Woody Johnson and the New York Jets are about to meet with Aaron Rodgers
The New York Jets’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers has officially kicked into high gear. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini and others, team owner Woody Johnson and other members of the organization are en route to California on Tuesday afternoon to meet with Rodgers in person.
The New York Jets have flown on Woody Johnson’s private plane to California to meet with Aaron Rodgers in person per sources. They land soon. (also reported by @RobDemovsky @DanGrazianoESPN)
The Green Bay Packers have given New York permission to speak with Rodgers.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 7, 2023
ESPN’s Dan Graziano says head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and general manager Joe Douglas are among the group traveling with Johnson to California.
I’m told the Jets contingent on the way to California includes team owner Woody Johnson, GM Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, possibly others. https://t.co/yooNauScXw
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 7, 2023
The Rodgers-to-Jets steam has been gradually building since shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning. First, Trey Wingo reported that the Jets began speaking with Rodgers on Monday after Derek Carr had chosen to sign with the New Orleans Saints. Later on Tuesday, Wingo’s report was backed up by various members of the media. It became clear that the Jets were in contact with Rodgers and had been granted permission to speak with him by the Packers, indicating that Green Bay did at least have interest in exploring a trade.
Now, things are picking up quickly. The Jets are set to make their pitch to Rodgers face-to-face.
It is clear that Green Bay is open to a trade, and it’s possible the Packers and Jets have even come to terms on an agreement in principle. Everything is in Rodgers’ hands at this point. Will he give the green light for a trade to New York? Will he retire? Or will he somehow make amends with the Packers and return? Both teams are waiting for Rodgers to make the call – and with the Jets preparing to meet him face-to-face later Tuesday, Rodgers’ decision could come shortly.
In 2022, Rodgers announced his decision to remain with the Packers on the Tuesday ahead of the start of the legal tampering period. We have reached the same day in 2023, as the NFL’s legal tampering period will open next Monday, March 13.
Could the Jets be closing in on acquiring their next starting quarterback?
