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This former long-time NFL executive
now an NFL TV analyst, feels Aaron Rodgers is going to the Jets.
It should be pointed out, that before I continue, he was asked where he thinks Rodgers will play in 2023.
So this isn’t necessarily a scoop, but more an educated guess based on the landscape.
“I think the Jets are the only team desperate enough to be willing to pay a high pick for one year,” Lombardi said.
Lombardi thinks there is a good chance Rodgers will only play one more year, so some teams might not be willing to give up a couple of high draft picks for a one-year rental for $59 million (though this number, Rodgers 2023 contract, could be renegotiated, with a new team).
So that the one-year rental angle points Lombardi to the Jets.
“Am I going to give up a high pick for a one-year rental?” asked Lombardi. “I’m going to guess the Jets because they are in desperation mode.”
Lombardi is hearing that the Packers might want to move on because they are tired of the off-the-field drama with the player, especially in the off-season, when speculation about the future, has dominated the headlines the last few years.
“Reading the tea leaves, I think Green Bay wants a divorce,” Lombardi said. “I get the sense they have had enough of dealing with this off the field.”
The reason I quote Lombardi a lot is he has great NFL sources from this 30 years in the league, and is a straight-shooter. You don’t see or hear a lot of straight-shooters these days because people are so scared of their own shadows.
Look, he’s not right about everything, but he’s very plugged in and blunt.
Nothing is guaranteed, but Lombardi’s logic makes sense here.
The Jets, after missing the playoffs 12 years in a row, and making it known they want a veteran QB, this could be something they would do.
And this would give them a chance to put Zach Wilson on ice for a year, to fix his mechanics, without the media asking the Jets repeatedly “when is he going to play?”
As Lombardi said, the Jets might be the only team willing to give up the draft capital to get Rodgers for a one-year rental.
And considering Woody Johnson’s history, making trades for Brett Favre and Tim Tebow, a move like this wouldn’t be unpresedented.
But the question is – “What is physical condition of Rodgers body right now?”
He took a beating this past year?
I would guess, and this is only a guess, that Rodgers might want to retire this off-season, but how many humans can walk away from $59 million guaranteed, Rodgers salary this year?
Walking away from that kind of money would be unprecedented in sports.
Maybe the Jeopardy job opens up again?
It’s going to be fascinating to see what Rodgers decides to do, vis-a-vis his football future.
You just never know. Last week, we were talking about whether Tom Brady would playing in Las Vegas or San Francisco next season. I heard a Las Vegas based radio host claiming that Brady was house shopping in Vegas.
Now a week later, he’s done.
But obviously the big different is Brady was a free agent in 2023, and Rodgers is slated to make $59 million.
If Rodgers does decide to play, and is traded, I agree with Lombardi, the Jets have to be considered a front runner for his services.
February 3, 2023
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