After months of speculation – which took years off New York Jets fans worldwide – Aaron Rodgers will finally become a member of the New York Jets*. This afternoon, it was announced that the Jets and Green Bay Packers made their trade official. Let’s look at the details.
(*Physical pending, because rules.)
What the Jets Receive
Obviously, the first thing the New York Jets receive is Aaron Rodgers. We all know the resume: four-time league MVP, four-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. He’s helped make the Packers into a title contender year in and year out since he became the full-time starter in 2008. In addition to Rodgers, the Jets will swap first-round draft positions with Green Bay at 15 and pick 170 in this year’s draft. But the Jets got what they wanted, which is a quarterback who can take them to the playoffs – maybe further. There are also reports that the Packers restructured Rodgers’ contract. What the restructured contract looks like is unknown to us, but hopefully, it’s something that’s to general manager Joe Douglas’ liking.
What the Packers Receive
Now that Aaron Rodgers is headed to the New York Jets, let’s break down what the Packers receive. General manager Brian Gutekunst got what he wanted: at least one first-round pick, which is the 13th overall pick. He also obtained the Jets’ pick at number 42 in the draft, which the Jets originally acquired from Cleveland for Elijah Moore. They’ll also receive pick 207. But the biggest piece of compensation may be held for next season. If Rodgers plays 65% of the snaps on offense this year for the Jets this season, the Packers will receive the Jets’ first-round pick in 2024. If he plays less than 65% of the snaps, the pick becomes a second-round pick. It’s a healthy amount of compensation that Gutekunst was able to obtain.
Who Wins this Trade? Yes.
With Aaron Rodgers becoming a member of the New York Jets, the debate comes down to who wins this trade. Both teams do! The Jets get one of the elite quarterbacks of the past decade who has the potential to put them over the top. The Packers, meanwhile, have draft capital to build for the future. Will some of those picks be used to help build around Jordan Love? We’ll find out this weekend. One thing is for sure: things are going to be much, much different for both teams in 2023.
