The trade negotiations centered around quarterback Aaron Rodgers between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets have come to a screeching halt. For weeks, there have been rumors swirling that the framework of a deal has been done. Despite that, nothing has seemingly seemed to be very close.
Aaron Rodgers has announced his intent for the 2023 season, which is to play with the Jets. However, the Packers aren’t going to just give him away. They want what they believe is fair value for him, which earlier in the offseason, was reported as two first-round picks.
The biggest holdup most recently was the protections on draft picks being involved. The Jets wanted protection on the picks in case Aaron Rodgers decides to retire after one season with the team or some draft capital in return. That was something the Packers were not interested in doing originally but sounds like they eventually conceded it.
A recent proposal from the Packers was a 2023 second-round pick and a guaranteed 2024 first-round pick from the Jets. Green Bay would also include a 2025 draft pick going back to New York in case Aaron Rodgers did retire after the 2023 season. However, that is an offer the Jets decline.
That would seemingly be everything that the Jets wanted, but they are playing some hardball. It isn’t surprising as they are the only team in the running for Aaron Rodgers right now and any leverage the Packers may have had went out the window when he announced his intentions.
A large gap remains between the Packers and Jets on compensation, which Ian Rapoport of NFL Network believes has always been the case. In his opinion, it isn’t the draft picks that are holding negotiations up, it is the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers’ future, as he shared he was 90 percent retired before heading on his darkness retreat.
Understandably, the Jets are hesitant not knowing what the future may hold for Aaron Rodgers. However, after meeting with him and beginning negotiations, it is hard to imagine that Woody Johnson and the Jets were unaware that Aaron Rodgers was legitimately considering retirement.
Expect a deal to eventually get done as that is what is best for both franchises. However, plenty of work remains to be done.
