For New York Jets and Green Bay Packers fans hoping the saga of trading iconic quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Empire State ends soon, you may want to lower your expectations substantially.
With free agency no longer the main focus of the league’s offseason, much of the football world has shifted their curiosity to this month’s NFL Draft, and ongoing trade talks between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. While those are two very different situations, they are actually closely linked.
The Packers have made it clear they are ready to move on to the Jordan Love era at QB. Rodgers has publicly stated he wants to play in 2023 and would like to do it with the Jets. While both franchises have an obvious path ahead, they have had major difficulties in getting a trade done.
Green Bay wants worthwhile assets like New York’s top pick in 2023 in giving up a four-time NFL MVP and making the AFC East team an immediate contender next season. However, the New York Jets want to use their top selections this month and would prefer a deal that gives the Packers valuable assets in future drafts.
Plus, there is an issue of compensation if Aaron Rodgers decides to be a one-and-done player in New York after the trade.
New York Jets and Green Bay Packers have had ‘little if any contact’ recently
It has left many wondering when a deal will get done. Well, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter gave an update on his “The Adam Schefter Podcast” and there has been little progress recently with the two sides talking little over the last couple of weeks.
“We are now two weeks away from the draft and there has been, by my estimate, little if any contact between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. So the trade that everybody seems to be waiting to get done is not any closer to happening as the draft draws closer. While it looks like a situation that could heat up and escalate as the draft kicks off, there are no assurances that will happen either.
“Green Bay seems quite content to wait until after the draft to make a trade. The New York Jets are very happy to use the picks that they have and not trade them to Green Bay. Both sides seem to be stuck in, dug in, and very stubborn in their own stances. This standoff that has been going on for weeks looks like it’s going to go on for a little while longer.”
– Adam Schefter
Schefter suggests the awkwardness of Rodgers showing up at offseason workouts could speed up the process, but both sides could also agree for him to stay away, which could stretch things deep into spring.
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