Report: Jets optimistic about trade following in-person meeting with Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets had an extensive in-person meeting with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week that reportedly left Jets brass feeling “optimism” about landing the four-time league MVP.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini provided an update from inside the Jets organization on Thursday morning, which suggests New York has a clear path to close the deal on the 2005 first-rounder.

“In the wake of an extensive in-person meeting between Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets brass, including owner Woody Johnson, there’s optimism in the Jets’ organization that they are on the brink of landing the future Hall of Fame QB, sources close to the situation tell ESPN,” Russini shared.

As the Packers and the Jets continue to discuss numbers, according to Russini, the Jets owner is “excited and satisfied” about the potential match.

Rodgers contemplates future

Rodgers has spent 18 years with the Packers, but that time could be coming to an end soon. The former Cal star hasn’t made a decision about his future but the trade talks suggest there’s more to come. Rodgers has one Super Bowl victory, won four MVP awards and made 10 Pro Bowls in his career.

In 2022, Rodgers led the Packers to a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. He finished with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

In March, Rodgers signed a three-year, $150 million deal, $60 million of which comes due this season.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially run out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits.