After months of posturing, Aaron Rodgers is finally on the move. The Green Bay Packers and New York Jets finalized a deal on Monday afternoon that will send the future Hall of Famer to New York.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers will be sending Aaron Rodgers, the No. 15 pick and No. 170 pick, a fifth-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft, to the Jets. In return, Green Bay will receive the No. 13 pick, a second-rounder (No. 42), a sixth-rounder (No. 207) and a conditional 2024 second-round pick. That pick will turn into a first-rounder should Aaron Rodgers play in at least 65 percent of the plays during the 2023 season.
The Jets came into the offseason seeking out an upgrade at the quarterback position and they have finally gotten their man. Aaron Rodgers made it clear that New York is where he wanted to play in 2023 and he finally got his wish.
While the Jets are ecstatic about the move, the Packers should be happy as well. All signs have pointed to them being ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers and start the Jordan Love era. While 2023 may be a reset year for the franchise, they have to be happy about the return package that they got.
While they were reportedly seeking multiple first-round picks in return for Aaron Rodgers, this is a very good return for Green Bay. They moved up two spots in the first round of this year’s draft, while also picking up another premium selection near the top of Day 2.
Moving down 37 picks on Day 3 is certainly worth it for that kind of return. In addition, that 2024 pick will be a premium selection regardless of where it lands.
If Aaron Rodgers fails to reach the play threshold, it likely means that the Jets struggled and the pick will be near the top of the second round. If he reaches it, having a second first-round pick, regardless of where it lands, provides excellent value.
Both franchises should come away feeling happy about getting this deal done. Aaron Rodgers lands where he wants, the Jets got their guy and the Packers received solid value to restock the roster. They can now turn their focus elsewhere, namely the 2023 NFL Draft that gets underway on Thursday night.
