With signs pointing to a deal for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets reportedly restructured three contracts to save a total of $15.2 million under the 2023 salary cap.
ESPN reported that accounting tweaks to the contracts of cornerback DJ Reed, offensive guard Laken Tomlinson and tight end Tyler Conklin would save nearly the same amount the Jets would be charged if acquiring Rodgers via trade: $15.74 million.
Multiple reports Saturday pointed to the deal nearing the finish line and needing only the final approval of Rodgers.
The 39-year-old, four-time NFL MVP has contemplated retirement or relocation since the end of the regular season in what has become an offseason tradition for the Green Bay quarterback.
The Jets visited with Rodgers in California this week after the Packers signed off on their direct talks.
Attempting to draft and develop a quarterback has been an unsuccessful approach for the Jets. They drafted Sam Darnold third overall in 2018, only to trade Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. New York selected Zach Wilson second overall in 2021, but Wilson was benched last season while teammates questioned his maturity and leadership.
That opened the door for a change at offensive coordinator in the offseason. The Jets fired Mike LaFleur and hired Nathaniel Hackett, who coordinated the Packers’ offense for three seasons and has a tight bond with Rodgers.
Owner Woody Johnson was vocal about the need for a veteran quarterback while also endorsing the continued development of Wilson, who is only 23 years old.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Scouting Combine that Rodgers’ backup, 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, is ready to start.
On Friday, team president Mark Murphy confirmed for the first time Rodgers had permission to speak with the Jets — and only the Jets — about a trade while discussing his tenure with the franchise in the past tense.
The Packers traded three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre to the Jets in August 2008 after he reversed a March decision to retire and reported to Green Bay. Favre, who played for the Packers from 1992-2007, spent one season with the Jets before joining the Minnesota Vikings for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
–Field Level Media
