"Aaron Rodgers got to be the biggest bully" - Emmanuel Acho rips into star QB over excessive trade demands
Aaron Rodgers is rumored to be on his way out of Green Bay as the Packers are apparently willing to shop their superstar quarterback. The New York Jets appear to be the team closest to making a deal as their activity suggests progress in potential trade talks. They recently received permission from the Packers to speak with Rodgers about the idea of a possible trade to New York.
Following their face-to-face meeting, multiple reports have indicated that Rodgers gave the Jets a list of demands they would have to meet if he were to approve a trade with them. This included a wish list of players he wants them to sign. He currently has a full no-trade clause in his contract, so he has some power in determining what he team he plays for, if any, during the 2023 NFL season.
Former NFL player and current analyst Emmanuel Acho went on his TikTok account to share his take on Rodgers' reported demands.
"Aaron Rodgers got to be the biggest bully in all of sports. Did y'all hear the latest? He told the Jets that he has a list of players that he wants them to target and acquire. Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis, and Odell Beckham. Odell Beckham I get, right. Odell Beckham is a superstar and has superstar talent. But Marcedes Lewis is like a 38-year-old tight end, who is a baller, but you're going to make the Jets occupy a roster spot for Marcedes Lewis?"
"Randall Cobb is formerly a beast. But you're going to make the Jets occupy a roster spot for Randall Cobb, who the Texans were likely going to cut before Aaron Rodgers said, 'Yo, I want him on the Packers,' and now you want to get him on the Jets? Allen Lazard. I like Allen Lazard's game, but he's probably a number-three receiver. Aaron Rodgers is about to make the Jets try to do all of these things, bend over backwards, and then he still might not even commit. He's the biggest bully in all of sports. He gotta be. He gotta be."
As Acho pointed out, Rodgers has to fully commit to joining the Jets. Therefore, they have been put in quite a predicament. They could potentially meet all of his demands, but that doesn't necessarily mean that a trade will be executed.
Aaron Rodgers still has the power to decline any trade, including to the Jets, while the Packers will also have to accept whatever offer is placed on the table. Several hurdles still need to be cleared before any deal can happen, but at least for now, it appears the Jets are doing everything they can to land Rodgers.
The Jets are apparently going all-in for Aaron Rodgers in 2023
The Jets have made it clear that they are looking to add a veteran upgrade to replace Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. They have been linked to Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo in NFL free agency rumors, but both options have been signed with other teams. The Jets are now turning their full focus to Aaron Rodgers.
They are currently the frontrunners to acquire Rodgers and appear to be doing everything they can to convince him to join them. They signed Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator, who served in the same position for the Packers for two of Rodgers' four MVP seasons. They also recently signed free agent Allen Lazard, one of the players on Rodgers' reported wish list.