Aaron Rodgers is contemplating the future of his NFL career, which could seemingly continue with either the Green Bay Packers or the New York Jets. In the video above, Trey Wingo, Brett Yarris, and Tony Pauline discuss what’s going on with the future Hall of Famer. You can view the clip above and the full episode on the PFN YouTube channel.
Latest Aaron Rodgers Free Agency Rumors
Jets Optimistic They Can Land Rodgers
The Jets’ recruitment of Rodgers reached a full-court press earlier this week, as owner Woody Johnson traveled via his “private plane to California to meet with Rodgers in person,” per ESPN’s Dianna Russini. Johnson previously said the team would be looking for an experienced passer, and the Jets were willing to lose out on Derek Carr if it meant they could land Rodgers.
Johnson wasn’t the only one on that flight. Jets general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett also attended the summit, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Russini noted that “Johnson left the meeting excited and satisfied about the potential match.”
Jets Prefer Rodgers Over Others
Even before Carr signed with the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets made it clear they wanted to wait out Rodgers’ decision on whether he’ll play and where he wants to go before signing Carr. But an additional hurdle exists with any Rodgers-to-New York deal. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also noted the Jets would need to rework Rodgers’ $58 million bonus before making a deal.
That shouldn’t be a major hurdle as long as Rodgers commits to playing multiple seasons for the franchise. Rodgers had previously acknowledged he’d have to adjust the $58.3 million option bonus owed to him before the start of the season, saying “I don’t think there’s a scenario where I’d come back and that would be the number.”
But his cap number is friendly, with a cap hit of only $15.8 million in 2023 and $32.5 million in 2024.
Armed with their full stock of draft picks and a number of flexible contracts that can be restructured or terminated, the Jets have what it takes to get a deal done.
Raiders Could Still be in on Rodgers
The Athletic’s Vic Tafur had reported that the Las Vegas Raiders were out on Rodgers due to the multitude of draft assets that would cost the franchise to land Rodgers. However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano said they’re still “a team to watch,” considering the lack of other options available. With how the Raiders have leveraged their roster to win now, it’s hard to imagine they’d be overly concerned with losing a few picks to upgrade at quarterback from Carr.
The Raiders have to at least see if they have a chance at landing Rodgers and what it would cost. Backing out after those two things occur makes sense but not at this early juncture.
Panthers Showed Interest in Rodgers
The Panthers have at least looked into every option available at quarterback. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carolina at least registered some level of interest in Rodgers by calling the Packers about him. Although Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reported that Carolina prefers a rookie and wouldn’t match Derek Carr’s contract demands, maybe the Panthers feel as though Rodgers is worth a much higher cost.