The New York Jets accomplished the No. 1 goal they had coming into the offseason just ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. They were seeking out a quarterback upgrade and found one in the form of Aaron Rodgers.
New York acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, as the teams swapped first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jets sent a 2023 second and sixth-round pick to the Packers as well, in addition to a conditional 2024 second-round pick that could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65 percent of the offensive snaps. The Packers also sent a 2023 fifth-round pick to the Jets to complete the deal.
Rodgers has made his presence felt already, attending playoff games for the New York Rangers and New York Knicks. He has also been present at the facility, but he admits that it is still taking some time to get used to everything.
During his weekly Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers revealed that he is still getting lost when walking around his new facility after spending “18 beautiful years” with the Packers.
After spending so long in one place, it is easy to understand Rodgers’ feeling of it being weird and different. But, he is taking everything in stride, as the new environment has lit a fire under him.
“I definitely feel energized to be in this building and I’m embracing the change. . . . It’s been good to be out there with all the guys and there’s a lot of excitement around here,” Rodgers said.
There hasn’t been a level of optimism surrounding the Jets since the last time they traded for a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback from the Packers. In 2008, the team acquired Brett Favre and looked like Super Bowl contenders until an injury derailed Favre’s production and effectiveness on the field.
With Rodgers under center, there are some people that believe the Jets are dark horse contenders for a title. Quarterback was their biggest issue last season and with the veteran leading the way, those issues should dissipate.
But, it will take more than Rodgers to get this team over the top. There are a lot of young, inexperienced players on the roster and coaching staff that will have to grow up fast to contend with the other top teams in the AFC.
