Wednesday marked another milestone in the 2023 version of Aaron Rodgers‘ decision-making process with respect to his playing future. During his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, a number of important updates were provided. One of them was the four-time MVP confirming his intention to play for the Jets. 
Rodgers elaborated on the darkness retreat he went on at the end of last month, and the shift which took place in terms of his intentions. While prefacing a lengthy breakdown of his thought process, he said that a firm decision has already been made on his part (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Mike Giardi). Not long after that, he added that Friday marked the point at which he told the Packers of his desire to be traded to the Jets (Twitter link via Giardi’s colleague Tom Pelissero).
The 39-year-old admitted that he was “90 percent” leaning towards retirement upon beginning his darkness retreat. Once it had concluded, however, his reaction to the Packers’ openness to trading him (before he had confirmed he would continue his career) spurred a change of course (Twitter links via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo). Now, attention will shift to the matter of trade compensation between the Packers and Jets.
On that point, Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that negotiations are still ongoing. He adds that Green Bay is not seeking multiple first-round picks in return for Rodgers, as recent blockbuster deals involving Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson have. The latter two passers were younger at the time of their respective acquisitions, though they did not have the pedigree of the 10-time Pro Bowler. Matt Schneidman of The Athletic tweets that Rodgers has not yet formally made a trade request to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, though doing is surely a mere formality at this point.
The Packers have been left waiting to find out Rodgers’ intentions with a number of salary cap-related moves to be made, and a backup in Jordan Love the team (and several of its players) is comfortable elevating to the No. 1 role. They have thus unsurprisingly been open to the notion of trading the longest-tenured player in franchise history, a move which has long been expected to send him to the Jets. Rodgers mentioned that the team delayed communicating that line of thinking until well after the season (Twitter link via ESPN’s Rich Cimini).
New York has been one of several teams adamant they would aggressively pursue an upgrade under center this offseason. They eyed veterans Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo as potential free agent signings, but they have landed in New Orleans and Las Vegas, respectively. Their top priority, signaled as early as their decision to hire Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator, has remained Rodgers. The all-time great, in turn, said Hackett’s presence helped bring him around on joining the Jets.
In the opening days of the free agent period, it was reported that the four-time All-Pro submitted a wish list of pass catchers for New York to add. That included former Packer Allen Lazard, who has agreed to terms on a four-year, $44M pact with the Jets. When asked about the presence of such a list, Rodgers called the notion “ridiculous” (Twitter link via NFL Network’s James Palmer). It will nevertheless be interesting to see what further steps the Jets take in adding players tied to Rodgers if/when a trade is in place.
Rodgers also said that teams other than the Jets showed interest in him (Twitter link via Cimini). Schneidman’s colleague Jeff Howe tweets that the Raiders were one of them, which comes as little surprise given their need at QB before signing Garoppolo and the presence of Davante Adams. They have moved in a different direction, though, in agreeing to terms with Garoppolo.
Rodgers thanked the Packers organization on numerous occasions during today’s remarks. However, the next major element of his legacy appears to now be in place, and his career is all but assured to shift to New York. The Jets are set to land a massive addition at the quarterback position, while the Packers will fully commit to only their second transition at the position in the 21st century. It will look incredibly similar to their first, which involved Brett Favre being traded to the Jets (in 2008) and a fourth-year passer replacing him. Love will soon be set to step into the role Rodgers played for 15 seasons.
pain. even though this is the best result for the pack, it doesn’t make it hurt any less.
He was 90% sure he was going to retire until he went into the darkness and saw all those dollar signs
Actually he admitted that the packers disrespected him helping make his decision to come back easier.
AND….the Packers price just went up again. Lol
Down, if anything. They HAVE to get rid of him at this point. He won’t play for them, they want to move on to Love, and he can’t ride the bench with that cap hit.
I mean, there’s probably dead money involved anyway. As a matter of principle you could absolutely have him come back as the backup.
My guess is he would retire before he did that, though, and getting pennies for him is better than getting nothing.
Bo- I don’t believe any team operates in a way in which they make decisions based on principle since that doesn’t translate to W/L or save their jobs. They would look foolish to not trade him and get some compensation back.
Correct, which leads to the part where I give “my guess”. I agree with you as far as what will actually happen.
Just saying that they don’t “HAVE” (to quote you) to get rid of him. At least not technically.
I’d imagine it’ll look something like the Favre trade, compensation wise.
Then don’t trade him if they don’t get their asking price.
Rockin- If they follow your advice, that’s how the front office ends up getting fired. They can’t just refuse to trade him at this point, as he’s guaranteed nearly $60M. It’s much more worth it to just suck it up and get a 4th round pick in return (not saying that’s the compensation) than keep him as a backup with a $32M cap hit. They’d be terrible with that plan.
they will soon be fired soon enough. with love packs are lucky to win a quater of games.
These idiots are getting fired anyway after the Packers win 6-8 games the next 2 years….
Same cap at whether he plays or retired bonehdad
I’m sure the price has been worked out before this.
Jets will never learn from their own mistakes.
Probably true but I give the organization credit for always finding new and creative ways to make mistakes.
What a diva
why is he a diva? the team let go of #2 wide receiver and trade #1 receiver while drafting ones who could not catch wide open passes. when he was contemplating a retirement fo went to his house begging for him to come offering a huge contract. did rodgers demand the contract? heck no!
even now it is the team that is hell-bent to trade him not the other way around!
Diva because he cried about his draft position, cried about sitting behind Favre, cried about other players, having or not having, cried about organization moves, cried to get old players back, cried they drafted another QB, crying about wanting out, crying about the team wanting compensation, crying it not moving fast enough and calls a presser rather than settling team business in private.
He cried about Favre at every turn but in reality he’s a spitting image! His parting nugget: I’m the greatest player this organization has ever had?
This just in: THATS A DIVA
Rodgers is a diva, but he’s also not wrong. The Packers wasted most of his careers-brazenly, in my opinion-by refusing to take the necessary steps to add players around him, either through the draft or free agency. It was not until Rodgers was in his late thirties (the last two seasons) that they realized the closure of their window, and in that process lost one of the best receivers in their history. Rodgers has reason to not trust Green Bay, even if his antics are over dramatic.
So does this mean we should expect him to play for the Vikings after this season spent with the Jets?
Cousins contract is up after this next season!!
Love is in the air
Love is intercepted
wow, this was out of nowhere.. between all the tweets from jets players and them going and getting lazard, it was clear what was going down.
Now how messed up would it be for Jets fans if the 2 teams could not reach a deal and he didn’t go there?!?!
Sadly the packers need rid of him so the asking price will be utter pennies
I think the opposite.
Jets have no back up plan for QB. Plus what happens if the Jets do not sign the FA Rodgers had on his list?
Oh you had so much time to actually see that the list is fake. He was asked about players he liked and he gave his opinion. Coming directly from rogers mouth. The jets have leverage not the packers. They pretty much packed his bags for him, and they owe him more money than they would let him get. Packers are right where they deserve to be
The Jets probably do have a backup plan. It is not as good in all likelihood, but that’s what backup plans tend to be. Gardner Minshew is lurking in free agency, as Garappolo and Carr are off the free agent market. There is also the option to draft another starter, though that would be less pertinent to competing next year. Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, and Marcus Mariota are all still available, though they’re an obvious drop off. Obviously, Rodgers is the first choice, but there are still options out there if the Jets need to pivot.
These two losers deserve each other, it is a match made in heaven. As a Patriots fan I am thrilled about this!
Jets will destroy pathetic patriots next year. Patriots lost mccourty to retirement. Lost meyers to vegas. Skill players are pathetic. Last place easy for pats
Probably true although the Pats aren’t a playoff team. So let’s say the Jets just absolutely slay the Pats in the regular season but the Jets don’t make the playoffs or can’t get past the better teams in the AFC. Does it even matter that they beat the Pats?
Yes.
Talking like a real idiot. Hear is how it’s going to end in the Jets division.
Jets 12-4
Bills 11-5
Miami 8-8
Pats 3-13
Look at the bright side Jerky. You will get the number 1 pick.
Yes! I wanted the word “HEAR” and not here. I want you too HEAR the JETS JETS JETS celebrating from Boston. YEA BABY!!!!!
Are you thrilled with the Mac Attack? At least the Pats dumped Matt Patricia, so maybe Mac will get better. Still have Joe Judge kicking around, though, so maybe not.
New England is a club whose lack of Brady has exposed their head coach as mediocre.
I hope those hands of karma give him a gut punch and he learns the true connection between a foot and balls.
Vonn Miller will remind him twice a year (if both stay healthy)
With visions of Strahan picking up a cheap sack.
Man, Rodgers is a pain in the ass. I get that the Jets have a need…but it sure feels like a deal with the devil.
What kind of guy says “ I was 90% leaning toward retirement, but the darkness gave me clarity”. ? Now I guess he will have “clarity” as he gets his next $60m Signing his buddies makes so he doesn’t have to put in the work to learn new receivers. I’m guessing those receivers will be on the roster when his next period of clarity ends.
I wonder if he’ll show up for the OTAs in order to establish a connection with his new receivers and line? He didn’t bother to do that last year in GB, knowing he had a bunch of new kids to work with. What if??
Creston… are you doubting the ability to gain clarification from quietness? You don’t think he knew what his contract was worth this year before he turned off his internet?
I’m happy for Jets fans because they needed something other than Zac Wilson, but…I don’t see a tiger changing his stripes here, just his uniform.
Packers should include a draft pick to make up for that contract.
Rodgers would make $59.465 million from the Jets in 2023, although he’d only count roughly $15.5 million against the salary cap (Of that $59.465 million, $58.3 million would be treated as an option bonus, so the Jets would be able to pro-rate it over four years).
Why does the NFL have such convoluted contract structures?
Bottom line is that the money is in the tens-to-hundreds of millions and not thousands. If it were any less there’d be significantly less risk and simplified structure. Teams are seeking protection while at the same time making players feel valuable, which requires these juggernauts.
That may be a moot point as they agreed to a restructure as part of the deal. So no one knows what the cap hit will be.
Haven’t seen a deal in place so we’re both speculating.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You’re wrong the packers take a fifteen million dollar cat hit
Stop hitting cats!!!!!
The reward is in the challenge
@ AK185 / I get that a lot from the wife when she wants small maintenance jobs done around the house.
If that’s the case, I’ve been rewarded since we started dating.
That circus will be perfect in NY.
Vonn Miller approves…
God help us. (Just kidding. I’m a Jets fan, so I know there’s no God.)
Well played, but I don’t think this will turn out as badly as others are predicting.
Oh, it absolutely could work out well. Rodgers had a worse group of pass catchers, a coaching staff with a ton of turnover, and some injury issues last year. If the defense stays strong and the line isn’t a total infirmary ward again, it’s entirely possible he bounces back close enough to 20-21 to really compete.
Of course, it’s also possible his play falls off a cliff, the defense isn’t quite as good, the salary cap is wrecked, and his personality becomes a black hole in the middle of the organization.
As a Jets fan, I know I can hope for the former while half-expecting the latter, and most likely ending up with something in between.
I doubt that this turns out as poorly as the Let’s Ride Broncos. Hackett is ironically present in New York, but Rodgers worked well with him in the past and the Jets have experience with a similar offense under Mike LaFleur. Lazard has experience with Rodgers and in that offense, and already has a reputation as a “dirty work” type of receiver, and as such should help with the transition. I actually think that Berrios would have been an excellent hold over as a speed/RAC option, but the Jets can find that player easily enough.
These types of things usually take a year to gel together, but I expect this to offer improvement to the Jets. Their biggest problem is the rest of the division-Bills are good, but may have gotten slightly worse on defense, though they remain a playoff favorite. Miami has improved again, and New England improves by default by hiring an actual offensive coordinator. The AFCE is actually very competitive now, and that will be the biggest test for the Jets.
It can’t be true that he informed GB of his decision on Friday. Not 1 report from Schefty, Rappaport, etc that I’m aware of citing ‘people familiar with the situation’ giving them the inside scoop. If they didn’t report it before he publicly stated it, he MUST be lying, right?
I’m not sure if this is sarcasm or not, but it is well-documented that Rodgers froze out Schefer and Rapaport and gave the scoop to Wingo and McAfee, hence why Wingo reported it a couple days ago and why McAfee slipped up on air. Rodgers hates the big time media guys and always has (minus Silver).
Very little to do with Rodgers personal feelings or whatever towards either of them. Mostly my own personal dislike of Schefter, and thinking he (and others, possibly including Rappaport..I basically added his name bc it was the only one that popped into my head at the moment) may not actually have sources, or factual information, when offering some of his information. Not just regarding Rodgers either. I suppose I’m just cynical but if you refuse to ever offer concrete evidence as to where or how you acquired information beyond ‘my sources tell me’ or ‘people close to the situation’ make me wonder where it’s really coming from. Then if the information doesn’t pan out, it’s someone else’s fault.
Oh yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. I just wasn’t sure if you were being sarcastic or actually thought Rodgers was lying, so I thought I would provide some extra insight in case you weren’t. It seems like you were spot on, though, so really you can disregard my comment haha
Maybe just a smidge of sarcasm as well. : )
Book it. Packers get a 2nd this year, a conditional 2nd next year (becomes a 1st if the Jets make the playoffs this season) and a conditional 3rd in 2025 (becomes a 2nd if Rodgers plays in 2024)
That’s way too much going to the packers.
As a Packer fan, what ever. I’m old enough to remember the Lynn Dickey and Randy Wright days. Since 1992, the Packers have played at a high level. The whole Favre “I am going to retire, no I am not, yes I am, wait hold on…” for 3 years diva stuff and now Rodgers. OK, move on.
Time to stink it up for a while. Is Love the real deal? We will find out now.
Most of us Packer fans are over the yo-yo drama. I’m just hoping GB gets a quality return. Give Love the shot this year. If he looks legit, great. If he’s a bust, draft a QB next year.
I also remember the Dickey, Wright, and Majik days at QB. Not great teams, but fun to watch!!
Agree. Good to finally get on with it. I love Rodgers but I love the Packers more – even when Dickey and Wright were our QBs. I’d rather experience the pains of a young QB than the drama of an aging superstar.
I’m not a Packers fan, but I think they’re making the right decision at precisely the right time. They have to see if Love is any good, and now is the time. Even if Rodgers goes on a tear, it would’ve been hard to see GB winning a championship.
The smart play now might be to let the Jets keep this year’s 1st rounder and ask for picks next year. I’d try for a 1st and a 3rd in ’24, and then if Love is bad they have picks to move around in a good QB class next year.
Sounds like a good plan to me. I hope that happens
Thank you Aaron. Putting up with Favre’s diva issues, Mccarthys awful coaching which robbed you of at least 1 other SB, and countless years of sub standard draft talent. You are really weird now and just ad much ad a diva as Favre…but you won us a chip and that more than most teams can say in the last 20 years.
I agree. Favre should have gone to at least one more SB under Sherman (2001 or 2002). And Rodgers should have gone to at least one or two more SB under McCarthy. I blame Sherman and McCarthy for that.
That said, the last 30 years have been exciting for the Packers. Rodgers contributed to the that success.
I guess divas need to move on eventually.
Why would anyone want him at this stage in his career considering the baggage and self-made drama? He does not make the Jets a SB contender, merely a playoff team for a year or two. After that they are right back in a hole again without a higher pick.
Jets took Favre with drama and baggage too. Maybe the Jets just like this kind of stuff.
Really, Rodgers was banged up last year and a thumb issue. No decent receivers to start the season. If his head is in the right place, why wouldn’t he still play like he did in 2020-2021?
The man is a hall of fame quarterback, Who can still dissect a defense. Eccentric,yes decisive sometimes but there’s no question the jets pull this off, they are right there with this massive upgrade at quarterback.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tom’s retirement played into this. Aaron wouldn’t want to share the HoF induction with a better QB. Such a selfish person.
$59 million guaranteed if he plays in 2023 might have something to do with it too.
Now we are finding out we he learn from Favre. Next he will be in the Twin Cities.
Lots of folks seem to think Rodgers was the hold-up on this move, when it is clear that the Packers are holding the Jets hostage in order to get a better deal. Rodgers was clearly sold on the move the moment the Jets flew out to California and made their pitch (given their willingness to bend to his roster demands).
I think there’s a chance all 3 sides held it up to some extent. Rodgers, to see how much the Jets would bend to his wishes, GB for what they wanted in return, and the Jets at least hesitating a little bit to decide how much they would (and could) bend for him, as well as what they were willing to give up in the trade.
Not saying anyone deserves blame, but we’re talking about a significant move by all 3 sides. Takes some time to weigh all the factors (especially if the Jets had to reach out to 4-5 of Rodgers guys to guage their interest in joining the super team, and at what price).
Looking forward to seeing GB at the bottom of the league for a long time!
Maybe all you “shareholders” should sell now. Oh, that’s right!! Those shares are already worthless! Just a scam to steal money from their fans without an actual product. Well, you did get a pretty piece of paper. So that’s something.
Really? Buying that “worthless” stock is kind of the same as spending $200 on a jersey. At least when you get fatter your “pretty” stock certificate can still hang on the wall.
I think bleed brings up the stock thing regularly. Probably says a lot about his own team’s shortcomings..whoever it is.
AlBundy – i don’t bring it up very often but it probably seems like it to you because of your regrets for being suckered.
If you’re implying I have purchased Packers stock, you’re wrong.
I’d have to say I recall you bringing it up because, as an obvious non-Packer fan it makes me wonder why you spend so much time on GB topics. And, I still don’t know what team you are a fan of.
RockinRobin- That is ridiculous. Buying a jersey gets you an actual product you can use. The stock scam just takes your $300 for a piece pf paper. Yeah ypu can frame it and hang it on the wall but it is still just a piece of paper. NO ownership rights. NO voting rights. NO value at all. All you get is an invitation to listen to their front office speak about the team during their “shareholder” meeting. And when they lure you to the meetings they can sell you hot dogs and beer to pilfer more money out of you before sending you through the gift shop. Oh, and the gift shop that they make tons of money in was paid for by your “stock” purchase.
So, go ahead snd hang the pretty paper on your wall to remod you of how your team suckered you out of $300.
We don’t see it the same way. No big deal. The “stock” is a fundraiser, that’s all. And for some, they see some kind of value in it. But I don’t get all worked up on it because they can’t read a prospectus first like real stock. I mean really, who cares?
By the way, I do not own any stock but I do own jerseys.
Fundraisers are for non-profits, not organizations with hundreds of millions in revenue.
Boy, this stock thing really burns you. Not sure why, but I will have it again.
1. You and I as individuals do not solely determine what is valuable to the market. For some folks, they see value in the stock. You don’t have to like it or even understand that, but that’s how the market works. Nobody is making anyone buy stock. Value can be tangible as well as non-tangible/emotional.
2. The Packers have been a publicly owned, non-profit corporation since August 18, 1923. Just stating a fact.
3. In my opinion, selling the stock is nothing more than a fundraiser. This is a non-mandatory purchase, of course. The funds were used to make stadium upgrades. The last stock sale raised over $65MM.
4. The Brown County tax that was implemented to pay for Lambeau Field upgrades is a fundraiser too (in my opinion). But I had no say in participating in that fundraiser when I bought something in Brown County. I will also suggested a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a fundraiser for pro sport teams.
5. You seem to dislike the stock. Think it is foolish for people to buy it since it does not hold traditional stock voting and buy/sell privileges. Got it. Lots of people feel that way.
6. For thousands of people who have purchased the stock certificates, they saw some value in it. Value that you and I don’t agree with. But I see the stock as no different that any other Packer fan memorabilia.
7. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. And something could be free and I’d see no value in it. The individual determines the value for him or herself.
As Milton Friedman would say, you are free to choose.
I get what you are saying regarding it being voluntary and people chose to buy it. However, my issue is calling it a share of stock with the false pretence of ownership. If their goal was to fundraise for stadium improvements then just say that. Don’t disguise it as a share of ownership in the team. I see Packer Fans proclaiming they are owners whixh is wrong. You can say that the fine print stated there was no ownership but calling it a share of stock or they are shareholders is deceiving. I can tell you that a good portion of those who bought it are under the impression they actually have an ownership stake in the team.
When you buy an autographed photo or any other memoabilia, you know you are just buying a photo or football or whatever. There is no perception of additional ownership of the team.
I’m pretty sure that even before the stock sale began for the stadium improvements, they announced numerous times that is what it was for. Anyone after that point that actually believed it was tradeable was either a complete moron, or totally cut off from every possible source of information known to man.
I personally believe it’s a great way to get fans of the team/franchise/organization to help pay for things rather than sticking it to a certain tax base (like former governor Thompson did when pushing through the Brewers stadium with the 5 County tax) where everyone, even Packer-hating Bears fans who live within said district, gets stuck footing the bill.
Plus, for a team in their unique position both in terms of ownership and market, it’s a way to compete with Jerry Jones for revenue..that they’re unlikely to get from sponsorship deals, or stadium naming rights.
It’s really no different than someone buying a framed sports picture with a plaque commemorating a player and their achievement. They both are considered sports memorabilia except one allows you to claim “stake” to being a part of a professional sports franchise and the other only fandom.
Yes the stock share is worthless but it’s also a conversational piece and something fans take pride in. I mean how many sports fans can actually say they are shareholders of their favorite sports franchise?
Regardless the Packers are the only professional sports franchise not owned by a billionaire but instead the city it resides in and its fans. That’s a unique quality no other team can make.
So go ahead and keep hating the Packers. Clearly you hold more angst towards them than their fans buying worthless shares of stock for “fun”.
You get voting rights actually and get tickets sent to you and you can bring a couple people to the shareholders meeting at Lambeau every year.
I know someone with “stock” and the voting rights and tickets is BS. The only thing they get is an invite to the “shareholder” meeting where they sell you concessions to make more money.
Blue – and what does a fan get in return for a player jersey they purchase when the team trades said player away? Because to many fans’, it’s value is nothing at this point.
I also understand you view shareholder meetings as another “fundraiser” but as RockinRobin stated previously, the franchise is not forcing you to buy concessions or even attend the meetings. You’re more than welcome to eat and drink before arriving. It’s a choice not an obligation.
Sorry you have so much hate for Green Bay. Hope you can get over yourself. What you are putting out there simply isn’t accurate.
People need to review Ken Burns’ baseball docu-series to see how hard players had to fight for their rights. Football seemingly had a reserve clause, too. TV money has ruined sports for me. If a player can take owners to the woodshed, more power to him.
Yeah, agree with that. I go back to a time when local players like Lambert, Wagner and company had to get jobs after retirement to make a living. Heck, some guys had to get jobs in the off season. I’m a dinosaur but they’ve all had a hand in killing the golden goose. Our priorities are seriously out of whack
I imagine the Jets can teach Rodgers plenty about being on a darkness retreat.
Darkness retreat made him play in 2023??
You bet Aaron….it sure as hell wasn’t the 55/60 million dollars right????
What a tool.
To all the Jets fans out there. Your getting a QB going into his age 40 season and coming off the worst season of his 15 year starting career. As a packers fan I can tell you this. He will break your heart
Well…the self proclaimed greatest player in Packer history is running into a snag? should have tried keeping his ego driven mouth shut just for a few weeks? BUT Noooooo! Now the Packers playing hardball want to milk giving away the goddess of drama!
The Jets are so lucky that Rodgers is even interested in going to their joke of a franchise. If they look at their past 5-10 first round picks,that should give them a look at their talent evaluators. Do you really think whoever your first pick is,do they really think that player will contribute more than Aaron Rodgers? The New York Jets SUCK, shouldn’t they at least owe their fans a competitive football team for a few games. Personally, I can’t believe you sell any tickets at all.