The Packers want conditions in an Aaron Rodgers trade
The Green Bay Packers want a lot in return for Aaron Rodgers. That’s expected, as the four-time NFL MVP will provide his next team with plenty of value in the fall. The New York Jets have reportedly spoken with Rodgers about a potential trade this offseason, and details on a price for the trade have emerged.
The Packers and Jets still have time to work out a trade. Because of Rodgers’ expensive contract, there doesn’t seem to be as much competition for Rodgers in the NFL trade market. The Jets appear to be the only realistic trade option for Rodgers, and both teams must come to an agreement that works for both parties. The Packers must ensure they accrue as much draft capital as possible to build around their future quarterback, Jordan Love.
Rodgers’ price depends on his length of play
NFL insider Michael Lombardi was a guest on the Pat McAfee Show Thursday. Lombardi said on the podcast that the Packers want a first-round pick for Rodgers. However, if Rodgers plays in 2024, the Packers want an additional draft pick for Rodgers’ services that season.
Update: The #Packers are looking for a 1st round pick for QB Aaron Rodgers, per @mlombardiNFL on the @PatMcAfeeShow
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 9, 2023
He added that they also want another pick in addition to the 1st if he plays again next season. pic.twitter.com/jdTscOAgmO
That’s a pretty good deal for the Packers. They won’t get two firsts for Rodgers to play in New York for one season. Rodgers’ contract is too prohibitive for that to make sense. A first-round pick in 2023 will allow the Packers to get young and cheap help for their rebuild this year. And if Rodgers plays in 2024, the Packers would have that benefit again.
This kind of deal would be tempting for any general manager to take if they were in Brian Gutekinst’s position. The Packers will be able to reload their roster with youthful players relatively quickly. And the Packers can move on from a quarterback situation that, while exciting enough to keep the team competitive, would be unlikely to win the Super Bowl.
