Jets rumors: Aaron Rodgers speculation intensifies after NFL insider’s latest update on QB search
Aaron Rodgers is going to be one of the most desired quarterback targets during the 2023 offseason if he does in fact switch teams this year. Many rumors and various reports have suggested that his time with the Green Bay Packers could potentially end prior to the start of the 2023 NFL season. Many teams will likely be lining up to acquire him if he's made available.
One potential destination for Aaron Rodgers in 2023 is the New York Jets. They are expected to be in the market to upgrade their quarterback position. They also recently hired Nathaniel Hackett to be their offensive coordinator. Hackett served as Rodgers' offensive coordinator with the Packers prior to accepting the head coaching job with the Denver Broncos for the 2022 NFL season.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently gave an update on what hiring Hackett means for the Jets in relation to their quarterback search during the 2023 NFL offseason:
"They believe he will help them elevate this offense with, what they fully anticipate to be, a veteran quarterback in the room. With Hackett, you also get someone who's extremely high energy. He has worked with a lot of different quarterbacks.
"He hasn't always had top-level quarterback play, but he had the number two offense in the league in 2017, while calling the plays with Blake Bortles at quarterback. And he was the offensive coordinator, albeit with Matt LaFleur calling the plays, when Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back MVPs."
Some breaking news coming from the NYJ 👀 https://t.co/fT2HLhptfI
Hackett's last two seasons as offensive coordinator helped Aaron Rodgers win the NFL MVP award during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. This is one of the main reasons why he was named the head coach of the Broncos in 2022.
While his head coaching career didn't work out the way he had hoped with Russell Wilson, he has already proven successful as a coordinator with Rodgers.
The Jets could potentially be planning to reunite Rodgers and Hackett in New York. Pelissero reported that the Jets are seeking a veteran quarterback to replace Zach Wilson, so targeting Rodgers makes a ton of sense.
One major catch to the situation is that Rodgers is still currently under contract with the Packers. He is one of the best quarterbacks, but will also be expensive to acquire.
Aaron Rodgers' record-setting NFL contract with the Packers
For any team looking to potentially acquire Aaron Rodgers during the 2023 NFL offseason, they will need to pay a steep price. He signed a three-year contract extension last offseason worth more than $150 million. His $50 million in AAV is the most ever by any athlete in American sports history.
The New York Jets only have about $3 million in the current salary cap space available. They would definitely need to do some maneuvering with their roster to make a potential deal work.
It's also highly unlikely that the Packers will release Rodgers. This means that the Jets would also need to surrender assets in a trade, such as draft capital, if they are to acquire him.