Aaron Rodgers via CBS Sports YouTube

In an offseason where the Jets were hoping to lure a premier passer to the City that Never Sleeps, they woke up today with one less name on their wish list.

Derek Carr via Raiders YouTube

The Big Green Machine had been eyeing either a trade for Green Bay legend and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers or signing high-profile free agent Derek Carr, the former Raider. While Rodgers certainly has a more impressive resume, Carr is younger, more athletic, and would be easier (and less expensive) to acquire.

It was reported by multiple sources, including ESPN, that Carr had come to terms with New Orleans for $150 million for four years, including a $60 million signing bonus and $100 million in guarantees.

The former Fresno State star had already visited with the Saints organization in early February. He also met with them again last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Last season with Las Vegas, Carr threw for 3,522 passing yards, with 24 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. He had a 60.8% completion percentage and 86.3 passer rating, both career lows.

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Carr possesses one of the great arms in the NFL, and many critics and observers feel like he could have a career renaissance in a new environment. By all accounts, New Orleans will now be that place.

However, that still leaves the Jets in search of their next quarterback. And when you go back to their original wish list there’s one name remaining. The biggest name of all. And at least one league expert feels like New York has to be willing to go all in to get Rodgers now.

Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic spoke with people at the NFL combine, saying on Friday, “it’s shaping up as Packers, Jets, or bust for Rodgers unless a mystery team plans to enter the fray.”

‘Derek Carr mic’d up on MNF’ | Raiders via YouTube

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However, Rosenblatt says that this could all be much ado about nothing, and #12 could be back in his familiar green and yellow in 2023.

“Around the league, there is an expectation that if Rodgers doesn’t retire, he’ll likely return to the Packers — and that they’d welcome him back with open arms.”

In what was a tough year for the veteran, Aaron Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, he had just 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions

Aaron Rodgers via PowerfulJRE YouTube

The Packers finished 8-9, with the QB often appearing frustrated with his coaches and teammates. That’s why there’s been so much speculation on where he will pop up again. That is… if he even plays again next season. Rodgers, now 39, has also dropped hints that he might be ready to retire.

In 2022, the Jets posted a 7-10 record and finished last in the AFC East. After drafting BYU’s Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in 2021, they elevated him to the role of starter. However, he was benched late in the year and then moved to the third-string. So, it appears the franchise wants to put him on the back burner. At least, for now.

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