Jets’ Pursuit of Packers WRs Makes Aaron Rodgers Deal Look Imminent

Jokes abounded as New York's latest moves came to light.

For weeks now, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had the football world at a standstill as he weighs joining the Jets via a trade, retiring, or returning to Green Bay.

Tuesday morning brought no clarity to the specifics of a potential Rodgers deal. It did, however, produce a pair of breadcrumbs that seemed to point the four-time MVP toward the Big Apple.

First, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that New York is “actively working” on a deal with longtime Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard has spent his entire five-year career with Green Bay and was the Packers' leading receiver in 2022 with 788 yards.

Jets are actively working to reach an agreement with Packers’ free-agent WR Allen Lazard, per league sources. There is another team involved, and no final decision, but the Jets are trying to reunite Lazard and OC Nathaniel Hackett. pic.twitter.com/rkzX17o5do

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2023

Then, Schefter connected the Jets to a potential union with wide receiver Randall Cobb—a Rodgers teammate for 10 of his 12 seasons in the league.

With the Jets closing in on a deal for WR Allen Lazard, another WR expected to be on their radar in the coming days of free agency is Packers’ veteran Randall Cobb, per league sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2023

Naturally, football fans and writers read between the lines.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport spelled out the connection between Rodgers, Lazard and Cobb.

From Free Agency Frenzy: As we await word on #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, the #Jets are the only team negotiating with WR Allen Lazard, and a Rodgers trade could also mean Randall Cobb is coming, too. pic.twitter.com/5snP6i07uH

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Some noted Rodgers’s unusual apparent control over a team for which he does not play (at least yet).

Aaron Rodgers, Jets general manager. https://t.co/PZEG7Doeb2

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 14, 2023

Some joked that Rodgers would bring backup quarterback Jordan Love with him, too, out of spite.

Aaron Rodgers wants the Jets to acquire Jordan Love as well to make sure the kid doesn't get an opportunity for another two years.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 14, 2023

Some were content to marvel at the drama of what has become a taxing saga.

Aaron Rodgers is now an RPG character. "I shall only join you if you prove your worthiness by embarking on a dozen side quests to fetch my favorite magical items."

— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) March 14, 2023

Dude has recurring cast members like it's a Tarantino movie https://t.co/OsQWsmCCA3

— Rose Mountkatzle (@NaturallyKatz11) March 14, 2023