Whispers that the Green Bay Packers could trade star quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason are growing louder.
“Here’s the thing about Rodgers being traded,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport explained during a Monday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as shared by Raymond Lucas Jr. of 247Sports. “Because of the way his contract is structured, a trade is possible. It’s like, you can do it financially, you can come up with the compensation. I think Green Bay likes what they have in (24-year-old backup) Jordan Love, so if they got the right package, they could do a deal. It would be $60M for one season, somebody would pay him. That is what he’s on the books for, cash, next year.”
Rodgers signed a massive extension with the Packers last March but recently indicated to McAfee that he doesn’t want to be part of any “rebuild” after Green Bay finished the 2022 season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs.
New York Jets legend Joe Namath later said he’d be open to allowing for his retired No. 12 jersey to be worn by Rodgers with Gang Green, and ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that Rodgers and the Packers “are fully aware that a trade is a very real scenario this offseason.”
Rapoport hinted on Monday the Jets could come calling if they think they can land Rodgers.
“You’re gonna be trading for a quarterback you’re giving up a first-rounder for, I’m sure, probably more and pay $60M, which would be by far the highest-paid quarterback,” Rapoport continued. “So, you could do it, but that is an astronomical amount.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh suggested earlier this month that they’re open to at least acquiring somebody to start over second-year pro Zach Wilson.
New York went 7-10 for the 2022 campaign thanks to having a plethora of talent on both sides of the football but not at the sport’s most important position.
Johnson made it known on Jan. 12 he “absolutely” is willing to spend big money on a proven signal-caller this winter or spring.
