Monday marked the official end of an era for the Green Bay Packers. After weeks of speculation, they finally came to an agreement with the New York Jets on a trade centered around future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers is heading to New York, along with the Nos. 15 and 170 overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, in exchange for the Nos. 13, 42 and 207 in the 2023 NFL Draft and a 2024 conditional second-round pick. That selection becomes a first-rounder should Rodgers play in at least 65 percent of the plays with the Jets.
The trade has drawn some strong opinions. One person who offered up theirs was former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman. On his podcast, Sherman shared his feelings about the deal as he believes the NFC North is now wide open with teams excited to no longer have to face off against Rodgers.
“Green Bay Packers, nobody will fear you going forward. Understand that.”
Sherman does have a point that the mental edge Green Bay possessed in virtually every matchup is now gone. Rodgers carried a certain aura as the starting quarterback for the Packers that Jordan Love, nor many players, possess.
Things could eventually change and Love could turn into a very good quarterback. But, for now, it is open season on the Packers as they work through a changing of the guard.
Alas, all things considered, this is a solid deal for the Packers. The asking price was very high originally, but they came away with great value in what could ultimately be a one-year rental for Gang Green. No one knows what the future holds for Rodgers, especially after he admitted that he was close to retiring this offseason.
The Packers now have extra draft capital this season and a premium pick coming their way in 2024. Depending on how things go with Love, the Packers will be in a position to either upgrade the roster around him or have the ammunition to make a move for one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
