New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas was very busy this offseason. Owner Woody Johnson tasked him with making an upgrade at the quarterback position, as he felt that was the only thing holding the team back from truly contending.
Johnson has a point, as things haven’t panned out with Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft. So, Douglas went out and acquired disgruntled star Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers was strongly considering retirement before committing to the Jets.
So far so good, as Rodgers is as happy as he has been in years according to multiple sources and teammates. He didn’t head to New York alone as wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, offensive lineman Billy Turner and safety Adrian Amos, all former Packers during his time with the franchise, all joined him on the Jets.
Getting Rodgers in the building was the easy part compared to what is next for Douglas and the Jets. Figuring out his contract situation, along with an extension for star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, is the last move the team needs to make this offseason in the opinion of ESPN NFL Insider, Field Yates.
“Both players need new contracts — but for different reasons. Williams has emerged as one of the best players in the league and is due a massive raise over the money he is due in the final year of his rookie contract. The defensive tackle market has exploded this offseason, so he should land a deal worth at least $22.5 million per year. Rodgers, meanwhile, amended his deal to facilitate the trade to New York and is due $1.165 million this year and nearly $108 million next year. He isn’t making that little this year nor that much next year; the two sides will renegotiate revised contract terms in time.”
There were some trade rumors centered around Williams earlier in the offseason as he was angling for a new deal. The Jets likely missed their chance to get any sort of a bargain with him, as numerous defensive tackles signed contracts paying north of $20 million annually and Williams could look to settle in above them but below Aaron Donald.
As Yates pointed out, Rodgers has already restructured his contract once this offseason to help get the trade done. But, that $108 million that he is due is not a feasible amount to pay anyone.
One way or another, a new contract will be agreed to. An extension with voidable years at the end is certainly a possibility as there is no guarantee Rodgers even plays beyond the 2023 season. Williams will certainly be continuing his career in 2024 and beyond, but will it be with the Jets?
