Long-time Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been talking with the New York Jets, according to multiple reports.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Rodgers was given permission to talk to the Jets. ESPN's Trey Wingo first reported the conversations.
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky and Dan Graziano, members of the Jets staff were scheduled to fly out and meet with the four-time MVP in person on Tuesday. ESPN further reported that if Rodgers was meeting with the Jets, that meant he had been given permission by the Packers and that Green Bay was open to the idea of a trade.
The reports come during a period of great uncertainty about Rodgers' future with the Packers. He still has the option to both retire or decide to remain in Green Bay, but should he request a trade, the Jets now look like they could be the front-runner for his services.
Rodgers recently underwent a "darkness retreat" which the 39-year-old claimed would give him a “better sense of where (he’s) at in (his) life."
The NFL veteran, who is no stranger to making headlines off the football field, was sure to have an off-season filled with questions after the Packers stumbled to an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs. The four-time NFL MVP also had an uncharacteristically down year by his standards, with the 2022-23 season marking the lowest passer rating as a starter in his entire career.
Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns in 17 games for the Packers last season, and 12 interceptions – his highest single-season total since 2008.
Meanwhile, the Jets have an up-and-coming roster but struggled to find consistency at quarterback last season. Four different signal callers played meaningful snaps for New York en route to a 7-10 finish – last in the AFC East.
Zach Wilson, the Jets' second-overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, failed to make the leap in his second year at the helm, and was benched near the end of the season in favour of Mike White.
The Jets have some young offensive playmakers, including last season's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in receiver Garrett Wilson. Their defence has also taken huge strides under head coach Robert Saleh.
Should Rodgers decide to leave the Packers, Green Bay would most likely turn the reins over to Jordan Love, their first-round pick in 2020.
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