Aaron Rodgers Says He Intends To Play For New York Jets

Topline

Longtime Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday he intends to play for the New York Jets, following weeks of speculation the four-time MVP—who is among the world’s highest-paid athletes—would leave the Packers, though the details of the trade have not yet been confirmed.

Aaron Rodgers said he intends to play with the New York Jets, after 18 years in Green Bay.

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Key Facts

Rodgers, 39, said Wednesday on the Pat McAfee Show on YouTube that his mind has been made up since Friday and that the question of “compensation” is what has delayed a trade.

Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and ten-time Pro Bowl selection, said he has contemplated retirement over the offseason, particularly during a multi-day “darkness retreat,” in which he was secluded in a dark room in his house.

Rodgers told McAfee he “loved” his 18 years playing for Green Bay, but that the organization is ready to “move on.”

Big Number

$68 million. That’s how much Rodgers made in total earnings between May 2021 and May 2022, including several multi-million advertisement deals, making him the 14th highest-paid athlete in the world. He was also the third-highest paid NFL player over that period, behind the now-retired Tom Brady ($83.9 million) and Matthew Stafford ($72.3 million).

Key Background

The Jets had made several key roster moves as speculation grew around the blockbuster signing, following a year in which the team finished in last place in the AFC East and started three quarterbacks (Mike White, Zach Wilson and veteran Joe Flacco). Last week, sources told ESPN the Jets had created $15.2 million in salary cap space after renegotiating the contracts of three other players. The Jets then signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million contract, in a move speculated to entice Rodgers to sign. Rodgers had reportedly provided Jets management with a list of free agents to target in the offseason, including Lazard, as well as wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Packers free agent receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Marcedes Lewis (Rodgers denied the report, telling McAfee it was “ridiculous” and that he doesn’t make “demands of other people).

Surprising Fact

Rodgers’ announcement comes 15 years after his predecessor, longtime Packers quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre, was traded to the Jets in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Favre, who was also 39 at the time of the trade, had three years and $39 million remaining on his 10-year contract when he was traded. The Jets finished third in the AFC East that year and failed to make the playoffs, with a 9-7 record. Favre played his final two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, after just one year in New York.

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