The deal to send Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers ‘pack’-ing to the New York Jets isn’t even official yet, but apparently, the future Hall of Famer is reportedly already making some early requests. He’s not at the level of demanding they remove all the brown M&Ms from the bowl, but he’s definitely tying some stipulations in with his arrival to The Big Apple.
Aaron Rodgers via Green Bay Packers YouTube
Rodger’s requests supposedly have nothing to do with anything that trivial. They deal with who the four-time NFL MVP will be sharing the field with when he begins taking the snaps in New York.
One of the first names that have been mentioned is wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Rodgers and Beckham have never been teammates, but they are friends away from the game. It’s rumored that OBJ may also be interested in the Jets, as well.
Adding Beckham could potentially make New York one of the top passing attacks in the NFL. However, his contract demands may be an issue in getting that accomplished. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Beckham is seeking $20 million per season.
Aaron Rodgers via Green Bay Packers YouTube
One of Rodgers’ former Green Bay teammates, Allen Lazard, already agreed to a four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets on Tuesday, according to The League.
The Jets have also expressed interest in other Packers’ free agents to put alongside Rodgers. From a strategic standpoint, that makes sense for the team. Acquiring a 39-year-old starting QB means the window for winning won’t be open for long, so the franchise will look to fortify its ranks around its new star.
Aaron Rodgers via Green Bay Packers YouTube
For his part, Aaron Rodgers says that he indeed wants to leave Green Bay and join the New York Jets, but says that the rumors that he has made demands of the Jets of there being a wish list are “ridiculous.”
Rodgers is a regular guest on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday afternoon, and he discussed the whole situation. He did say during the conversation that he finally decided what his destination would be. After weeks of anticipation, Rogers says he wants to play in The City That Never Sleeps.
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“That’s so ridiculous,” Rodgers told McAfee during the broadcast when asked about the ‘wish list’ story. “That’s not the reality. It’s so stupid to think I would do that.”
However, Rodgers was quick to reiterate his intention to play for the Jets in 2023. He says that his decision has been made since late last week, but he’s been waiting on the two teams to come up with a deal. He expressed to McAfee that he was just ready for the whole situation to be over.
“Since Friday, it’s been my intention was to play for the New York Jets,” The QB stated. “It’s the compensation that’s holding things up.”
Aaron Rodgers via Green Bay Packers YouTube
It’s widely believed that the two teams will announce some kind of deal soon, possibly by the end of the week.
Rodgers was drafted by Green Bay out of the University of California with the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. After sitting behind Hall of Famer Brett Favre for three seasons, he assumed the mantle of the franchise. Rodgers would go on to lead the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV, 31-25, over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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