"This was driven by owner Woody Johnson" - NFL analyst reveals Aaron Rodgers decision was taken out of Jets GM's hands

The New York Jets, like most teams, typically separate the duties of ownership and General Manager. However, with the team going after Aaron Rodgers, owner Woody Johnson took the lead on the move.

This was revealed by Journalist Dianna Russini on Get Up in a conversation with Mike Greenberg, Bart Scott, and others. Here's how she put it:

"There is an optimism in New York today. It actually started before that trip to the West Coast to meet Aaron Rodgers in person. This was all driven by owner Woody Johnson. He wanted to get in front of the quarterback, get to know him a little bit and talk about what it could be, what it could look like and what they could achieve."

Will No. 12 be traded by the Packers?

She continued, expressing the optimism the team feels about nabbing No. 12:

"They feel like they can get this done. Now, look, this is Aaron Rodgers. He takes his time... But in terms of [New York's] side of this, the New York Jets feel good that Aaron Rodgers could be their quarterback this season."

In the wake of an extensive in-person meeting between Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets brass, including owner Woody Johnson, there's optimism in the Jets’ organization that they are on the brink of landing the future Hall of Fame QB, sources close to the situation tell ESPN.

Aaron Rodgers' potential Jets move stands on precipice of history repeating itself

No. 12 at Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears

Back when the Nintendo Wii was at peak popularity, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers wasn't Aaron Rodgers. After years of holding off the young quarterback, Brett Favre flirted with retirement, but ultimately chose to join the New York Jets. Now, 15 years later, No. 12 faces a similar decision.

Favre started his career with the Jets at 39 years of age. Aaron Rodgers, also 39, is talking with the franchise at the same point in his life.

🤔 2023: Packers trade Aaron Rodgers to Jets
😏 Winter 2024: Rodgers retires, Jets release him from contract
🤔 Spring 2024: Vikings allow Kirk Cousins' contract to expire
😂 Spring/summer 2024: Rodgers gets an "itch" to play football

Sorry, I blacked out for a second. Carry on. twitter.com/diannaESPN/sta…

Most agree that New York needs a quarterback and as it stands, it appears that no other team has emerged as the front runner to secure the quarterback. Of course, No. 12 could retire or get cold feet about the destination. However, at this point, fans are well braced for news of the quarterback's move if it does occur.