Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers is still in the process of making a decision about his future in the league.
Rodgers, 39, just exited a four-day “darkness retreat” in which the enigmatic future Hall of Famer contemplated whether to return to the Green Bay Packers, request a trade to another team or retire altogether.
Should Rodgers elect to return, one team has been linked to Rodgers more than others: the New York Jets.
According to veteran NFL reporter Trey Wingo, the two sides reportedly had conversations on Monday about a potential union. Wingo notes that Rodgers is “open to the idea of” heading to New York while indicating that “nothing is imminent.”
This is a rather interesting development in that it suggests Rodgers is seriously considering playing for another team outside of the Packers in 2023. It also comes at the same time that reports suggest Green Bay would prefer Rodgers either opt to retire or request a trade. In order for the Jets to have talked with Rodgers, they’d need permission from Green Bay as he’s still under contract with the Packers.
It must also be noted that New York hired former Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett to be its next offensive coordinator. Hackett served in that role with Rodgers and the Packers from 2019-21. The two are said to have enjoyed a great relationship in Green Bay.
Despite a down 2022 season, Rodgers would be an upgrade for pretty much all but five teams around the NFL. In fact, the stats he put up for the Packers last year (3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns) would represent the best for a Jets quarterback since Chad Pennington back in 2002.
New York boasts some solid skill-position talent in running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. It also has a capable offensive line and one of the more-talented defenses in the NFL.
In a vacuum, Rodgers to New York makes sense. However, there’s several other layers to a potential blockbuster. First off, Green Bay is said to want at least two first-round picks for the future Hall of Famer. Secondly, he’s playing under a massive three-year, $150.8 million contract that would require a restructure in order for Green Bay to trade him.
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