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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

What the latest Aaron Rodgers news means for the Packers

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 12/20/23

Despite making a heroic attempt at a speedy recovery from a torn ACL he suffered in the first game of the season, Aaron Rodgers won't be returning to play for the New York Jets in 2023.

It sounds like Rodgers could do it if the Jets were in playoff contention, but New York losing six out of its past seven games — including this past weekend's 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins — has guaranteed that won't happen. The Jets have been eliminated from the playoffs, which means a risky (albeit historic) comeback won't be in the cards for Rodgers.

"I think the whole time it's been hoping that we're still in it because it was unrealistic to think that I would be 100 percent to be medically cleared at any point during the regular season," Rodgers explained to Pat McAfee (h/t NFL.com). "I do feel like in the next three to four weeks, it would have been very possible to get to 100 percent, but obviously not there. So the conversation was a way from 100 percent medical clearance to willingness to play, and that's never been a problem for me."

"I do feel like in the next three to four weeks it would be very possible to get to 100%..

If I was 100% today I'd definitely be pushing to play" ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/aBSqWSquVY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 19, 2023

The good news for the Jets is that Rodgers was clear that he'll be back and healthy for the 2024 season and is not anticipating it will be his last year. However, what does this recent news mean for the Green Bay Packers?

After all, there were certain stipulations involved in the trade that made the Packers legendary quarterback a Jet.

As part of the trade package, New York had sent a conditional 2024 second-round pick that would have become a first-round pick had Rodgers played in 65% of New York's snaps this season.

The ACL tear immediately made that pick staying a second-rounder the most likely option, though there may have been some speculation throughout the season as Rodgers left the door open for an improbable return.

Even with a comeback late in the season, though, that 65% mark would have been nearly impossible, and this recent admission from Rodgers officially shuts the door.

So what are the final results of the trade?

The Packers traded away Rodgers and the 15th and 170th picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Those picks became defensive end Will McDonald IV at No. 15 and thanks to a trade, LSU safety Jarrick Bernard-Converse at No. 204 and Old Dominion tight end Zack Kuntz at No. 220 for the Jets.

The Packers received pick No. 13 in 2023 which turned into Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness; the 42nd pick became Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave; and Auburn kicker Anders Carlson in the sixth round.

And we can now officially say that the 2024 second-round pick will stay a second-rounder. The only thing that remains to be seen is where in the round it will be — though we do know it will be near the beginning.

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