by In another promising sign for Jets fans, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to indicate that there may be a move to New York in the near future.
The four-time MVP was asked by former Jets receiver Brandon Marshall about his alleged move to New York on a recent podcast, and he replied to the retired NFL star: “Stay tuned.”
When Marshall pressed for more information, the 39-year-old Rodgers responded by saying “that’s all I’m giving you” before adding “there’s a time limit on that.”
That “time limit” Rodgers mentioned could be the NFL’s Wednesday deadline for all teams to meet the league’s $224.8 million salary cap.
The Jets freed up some space on Saturday by renegotiating several existing player contracts, ostensibly to free up space for Rodgers’ $31 million cap for the 2023 season. In total, the Jets cleared a reported $15.1 million in cap space by limiting left-back Laken Tomlinson’s trades, the corner of defender DJ Reed and narrow end Tyler Conklin.
In another promising sign for Jets fans, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to indicate that a move to New York could be coming in the near future
Rodgers was asked by former Jets receiver Brandon Marshall about his alleged move to New York on a recent podcast and responded by telling the retired NFL star: “Stay tuned.”
Marshall and Rodgers spoke at the RX Flag Football Charity Event in Laguna Beach, California on the podcast of the former, I Am Athlete.
Owner Woody Johnson and front desk staff spoke to the Green Bay Packers quarterback in his native California this week, and while there was optimism before the trip that they could convince Rodgers to move to New York, the Jets are now more confident after the meeting.
On Twitter, ESPN’s Dianna Russini explained that “Johnson left the meeting excited and pleased with a potential match.”
When asked by Marshall about the meeting, the taciturn Rodgers said that “it’s always interesting to meet major figures in sports”, but offered little else.
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy confirmed that the team had given the Jets permission to speak with Rodgers and would comply with the trade request if he made one.
Murphy commented on Friday during a speech during the broadcast of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association girls’ basketball championship, which aired on Green Bay TV station WCWF.
“We are very hopeful that we can reach a solution that is beneficial not only to Aaron, but also to us,” Murphy said.
The Jets restructured the contracts of three different players, including Laken Tomlinson
Prominent cornerback DJ Reed also had his contract restructured after one season in New York
Tight end Tyler Conklin rounded out the starter trio for restructured contracts on Saturday
Rodgers said as of the end of the season that he was still deciding whether to return to the Packers, ask for a trade, or retire. Rodgers also noted the possibility that the Packers might want to move on and hand over the 2020 first-round quarterback job to Jordan Love.
The Jets have already made one major move, apparently designed to encourage Rodgers to apply for a trade to New York by hiring his former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett.
According to the information, another move may be in the works NFL reporter Tyler Dunnewhich says the Jets are one of four teams interested in former Packers backstage Jamaal Williams.
Jets owner Woody Johnson (right), general manager Joe Douglas (left), head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew to California with Rodgers on Tuesday, ESPN reported earlier this week.
Rodgers hasn’t made any career decisions since coming out of a four-day retreat in the dark in the Oregon wilderness, where he was to consider his next move, be it retirement, forcing a trade, or another season at Green Bay.
The Jets appear motivated to make a deal after missing out on free agent quarterback Derek Carr, who agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Monday. Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback was considered a viable option for the Jets, who are reportedly interested in replacing struggling starter Zach Wilson with a more seasoned veteran.
Meanwhile, the Jets players apparently forgot about Wilson as they took to social media to beg Rodgers to come to New York.
The Jets corner, Sauce Gardner and runner Breece Hall did not make the trip west, but did post their listings for sale on social media.
Gardner directly mentioned Rodgers on Twitter, telling him “I promise if you become a Jet I won’t challenge you in practice” and promising to burn off the cheese cap he wore at Green Bay last season when the Jets caused a 27-10 upset of the Packers at Lambeau Field.
Similarly, Hall seemed excited at the prospect of playing with Rodgers.
“Don’t mind me…I’m just manifesting @Aaron Rodgers,” the 21-year-old runner tweeted.
Jets CB Sauce Gardner and RB Breece Hall propose Aaron Rodgers move to NYC
The failing Packers fell to 8-9 last season and appear to be in need of a rebuild that could be helped by replacing Rodgers and his remaining salary.
Rodgers is left with $108.8 million on his current contract, which runs until 2026, although this season and 2025 are considered “attractive” years that are only on the books due to the salary cap.
According to ESPN, his contract is fully guaranteed for $59.5 million this season, most of which comes in the form of bonuses before the regular season starts.
But the Jets wouldn’t necessarily suffer from a roster spot if they signed him, as Rodgers’ bonus was commensurate with his ongoing three-year contract. In total, according to ESPN, he would count on $15.8 million against his team’s salary cap in 2023 and $32.5 million in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Packers would still have $40.3 million on Rodgers’ 2023 salary on their books if he were sold. That’s 18 percent of the $224.8 million NFL salary cap for this year.
The Jets finish a 7-10 season in which they boasted a fifth-place defensive finish, as well as the offensive and defensive rookies of the year in rebounder Garrett Wilson and defenseman Sauce Gardner.
Coach Robert Saleh’s team’s biggest concern was the offensive line and quarterback, with Zach Wilson ranked 34th in the NFL with a disastrous 72.8 quarterback rating.
Fourth-year quarterback Mike White has played well at times, but is also moving to free agency and it is unclear if he will return.
Mike White (left) replaced the Jets last season when Zach Wilson dropped out of the contract
