“Jets fans, your quarterback is coming” – NFL insider drops crucial update on Aaron Rodgers trade
It's been two weeks since Aaron Rodgers announced that he intends on playing for the New York Jets this season.
The four-time MVP decided that he didn't want to return to Green Bay for a 19th season, after the team failed to make the postseason last year. Rodgers announced the news on the "Pat McAfee Show" and said that a trade hasn't happened yet due to the two teams figuring out compensation.
NFL insider Albert Breer answered some fan questions and published them on SI.com, answering questions about the Rodgers-Jets trade:
"I think it happens sooner than people think, because I don’t think things between the Packers and Jets are in nearly as bad a place as some seem to believe they are.
"We mentioned earlier in the week the rapport between GMs Joe Douglas and Brian Gutekunst from their time coming up as young road scouts. The two head coaches, Robert Saleh and Matt LaFleur, are best friends.
"So any raw feelings between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, I think, are manageable, because of the relationships in place."
Breer added that he thinks the Packers will get one of the Jets' second-round picks plus a compensation pick and that a deal could happen as early as this week:
"There’s also been progress toward hammering out a deal, in large part because despite the whole who’s-got-leverage argument, there’s reason for both sides to be motivated to get this one done.
"What will that deal look like? If I had to guess, I’d put it at either the 42nd or 43rd overall pick, and a conditional pick or picks down the line. And to answer your question directly, I think it could happen as early as this week, and certainly will get done before the draft.
"So have patience Jets fans, your quarterback is coming."
Why won't the Green Bay Packers get a first-round pick for Aaron Rodgers?
The Green Bay Packers know they probably won't get a first-round pick in return for Aaron Rodgers. Even GM Brian Gutekunst knows that.
While Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, his value isn't what it once was.
He's 39 years old, isn't committed to football long-term, and his production dropped drastically this season compared to the two seasons prior. As a result, the Jets will likely send the Packers a second-round pick and another compensation pick if Rodgers plays next year.