The Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets have come to a consensus to trade veteran Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, as announced by Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Monday. While the trade details are still being ironed out, it is expected to be finalized soon.
According to sources from ESPN and NFL Network, this highly anticipated trade will involve the four-time NFL MVP joining the Jets along with the Packers' 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In return, the Packers will receive the Jets' 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft, a second-round pick from the Jets, and their 2024 first-round draft pick if Rodgers participates in at least 65% of the Jets' offensive plays this season, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
At 39 years old, Rodgers has dedicated his entire 18-season NFL career to the Packers, leading them to a Super Bowl XLV victory in 2011. The NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday night in Kansas City, Missouri.
During an interview on "The Pat McAfee Show" in March, Rodgers expressed his intention to continue playing in the NFL, specifically for the Jets. He shared his gratitude and appreciation for Green Bay and its fans, while acknowledging the Packers' interest in moving on. Rodgers reiterated his passion for the game and his desire to play in New York.
Rodgers has earned MVP awards in 2011, 2014, 2020, and 2021 and has set numerous records for his remarkable accuracy and skill over the years. Despite his personal achievements, he and the Packers were unable to secure additional championships, experiencing multiple disappointing playoff losses.
In recent years, Rodgers has expressed growing discontent with events in Green Bay, including the lack of offensive support and the drafting of Jordan Love, his potential successor, in the 2020 draft. Rodgers has hinted at retirement and even participated in a darkness retreat this offseason to gain clarity on his future.
Although his ability to evade defenders may have waned with age, Rodgers continues to showcase his precision and ingenuity on the field. Last season, despite a slow start, Rodgers led the Packers on a four-game winning streak, transforming a 4-8 record into a Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions for a playoff spot. However, the Packers fell short, losing 20-16 and concluding their season.
