Aaron Rodgers intends to play for Jets
What it means:
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said his intention is "to play and play for the New York Jets" during an interview on Wednesday.
The Packers and Jets are reportedly working on trade details, but Rodgers is expected to be the Jets' starting quarterback in Week 1 next season. That would be an upgrade for Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Rodgers' former teammate Allen Lazard. Rodgers turned 39 in December
Rodgers had a 64.6 completion percentage last season, down from a combined 69.8 from the previous two seasons. He finished with 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, marking Rodgers' first season since 2010 with double-digit picks. Rodgers also recorded the worst passer rating of his career at 91.5.
While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Rodgers indicated that his intention is to play for the Jets, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
What it means:
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers and Jets need to work out compensation to make a deal to that end happen. With that in mind, Pelissero previously relayed that the two teams are continuing to negotiate on trade terms, but at this stage it appears as though the star QB's stint with Green Bay is coming to a close.
After meeting with Rodgers earlier this week, the Jets are reportedly becoming more confident in their chances of securing the quarterback, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini.
What it means:
The report suggests that the Jets and Packers have had conversations with regard to potential trade compensation in the event that the 39-year-old decides that he wants to move on from the franchise that drafted him in 2005, but at this stage, Rodgers has yet to make any announcements regarding his intentions for the coming NFL season. With that in mind, it still remains possible that Rodgers could either elect to remain with Green Bay or retire.
The Packers reportedly have granted Rodgers permission to speak with the Jets, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
What it means:
According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, some conversations regarding a potential trade of the 39-year-old signal caller are expected to take place Tuesday. That said, at this stage Rodgers has yet announce what he plans to do this coming season, with Graziano noting that if the QB elects to continue his playing career it's still possible he could decide that he'd prefer to remain with the Packers. Moreover, Rodgers' current contract with Green Bay would presumably need to be addressed before any possible deal sending him elsewhere could proceed.
Rodgers completed 17 of 27 pass attempts for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 20-16 loss to Detroit.
What it means:
Rodgers tried to keep the Packers' improbable run to playoffs alive, but he threw a late interception that ultimately sealed the win for the visiting Lions. The 39-year-old turned in his worst season as a pro, finishing with 3,695 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and a career-high 12 interceptions across 17 games. Rodgers just signed a three-year extension with Green Bay prior to this season, but the former MVP used some language after the crushing loss hinting at either retirement or a mutual parting of ways. What is certain, however, was a visible and statistical decline from the 17-year veteran this season, likely dropping Rodgers out of the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks if he decides to suit up in 2023.
Rodgers (right thumb/knee) practiced fully Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
What it means:
One day removed from sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough due to lingering right thumb and knee injuries, Rodgers returned to the practice field and handled every rep. He thus will be available for Sunday's matchup with a Lions defense that has given up an NFL-worst 7.96 yards per attempt and the second-most combined touchdowns (32) to opposing quarterbacks in 16 games this season.
