Aaron Rodgers reportedly suggested strategy to Jets on how to complete trade

With just two weeks left until the 2023 NFL Draft, an end is hopefully in sight to the long-running New York Jets-Aaron Rodgers soap opera.

While it’s assumed Rodgers will be traded by draft night, ESPN’s Mike Greenberg admitted during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he’s heard rumblings that Rodgers informed the Jets to keep waiting out the Packers and they will eventually end up caving on their trade demands.

“I’ve heard that Aaron has sent signals to the Jets that there is no reason for them to rush, that he’s not coming until May anyway,” Greenberg said. “So, they’re not missing out on anything right now. So, they should hold out as long as it takes and that ultimately, they won’t wind up having to trade the 13th pick in the draft, which is what I think this ultimately comes down to.”

Several reports have indicated the Packers want a first-round pick back in any trade involving Rodgers — something the Jets don’t seem too keen on given their first-rounder this year is No. 13 overall, which could be used to add a premier offensive lineman to better protect Rodgers. (New York was the third-worst pass-blocking team in the NFL in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.)

“I think that this is all about the Jets wanting to draft an offensive tackle at 13, and Aaron Rodgers wanting them to draft an offensive tackle at 13,” Greenberg added. “…And they will just hold out until the draft and they think the Packers will eventually say, ‘OK, we’ll take slightly less than we want because we want pieces around or in front of Jordan Love this year and not next year.”