Out of the darkness and into the light, Aaron Rodgers’ future is just about in sight.
For the fourth straight offseason, rumors surrounding Rodgers and his future with Green Bay are swirling. While the quarterback recently said a decision on his next move will be “soon enough” that soon enough isn’t, well, quite soon enough.
Rodgers’ indecision on his next step has opened a window for other teams to at least discuss a trade with Green Bay. First, New York: The Jets have been reported to be hot after a veteran quarterback, and after missing out on Derek Carr, Rodgers would make sense as a next option.
The Raiders, who released Carr, have their own QB void to fill, but it’s unclear if Vegas is a fit for the 39-year-old Rodgers, who would likely want a win-now option as he enters the twilight of his career.
MORE: NFL free agency — Ranking the 60 best available players
Here’s the latest on Rodgers, his future and the teams hoping to land him:
Aaron Rodgers trade rumors
Packers may not be looking for ‘offer they can’t refuse’
Date: Wednesday, March 8
Source: Mike Garafolo, NFL Network
No bandleaders here. Connecting dots, Mike Garafolo says that the Packers will be looking for “fair compensation,” and maybe not a deal that will blow their doors off. The fact that Rodgers is allowed to speak to other teams says that the Packers seem ready to move on, and that could lead to a fair price for an acquiring squad.
Juicy nugget from @MikeGarafolo who said the #Packers aren’t asking for ‘an offer they can’t refuse’ from the #Jets for QB Aaron Rodgers, ‘let’s get as fair of compensation as we can to just move on & turn this thing over to Jordan Love’ 👀 🎥 @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/8Mv47C2PeH
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 8, 2023
New York brass leaving on a jet plane
Date: Wednesday, March 8
Source: Kimberley A. Martin, ESPN
Martin reports that the “contingent” of Jets players are on their way back from California after meeting with Rodgers this morning, and they don’t know when they’ll be back again. Martin says that meet-up was a “get-to-know-you” session, and potentially the first step in the recruitment process.
As I just mentioned on @GetUpESPN … #Jets contingent is expected to fly back from Cali this AM pic.twitter.com/8aQVDGW7DI
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 8, 2023
Sense I’m getting is: this Cali trip is hopefully just the first step for the #Jets and Rodgers. A getting-to-know-you session was the immediate focus (considering only Rodgers + Hackett know each other).
Free agency is looming… but the Jets’ timeline is dependent on Rodgers.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 8, 2023
Rodgers may have leaned towards retirement
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
While trade rumors continue to swirl, Rodgers may have looked to a life after football recently. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a “recent school of thought” pegged Rodgers as maybe looking towards retirement, and not playing this upcoming season. That may have changed in recent days.
Aaron Rodgers’ future is still uncertain as he meets with the Jets today 🔮 👀
“Earlier in the week there was a school of thought he wanted to walk away from the game and retire.” —@AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/ZGKZmTz7wt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 7, 2023
Rodgers decision not imminent
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Source: Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
News on the Aaron Rodgers front continues to pick up steam on Tuesday. The Jets are reportedly meeting with the two-time league MVP in California, but according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, there doesn’t appear to be a decision coming soon from Rodgers. They say that the quarterback is going to take his time, as usual, and that these meetings with the Jets brass are simply part of the process rather than indicative of something imminent.
Today’s Aaron Rodgers-#Jets meeting definitely feels like part of a process, rather than an indication something is imminent. https://t.co/VoJyU0dYA1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2023
Jets brass flying out to meet with Rodgers
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Source: Dan Graziano, Dianna Russini, ESPN
The Jets are sending in the heavy hitters to, seemingly, try and close the deal with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has been granted permission to meet with the Jets, and owner Woody Johnson, GM Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett are on their way to California to meet with the quarterback.
I’m told the Jets contingent on the way to California includes team owner Woody Johnson, GM Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, possibly others. https://t.co/yooNauScXw
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 7, 2023
Jets, Packers continue talks into Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Source: Dan Graziano, ESPN
The Jets and Packers have spoken, and they will continue to talk into Tuesday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Graziano says that the two sides have spoken, and the Jets and Rodgers have spoken, as well, leading to New York being a “realistic” option.
Jets, Rodgers have spoken, ‘nothing imminent’
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Source: Trey Wingo, NFL commentator, and Connor Hughes, SNY
The wheels may be in motion for a Rodgers-to-New York trade, according to Trey Wingo and confirmed by SNY’s Connor Hughes. The Jets and Rodgers had a conversation on Monday, and Rodgers is “open” to heading to New York.
This indeed happened.
All still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide what he wants, but it sure seems like it involves playing in 2023. https://t.co/Ml1JmQPQBc
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 7, 2023
Rodgers not one of Raiders options
Date: Monday, March 6
Source: Peter King, NBC Sports
As it turns out, the Raiders may not be hot after Rodgers after all. NBC Sports’ Peter King reports that “if there’s a Rodgers derby,” then don’t expect the Raiders to be a part of it. The Raiders may hone in on Jimmy Garoppolo, whose contract they may be able to control, as he’s a free agent.
Rodgers’ contract may present trade ‘roadblock’
Date: Monday, March 6
Source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Apparently, teams have called up the Packers to trade for Rodgers, but his complex contract may pose a hurdle in a deal getting done. With his 2023 upfront cash being a deterrent to some teams, Green Bay hasn’t found the right trade partner for the quarterback just yet.
Rodgers one of three Raiders options
Date: Sunday, March 5
Source: Dan Graziano, ESPN
Somewhat unsurprisingly, Rodgers tops the Raiders’ wish list of starters for 2023, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Las Vegas is also checking in with free agent Jimmy Garoppolo and, maybe, Mac Jones. The latter seems unlikely, however.
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