and it didn’t really seem like there were that many serious suitors for the All-Pro QB.
Rodgers-to-New-England didn’t gain a ton of steam, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said during a Friday morning appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich” show that it was his “understanding” that the Jets were the only team seriously trying to acquire Rodgers.
Breer didn’t rule out the possibility of the Patriots making contact with Rodgers’ agent to gauge interest in a move to New England, but it doesn’t seem like Bill Belichick was willing to give up valuable assets to acquire Rodgers.
Bill Belichick Wasn’t “All In” On Aaron Rodgers
Belichick is one of the greatest head coaches in the history of the NFL. He knows what sacrificing valuable draft picks can do to a franchise if it doesn’t pan out. It makes sense he wasn’t willing to give up the “kitchen sink” for Aaron Rodgers. However, that begs the questions, why would Aaron Rodgers turn down the opportunity to play with one of the best head coaches in NFL history?
I think the answer is pretty obvious. Rodgers knew he would have a heavy influence in who the New York Jets would sign before/after trading for Aaron Rodgers. That has been made obvious in the following months after the trade went down. Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Billy Turner, Nathaniel Hackett, Randall Cobb, and now Adrian Amos have all joined the Jets this off-season. It is doubtful that Rodgers would have that much influence with the New England Patriots’ front office.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold, follow us @WiSportsHeroics, and listen to our Podcast, The Cheese Dads NOW with Legendary DT Gilbert Brown! You can also reach out to McQuade Arnold via email at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks. Aaron Rodgers.
