Packers Aaron Rodgers’ trade rumor: Green Bay smart to avoid draft qualifiers with Jets

More information was released on Monday about the Green Bay Packers’ potential trade of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, and the two sides are reportedly stuck on draft compensation.

That much was presumed. What was enlightening, however, was where the current offer stands and where the two sides disagree. Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports released an article outlining what multiple sources tell him about the current trade negotiations.

In the report, Robinson details a deal that would send Rodgers to New York, with Green Bay receiving a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and another second-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft that could become a first-round pick. The conditions for the 2024 pick to become a first-rounder could include the Jets hosting a home divisional playoff game or advancing to the AFC Championship Game.

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly trying to avoid any draft qualifiers being attached to an Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets.

The talks reportedly break down around the qualifiers surrounding the additional pick and the fact the Jets are asking for a 2025 draft pick if Rodgers doesn’t play in 2024. Here’s a quote from the article that breaks down where things stand, “A sticking point in the talks is the Jets seeking an element of protection built into the trade, specifically one that sends some 2025 draft compensation to New York from Green Bay if Rodgers does not play in 2024 and beyond” He continued, “It boils down to the Packers wanting “straight shot” draft picks without qualifiers, while the Jets want such high level of compensation to be based on 2023 team performance and Rodgers also playing for New York in 2024.”

Interestingly, New York wants additional draft compensation in 2025 if Rodgers retires. Robinson cites Rodgers’ recent interview on the Pat McAfee show about being 90 percent retired heading into his darkness retreat, but that isn’t necessarily new information. The Jets had at least one significant conversation with Rodgers this offseason, and I would assume the topic of retirement in 2024 was heavily discussed. They should have better insight into the situation than what is talked about on a weekly media appearance.

From a Packers’ standpoint, the two second-rounders with the 2024 selection having the chance to move up to a first is a good deal. They are smart to avoid as many qualifiers as possible and keep the deal simple. There’s absolutely no reason for them to send a 2025 draft pick back.

Time is still on the Packers’ side, as the draft isn’t until the end of April. That gives them some more negotiation power right now, but that could quickly change. Both sides know a deal will happen, we’ll have to see who blinks first.