Plenty of speculation lies ahead for Aaron Rodgers this off-season. The longer the veteran quarterback’s future remains undecided, the crazier the rumors will get.
NFL analyst Danny Heifetz ratcheted up the speculation about Rodgers‘ future Thursday. The Ringer.com reporter wrote a column saying the perfect new spot for Rodgers is … the New York Jets.
The idea is not as crazy as it sounds. Heifetz called the Jets the “best trade partner” for a deal with the Green Bay Packers. “A Rodgers-to–New York deal would be a full-circle story arc after the Jets traded for Brett Favre 15 years ago, cementing Rodgers as the Packers starter,” Heifetz wrote. “New York would provide a fresh start for Rodgers in the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career, solve the Jets’ massive quarterback problem, and give the Packers a chance to begin the Jordan Love era.”
Rodgers reportedly met with the Packers Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss his future. There’s been speculation the 39-year-old star will retire. There’s also talk that he might be seeking a fresh start elsewhere. It’s true that the Packers could benefit by not having his salary weighing them down as they look to improve in the offseason.
Heifetz makes a great case on why Rodgers returning to Green Bay seems like a longshot. He said the two sides would essentially be making a two-year commitment. Because of the way Rodgers’ contract is structured, if he were to play next season and then decide he wants traded, the Packers would take a dead cap hit of $68 million in 2024.
Which brought Heifetz to the Jets.
“If you’re seeking a team with a Super Bowl-caliber supporting cast that is a veteran quarterback away from contention, look no further,” Heiftez writes. “Garrett Wilson and 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore, a receiver, look like foundational pieces at the wide receiver spot. Combine them with running backs Breece Hall … Michael Carter, and Bam Knight, and the Jets might have the best young skill group in the NFL.”
Only time will tell if Heifetz is right in his prediction.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.