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.