The Aaron Rodgers-to-Jets trade is all but official. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter), the future Hall of Fame quarterback will be introduced at a press conference tomorrow afternoon. Rodgers himself acknowledged the impending move, writing a farewell to Packers fans on Instagram this evening (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Twitter).
[RELATED: Jets, Packers Agree On Aaron Rodgers Trade]
Meanwhile, Connor Hughes of SNYtv hinted on Twitter that we’ll soon learn the details of Rodgers’ reworked contract with the Jets, potentially as soon as tomorrow. During his press conference today, Jets general manager Joe Douglas indicated that there had been “positive” discussions between the Jets front office and the quarterback’s representatives.
Douglas touched on a number of additional subjects during his press conference today, mostly related to the acquisition of the former MVP. We’ve compiled some of the notable soundbites below (h/t to the team’s website):
On the process of negotiating with the Packers after Rodgers stated his desire to play for the Jets:
“You never want to get too far ahead of yourself. Really, you felt honored back a few weeks ago when Aaron said he wanted to be a New York Jet. You felt honored, you felt good. That’s what Robert [Saleh] has been able to do here so that a player like Aaron Rodgers wants to be here.”
On the draft compensation the Jets sent to Green Bay, a swap of first-round picks (which Douglas acknowledged was one of the final components of the agreed-upon deal, per Cimini on Twitter):
“Obviously, we’re comfortable with how this deal shaped. I don’t think anyone ever walks away from a negotiation where you feel like you won everything in terms of what’s gone back and forth. But ultimately, our goal from the beginning was to add Aaron to the team, so we were able to get that. We agreed to terms yesterday and we’re just excited to bring him here.”
On their decision to pair their youthful roster with a 39-year-old quarterback:
“He’s not very far removed from back-to-back MVPs. You still have someone that maybe didn’t play at 100 percent [health-wise] throughout the year but still performed at a high level. … His relationship with Nathaniel [Hackett] and some of the other players that are on the team, we feel obviously that it’s an adjustment when you’re somewhere for 18 years. But we feel with the people we have in place, he can get comfortable quickly.”
On former second-overall pick Zach Wilson, who will now serve as Rodgers’ backup:
“I feel like this is going to be a great thing for Zach. Zach’s ceiling is unlimited. No one works harder, no one loves ball more than Zach Wilson, and him having the opportunity to really shadow and be with a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback every day, every hour he’s in the building, that’s a great opportunity and a great experience.”
Father Time always wins…eventually
Douglas rational seems more emotional than logical.
I do think Rodgers will be a top 8 QB in 2023–now that his thumb is healed and his head (hopefully) is clear on football. As with everything, time will tell.
Heck, as a Packer fan I want him at least get more than 65% of the snaps for a first round pick next year. Plus, I’ve got nothing against him. I don’t like how this all played out on his exit–but I far more positive memories.
Can call Wilson Senor Clipboard or Lil Redshirt
I get what the Jets are trying to do but the Jets were competing with the Jets on this deal. There was no way that GB was going to keep him around.
Still a little surprised with the return GB was able to get.
Your point is valid. But the problem is that the Packers also knew the jets had nowhere else to turn to for a QB. So the jets didn’t have all the leverage.
Ryan Tannehill was available if they wanted to play the game. Trey Lance.
Neither of those are options are anywhere close to being as good as Rodgers.
They didn’t have to be as good as Rodgers , they had to be better than Wilson. At least Tanehill I can say is nothing great but he’s better than Wilson.
Can’t wait to see him in Vikings purple.
Yeah, I thought the same.
They could have had Lamar Jackson for 11 1st rd picks and a 20 year, billion dollar deal, fully guaranteed?
Zach Wilson shouldn’t be the QB2, if Rodgers gets injured the Jets need an actual QB to step in, Zach is QB3 at best until they can ‘develop’ him. Tim Boyle is mediocre on the depth chart.
The Jets need to sign Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Mason Rudolph, Trevor Siemian, even Joe Flacco would be a better option as Rodgers backup imo.
Yes , bring back Joe Flacco. Jets would have made playoffs in 22 if Joe started entire season.
Zach Wilson’s ceiling is unlimited lol
You just traded for a 39-year old athlete. That’s so Jets.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe Tom Brady won 3 Super Bowls after turning 39. And one was after he was traded (not to the Jets)!
Brady was never traded.
Oh good call!
Anyone who thinks Aaron Rodgers is going to help Zach Wilson become a better quarterback is fooling themselves. This year is going to be about Rodgers showing the world that he’s still Aaron Rodgers. If the Jets had any sense they would swap Zach Wilson for Trey Lance, as both could use an opportunity in a new city for a fresh start.