Jets, Packers nearing Rodgers trade

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WSAW) - NFL insiders say the Packers and Jets have reached an agreement that will send Aaron Rodgers to the Jets.

The Packers reportedly started talking about a potential trade earlier this week, with the NFL Draft this weekend the apparent deadline for a deal.

More than a month ago, Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show he intended to play next year for the Jets.

Speaking in his pre-draft press conference, Packers general Manager Brian Gutekunst indicated that the trade details are agreed upon but said it is not finalized. He said the paperwork needed to be done and was a “significant step.”

“Once we do get it squared away, that’ll be a nice feeling because we’ll kinda know exactly what we have for this particular draft going in at least,” Gutekunst said. “But I think, you know, again moving forward with compensation in this year’s draft was important to us.”

ESPN is reporting the Packers will receive two picks in this year’s draft in addition to moving up from the No. 15 overall pick to the No. 13 overall pick. They also get a second round and a sixth round draft pick from the Jets.

In addition to this year’s compensation, the Packers receive a conditional second round draft pick in 2024 that will turn into a first round draft pick if the Rodgers plays in 65% of the plays this season.

New York will slide down two picks in the first round to the Packers original No. 15 spot, while also receiving the Packers fifth round draft pick.

”If you look at the trade charts, it’ll tell you how much it’s worth and things like that. Really, I have no idea until I know who’s on the clock when we’re picking them,” Gutekunst said about potentiall moving up in the first round. “But, if I were to do that, I’d be doing it because I thought it was important.”

The deal officially ends a long tenure with Aaron Rodgers as the Packers starting quarterback. Brian Gutekunst and Aaron Rodgers disagree on how the Packers came to this decision, with Gutekunst explaining that he hasn’t spoken to Rodgers since the end of the season.

“As we got through the offseason and started talking about where we wanted to go. This made a little bit of sense for us. We wanted to get his input, like I told you guys in the past. That didn’t happen,” Gutekunst said.

He reiterated that the Packers will move forward with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback in 2023.

“I just think as we move forward. We’re really excited about where Jordan can go. He needs to play.”

The NFL Draft starts on Thursday night.

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