The New York Jets are preparing to deal for Aaron Rodgers and have received a list of players from him.
It has been speculated for weeks that the four-time NFL MVP will be traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets, who need a new quarterback after two disappointing campaigns from Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that Rodgers presented the Jets with a “wish list” of free agents, which included three players with whom he worked closely in Green Bay: Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Marcedes Lewis. Rodgers is also believed to have included a player with whom he has never played: Odell Beckham Jr. According to ESPN, the Jets were present at an exercise Beckham conducted for scouts while recovering from knee surgery.
TheScore.com reported late Tuesday that Lazard and the Jets reached an agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract.
Debatable is the Jets’ necessity for the athletes. At the tight end, they have depth, and Lewis is 38 years old. Receivers Garrett Wilson, the offensive rookie of the year, and Elijah Moore are solid options. There are rumors that they may release another starter from the previous season, Corey Davis, to free up contract space.
Also other actions made by the Jets indicate that a trade for Rodgers is imminent. Nathaniel Hackett, their new offensive coordinator, worked with Aaron Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers when he won his last two MVP awards. Former backup quarterback Mike White is expected to join the Miami Dolphins.
Rodgers could still elect to retire or remain with the Packers, although the former seems increasingly unlikely. Last weekend, he stated that a decision regarding his future is imminent.
On Tuesday, the New York Giants acquired Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller for a third-round draft pick. The Raiders are expected to sign former Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three-year contract. Taylor Heinicke leaves the Washington Commanders after three seasons to join the Atlanta Falcons.
Michael Thomas is one player who will not be moving. According to reports, the receiver has signed a restructured one-year, $10 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.
