It’s probably true that of the two organizations involved in the proposed Aaron Rodgers trade, one is under a lot more pressure to complete the deal. After all, the Packers already have their starting quarterback for next season, while the Jets’ depth chart consists of a washed-up Joe Flacco, disappointing Zach Wilson, and somebody by the name of Chris Streveler.
Jets GM Joe Douglas probably needs to make the playoffs next season to keep his job, and that’s not going to happen without a quality quarterback, and Rodgers is the only one truly available. Lamar Jackson is also technically out there, but it’s difficult to imagine Douglas giving up a pair of No. 1 draft picks and a guarantee of at least $250 million to sign the 2019 MVP to an offer sheet. Plus, the Ravens would have the opportunity to match, which would be the most likely outcome.
I’ve also heard some people contend that the Jets don’t have to be in a hurry to complete the trade because Rodgers already knows the system since former Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett occupies the same job in New York. That’s true to an extent, but didn’t last offseason prove how important it is for Rodgers to build a rapport with new receivers before the start of training camp in July? Aside from Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb (if he signs with the Jets), the 39-year-old future first-ballot Hall of Famer has never thrown a pass to any other player on the roster.
Simply put, the Jets need to get the trade completed; the sooner, the better. That puts Packers GM Brian Gutekusnt in the catbird seat, right? Yes, but only if you believe Rodgers will patiently wait for the deal to get done. Considering the four-time MVP already publicly complained on The Pat McAfee Show last week about Green Bay’s front office dragging its heels, that probably isn’t happening. Expect Rodgers to start making a lot more noise if negotiations meander into April.
While harsh comments probably won’t affect Gutekunst – he’s used to them by now – Rodgers would still have an ace up his sleeve. He could show up for offseason workouts at any time (talk about irony). Not to throw passes, pump iron, or attend meetings but simply to cause a distraction. Rodgers witnessed firsthand what happened 15 years ago when Brett Favre attended Family Night and brought what seemed like every media person in the country to tiny Green Bay, Wisconsin. Then-GM Ted Thompson dealt Favre to the Jets a few days later. The compensation for a quarterback who threw for 28 TDs and led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game the year before was a conditional fourth-round pick.
Thompson traded Favre so quickly because he wanted to provide Rodgers with the best possible work environment. Gutekunst wouldn’t be nearly as stressed in April, May, or even June as his predecessor was in August, but it’s safe to assume he’d prefer Jordan Love to concentrate 100% on football and not be stuck answering questions about off-the-field stuff.
The point is, while the Jets are under more pressure to get a trade for Rodgers done in a timely manner, it would also behoove the Packers to work things out in the next few weeks. The two teams need to focus on what promises to be an intriguing season, and if the GMs insist on playing a game of chicken, there’s a chance both will end up getting fucked plucked.
I wish (well, maybe….) I thought it was Gutekunst making the decisions around Rodgers. Unfortunately, I think Murphy is the key player from the Packers side, and I am not sure his goals align with those of the average fan.
Personally, I just want this done sooner rather than later and with minimal drama. Let that be the Jets problem now. Hopefully Aaron is better behaved in NY when compared to his predecessor. Or at least had a better sense of angles, aesthetics, and proper footwear: 🙂
I’m prepared to be disappointed by what the Packers get for Rodgers. I went into the offseason expecting to get a first-round pick, but that’s when I thought multiple teams would be interested. Gutekunt might want to play hardball, but he’s not negotiating from a position of strength. Eventually, he’ll probably have to settle for a second-round pick this year and a conditional pick in the future.
I was at one of the training camp practices during the Favre drama, and I’ll never forget people cursing at McCarthy and booing Rodgers. I was embarrassed to be a Packers fan. Fortunately, that will never happen again because I doubt another Packers player will ever be as loved as Favre was back then. Little did we know he’d turn out to be a real piece of shit.
i listened to Andrew Brandt’s Business of Sports podcast today. he has what very few observers have: experienced perspective. his view: the Jets have no leverage. the Packers can wait through the entire offseason and into training camp before they need to pay Rodgers. the Jets desperately need Rodgers before that time.
if the Packers are willing to forego landing draft compensation for next month’s draft, the Packers will basically have the Jets by the balls. the Jets do not have access to another QB who can lead them into the playoffs this year. if the Packers are willing to angle for draft compensation in ’24 and ’25, they can get at least one 1st and something else (yes, conditions) and probably a player too.
as fans, it is hard to play the waiting game; however, as is the saying these days: “This is the way.”
I like Brandt, but he tends to be biased toward the Packers.
I think the Packers have a little leverage, but at some point, the Jets might just say the heck with it and move on to someone like Ryan Tannehill. Would Jets fans be upset? Yes, but Joe Douglas could spin it that the Packers were being unreasonable. I think the deal gets done sooner rather than later because it does neither team any good to have this situation unresolved by the draft.
they wouldn’t be able to roll with Tannehill. the Jets and their coaching staff are in a win-now situation, and Tannehill would get them fired. and, yeah, it would be an understatement to say Jets fans would be upset. Tannehill? how would Allen Lazard feel about that? how about Nathaniel Hackett? the cloud of negativity, long term negativity, would be through the roof over, what? a draft pick? the GM’s job would be on the line.