Earlier this month, the four-time NFL MVP announced his intention to play for the Jets in 2023, sparking negotiations between the two teams. Aaron Rodgers confirmed that the Packers have expressed their desire to move on, and with his passion for the game still burning strong, he is eager to join the Jets.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh recently expressed excitement over Aaron Rodgers’ interest in joining the team, indicating that it is a validation of the progress the team has made in recent years. Recalling the state of the team two years ago, Saleh emphasized how far the franchise has come and the strides made to reach this point.
However, he also acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. A critical step in this journey now is to officially acquire Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.
Talked with Jets Coach Robert Saleh. About Rodgers saying he intends to play for the Jets: “Two years ago when we first got there, just thinking about where we were and how far we’ve come, to have a guy like him want to play for us is pretty cool and shows how far we’ve come."
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) March 26, 2023
How will the salary structure of Aaron Rodgers affect the Jets’ salary cap situation?
In March 2022, Rodgers signed a three-year, $150.815 million contract extension, set to earn $59.5 million in 2023. Due to the structure of his salary, he would only count for $15.8 million against the Jets’ salary cap in 2023 and $32.5 million in 2024, as per ESPN. However, if Rodgers were to be traded, the Packers would still carry $40.3 million from his 2023 salary, constituting 18% of the $224.8 million NFL salary cap for this year.
Rodgers, despite having a rough season in 2022, remains a valuable player. He has been named league MVP in 2011, 2014, 2020, and 2021. Furthermore, his potential move to the Jets is bolstered by the presence of familiar faces, such as former Packers receiver Allen Lazard and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. This has intensified speculation around Rodgers’ move to the Jets.
The Jets have been proactive in their pursuit of Rodgers, sending a delegation to California that included owner Woody Johnson, head coach Robert Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas, and Hackett.
Following the meeting, Johnson and other team personnel have been excited about the possibility of adding Rodgers to the team. The Jets also restructured several contracts to free up cap space, potentially paving the way for Rodgers’ arrival and other significant signings.
