GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – After weeks of waiting, Aaron Rodgers may finally be traded before the 2023 NFL draft begins on Thursday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets “recently re-engaged” in trade talks over the star quarterback “after a dormant couple weeks.” Rapoport says the two parties aim to reach an agreement this week, but it “is not imminent.”
The lack of leverage on either side may be a factor in the trade talks’ delay. With only $8.6 million in cap space, the Jets will have to make some notable adjustments to take on Rodgers’ contract.
Nonetheless, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted Wednesday that “chances are very high that Rodgers will become a Jet between now and early Friday night.”
It doesn’t have to happen before the draft, according to the Rob Demovsky. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has stated publicly that he will not seek the Jets’ first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in this draft. Obviously, he wouldn’t do a deal without second-day (Rounds 2 and 3) draft picks, thus the trade may take place before the second round begins on Friday.
Demovsky also indicated that the issue appears to be what to do if Rodgers does not play for the Jets beyond the 2023 season. The Jets may be hesitant to include a future first-round pick unless they know Rodgers is committed for more than one season. There’s also the question of how much of Rodgers’ deal the Packers are willing to pay.
