There are a lot of people that would say the New York Jets were big winners during the 2023 offseason. They came into it with a clear goal in mind; find an upgrade at the quarterback position. It took some time, but general manager Joe Douglas was able to accomplish the goal.
Right before the 2023 NFL Draft, the Jets acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in a blockbuster trade. Rodgers presents the team with a massive upgrade at the position over Zach Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft who has struggled mightily thus far in his career.
The Jets have become a trendy Super Bowl pick with Rodgers at the helm as people are excited to see what he can do for Gang Green. However, some people are skeptical about the amount of success that the new partnership will produce.
One of those people is Mike Jones of The Athletic. In a piece recapping the NFL offseason, he believes that Rodgers is the biggest loser of the offseason. While he acknowledges that the future Hall of Famer got what he wanted by leaving Green Bay, you have to be careful what you wish for.
“Yes, he got what he wanted in his exit from Green Bay and reunion with new Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, his former Packers OC. He also gains a more potent cast of wide receivers. But in leaving the NFC for the AFC, he now has a significantly tougher road to the Super Bowl.”
For years, Rodgers and the Packers would steamroll the NFC North en route to playoff appearances, taking the divisional crown eight times in the last 12 seasons. In the history of their franchise the Jets have won only four divisional titles, the last coming in the 2002 season.
As Jones pointed out, the path to a Super Bowl for Rodgers and the Jets is a daunting one. An argument could be made that he isn’t even the best quarterback in the AFC East, where he will compete with Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Tua Tagovailia of the Miami Dolphins, let alone the conference.
Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes and back-to-back AFC Championship game participant Joe Burrow are just the tip of the iceberg. Former MVP Lamar Jackson has something to prove with the Baltimore Ravens this season and don’t forget young stars Trevor Lawrence and Justin Herbert.
As the old saying goes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. That is a harsh reality that could hit Rodgers and the Jets this offseason, especially if he performs at the same level as which he did during the 2022 season.
