With all signs pointing to Aaron Rodgers playing in a green New York Jets’ uniform after the four-time MVP announced that he intends to play for the Jets this upcoming season, only one thing stands in the way. Rodgers’ old team, the Green Packers, “wanting a first round and more” for the 39-year-old quarterback.
Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas has a dilemma. Should the Jets trade away their 13th overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft and wait until the late second round to select a player? Or, should they keep playing hardball?
Former two-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis kept it simple last Thursday on First Take for what he thinks New York needs to do this offseason.
The upside for the Jets, however, is that they may have some foreshadowing for how long Rodgers might play in New York with former Packer and member of the quarterback’s wishlist Allen Lazard signing a four-year, $44 million deal, with two years guaranteed.
That may go into their decision-making if going about trading the 13th selection. There is also speculation that New York may only have to give up a future second and a third-round pick for the “bad man” from Lambeau. That would be the ideal situation for the Jets, because they would be able to essentially trade one non-first pick for each year they have Rodgers — should he stay another year.
As of now, it appears that both teams have not come close to a trade agreement. It will be interesting to see how long these negotiations last, as according to CBS’ John Breech, if the trade is done after June 1st, the Packers’ 40.3 million dead cap will split over two seasons, allowing the team to sign more talent this offseason, but capping their money next offseason.
