NFL Trade Rumors: Jets likely to pursue Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo if Aaron Rodgers move falls through
The New York Jets have a clear target to be their 2023 quarterback: Aaron Rodgers.
There's no doubt that he's the one guy Joe Douglas wants to sign in 2023. Rodgers' time in Green Bay might be nearing an end, and New York is a team that desperately needs a spark in confidence with their quarterback position following an awful year by their former second-overall pick Zach Wilson.
Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic's New York Jets beat writer, reported that Rodgers is the franchise's biggest wish:
"The Jets appear to be willing to do whatever it takes to get Rodgers to Florham Park, and it’s not hard to understand why. Even at 39, he’d step into the building as the most talented and accomplished quarterback in franchise history."
But acquiring the services of the Packers veteran might be a big problem for the Jets, as they'd have to trade a lot of assets to Green Bay to get him.
Soon-to-be free agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and recently-released Derek Carr are two options for the team in case the four-time MVP chooses a different direction for 2023.
Carr, Garoppolo options for the Jets if they miss on Rodgers
The Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday released quarterback Derek Carr after almost a decade, meaning that he can sign with any team in free agency. Rosenblatt wrote that while the franchise knows he's an upgrade over Wilson, there are some concerns about how he'd fit in:
"The Jets view Carr as a significant upgrade over Zach Wilson, but there is some concern about his ability to play under pressure, especially as Joe Douglas works to rebuild the offensive line."
Another option would be Jimmy Garoppolo, who will not extend his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers and will play for another team for the first time since 2017.
"He’ll still be cheaper than Rodgers or Carr, though, and the Jets won’t have to trade away any assets for him. ... Is Garoppolo the best quarterback on this list? No," Rosenblatt wrote. "But for the Jets, he’s the most realistic one.
While it's good to have two other options, at this point it's clear that the Jets are ready to do whatever it takes to acquire Rodgers. We'll see if they'll be successful once the quarterback decides his future.