Despite Aaron Rodgers not being on the New York Jets roster — yet — they continue to operate like he will be their quarterback in 2023.
That was relatively obvious when the team made moves to acquire some of his former teammates in wide receiver Allen Lazard and quarterback Tim Boyle, in addition to showing interest in Odell Beckham, Jr. It became more apparent when the details of defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson’s deal with the team were reported by ESPN NFL insider Field Yates on Wednesday morning.
Yates reported that Jefferson’s one-year deal with the Jets has a base value of $3.6 million with $2.75 million guaranteed. It can max out at $4.25 million with incentives. The deal also has an extra twist that points to the Jets operating as if Rodgers is going to be on their team.
According to Yates, the deal includes four void years to mitigate the cap impact for 2023, as the Jets need to preserve space for a certain somebody — Rodgers.
Over The Cap puts the Jets at just under $9.1 million in cap space prior to any potential Rodgers trade. Of course, Rodgers has indicated that he’s willing to re-work his deal, which includes nearly $60 million in guaranteed money if he plays in 2023. But, the Jets are trying to practice financial flexibility as they try to build a formidable roster around the future Hall of Famer and work against the cap.
It remains to be seen when Rodgers is ultimately dealt to the Jets, but New York is still operating as if he’ll be under center in Week 1.
[Field Yates on Twitter, Over The Cap]
