Jets, Packers Rekindle Relationship with Rodgers Trade Hovering
There's no "silent treatment" in this healthy relationship.
The New York Jets' management has resumed trade talks with the Green Bay Packers over quarterback Aaron Rodgers, according to a report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
After what Rapoport referred to as "a dormant couple weeks," the Jets and Packers are back to discussing potential compensation for the 39-year old quarterback.
Apparently, Gang Green is unwilling to part with this year's first-round selection, but that hurdle may have already been cleared earlier in the negotiation process.
Multiple reports have suggested that the two sides will strike a deal that sends Rodgers to the Jets prior to the start of the NFL Draft's second round, which is slated for Friday, April 28 at 7:00 pm ET.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated national writer Albert Breer has repeatedly highlighted the pre-existing relationship between Gang Green general manager Joe Douglas and his Green Bay counterpart Brian Gutekunst. The teams' head coaches - Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur - have also been friendly with one another over the years.
“We mentioned earlier in the week the rapport between GMs Joe Douglas and Brian Gutekunst from their time coming up as young road scouts,” wrote Breer in his March 30 mailbag. “The two head coaches, Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur, are best friends. So any raw feelings between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, I think, are manageable, because of the relationships in place.”
Breer has suggested that the Packers will receive at least two draft picks as compensation for the future Hall-of-Fame signal caller. In addition to one of the Jets' two 2023 second-rounders, Green Bay would get a conditional selection in 2024.
“So I’ll reiterate my sense that there’s a basic agreement on the 2023 pick—it’ll be one of the Jets’ second-rounders—involved, and this is going to come down to how the ’24 pick (and possible ’25 pick) is dressed up,” wrote Breer in "Monday Morning Quarterback Takeaways" on April 17.
Breer again mentioned the Round 2 selection while responding to mailbag questions on April 19.
“I’d say because a foundational piece of the trade will be the 42nd or 43rd pick, chances are very high that Rodgers will become a Jet between now and early Friday night. This thing has been close for a few weeks now. And like I’ve said, at this point, it comes down to the people signing the checks,” said Breer.
Even at 39 years old, and coming off one of his lesser statistical seasons, Rodgers instantly provides an upgrade for the Jets at quarterback. The four-time NFL MVP has reached the 4,000-yard passing mark in five of his last seven seasons while the Jets have witnessed only one such 4K performance in franchise history.
The decorated Rodgers accounted for a 64.6 completion percentage while throwing for 26 touchdowns to 12 interceptions last year. Four Jets’ quarterbacks combined for a 56.98 completion percentage, 14 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions during that same time span.
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