Former NFL quarterback and current “The NFL Today” analyst Boomer Esiason has offered an update on Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers.
Per John Healy of Audacy, Esiason explained during Tuesday’s edition of his WFAN morning show that he’s spoken with multiple people around the NFL and is now convinced Rodgers is “basically driving the bus” as it pertains to his playing future.
“He is in total control of what he wants to do,” Esiason said of Rodgers. “And Green Bay knows this. Green Bay also knows they can’t afford a $58 million signing bonus. If he goes back to Green Bay, he has to readjust his contract again.”
Rodgers signed a massive extension with the Packers last March but admitted in January he likely would have to modify that deal to either stay with Green Bay or facilitate a trade to a different club. That was before a blockbuster report from late last week said that the Packers “have all but moved on from” the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player.
Rodgers has repeatedly been linked in rumors throughout this winter with the New York Jets.
Esiason said on Tuesday that the 39-year-old will get such a desired move if he demands “a trade to the Jets only.” Interestingly, Esiason added that “Green Bay is not going to receive all the compensation everyone thinks” in a Rodgers trade.
It’s thought the Packers entered the offseason wanting at least two first-round draft picks and another asset for the future Hall of Famer.
However, Rodgers may have intentionally or unintentionally decreased his trade value with his four-day “darkness retreat” that allegedly rubbed some teams the wrong way.
Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah mentioned earlier this month that Rodgers has “a good relationship” with much-maligned New York quarterback Zach Wilson.
Esiason echoed that talking point and suggested Rodgers could mentor Wilson as the Jets hope to get something positive out of the No. 2 pick from the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Jets apparently believe free-agent quarterback Derek Carr can lead them to a Super Bowl, but Carr seems to be in no rush to put pen to paper on a contract with any team. Carr’s patience could ultimately give Gang Green additional time to learn of Rodgers’ intentions for 2023 before the franchise has to make any real decision about the former Las Vegas Raiders starter.
