Aaron Rodgers spent a good amount of time on The Pat McAfee Show storytelling, and while he said that the appearance on Wednesday afternoon was not about making a decision (which he said was already made last Friday), his decision was ultimately revealed to the masses, including 500,000 plus watching live. That decision, of course, was that he wanted to play in 2023 and play for the New York Jets. We’re all now just waiting for the Jets and Packers to come together on a trade agreement.
In the meantime, let’s get ahead of ourselves and start thinking of some ideas for what the Jets could do next…We don’t know the full extent of how things are going to go as far as what they will have to give up in a trade to get Rodgers, but you can probably safely assume it will cost at least two first-round picks. If it’s any less than that? Well, that’s because Rodgers basically shot down all of the leverage the Packers have on McAfee’s show.
Let’s look at three moves the NY Jets could make now that we know at least what Aaron Rodgers’ plans are in 2023.
3 moves the NY Jets can make after they finally land Aaron Rodgers
1. Trade Zach Wilson to the highest bidder
On the one hand, it could be really great to see Zach Wilson learn a thing or two from Aaron Rodgers. Stylistically, Wilson’s best path to success in the NFL might be to follow in the footsteps of a guy like Rodgers and learn how Rodgers sees the game while also mixing in his playmaking abilities.
On the other hand…
Zach Wilson isn’t backing down pic.twitter.com/WWF1T3pIFD
— PFF (@PFF) January 9, 2023
It’s probably not going to be the case, now, is it Zach? Aaron Rodgers obviously is a pro’s pro when it comes to playing the game. He’s not going to be taking any crap from Zach Wilson and it might now benefit Wilson to pursue opportunities elsewhere, if they exist.
Maybe he could take Baker Mayfield’s spot with the Los Angeles Rams as Matthew Stafford’s backup…
2. Trade for Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton
The trade rumors regarding some NFL receivers are starting to heat up. Specifically, there has been a lot of steam behind the idea that the Denver Broncos could trade one or both of Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton in the 2023 offseason. Could that actually happen?
Would Sean Payton seriously do that?
Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was obviously with the Denver Broncos last season and even after acquiring Allen Lazard, I think the Jets could find a way to bring in Courtland Sutton and utilize both guys.
Lazard can play that big slot role with Garrett Wilson and Courtland Sutton on the outside. The Jets certainly don’t need to skim off the top when it comes to adding weapons for Aaron Rodgers. Although Rodgers may have a list of wants (don’t call them demands) involving friends and former Packers players, perhaps Hackett could convince him to go after an actually good player in Sutton.
Sutton was getting open in Hackett’s offense last year in Denver, he just wasn’t getting the ball enough. We all saw the struggles of Russell Wilson unfold, and not all of that was Hackett’s fault despite what’s been reported.
It would be fascinating to see what Sutton could do with Aaron Rodgers throwing him passes even if it means he’s playing second fiddle to someone like Garrett Wilson. I think Sutton could really be a great addition and the Jets could have him for a second-round pick.
3. Sign Odell Beckham Jr. to a two-year deal
Let’s get it done. Get Odell Beckham Jr. back into the league, back into a massive market, and back onto a team where all eyes will be watching every single week. Beckham was obviously a very key piece of that Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl run in the 2021 season, and when asked about Beckham on McAfee’s show, Rodgers said, “Who wouldn’t want Odell on their team?”
Exactly.
Odell has been eyeing a potential return to New York, but the talk has really been about rejoining the Jets or even maybe joining the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers could now be in the mix, couldn’t they?
It seems like Beckham has impressed NFL scouts and teams with his recent private workout leading up to NFL Free Agency. It also seems like the Jets are going to be willing to accommodate some of Rodgers’ requests, right?
If they’ve already acted to bring in Allen Lazard, and are perhaps entertaining the idea of bringing in Marcedes Lewis, then perhaps they would give Rodgers the ability to recruit Beckham to the Jets.
Let’s just get as many stars on this NY Jets roster as possible, right?
Beckham may not play all 17 games, but you’d better believe that if he’s on the roster, he’s got a chance to really help you down the stretch or in the playoffs. He’s certainly proven that much. Even if the Jets would only be getting Odell Beckham on a pitch count, this is a move the team should pursue.