By Nick Murray
The following article references the NFL salary cap numerous times. The NFL Salary cap is a system in which the amount of money paid to players, agreed upon by the NFL Players Association, is divided evenly amongst all 32 teams. Teams are not allowed to exceed the salary cap. However, teams can use loopholes to reduce a player’s cap hit or the amount of salary cap space they consume. A player’s yearly salary is not necessarily indicative of their cap hit. Bonuses such as signing bonuses and roster bonuses can be used to reduce a player’s cap hit. For more information on the NFL Salary cap visit Diario Sports Newspaper.
Since the release of Issue 7 in which I argued that rumors of Aaron Rodgers being traded to the Jets or Raiders were not based in reality and the four time league MVP would remain a Green Bay Packer, news has emerged that confirms the very opposite. First reported by NFL insider Trey Wingo on March 13, Aaron Rodgers to the Jets ‘Is Done’. Wingo’s report ignited chaos in the sports world as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport quickly reported the contrary; that “nothing [had] happened yet” in terms of a trade for Rodgers. The following Monday, Rodgers confirmed Packers fans’ worst fears. Making an appearance on The Pat McAfee show and announcing that he had made his intentions to play for the New York Jets in 2023 clear to the Packers’ front office since Friday. Packers CEO Mark Murphy confirmed in an interview that “unless things don’t work out the way we want them,” Rodgers would be traded. In addition, Jet’s General Manager Joe Douglas confirmed 12 would be playing for the Jets in 2023.
However, since the initial shock of Aaron Rodgers confirming his intentions to play for the Jets, there has been almost no progress in a trade. In summary, the Packers are asking too high of a price for 12 and the Jets are unwilling to pay, especially after the hefty ransom paid for Russel Wilson has so far proven to be a disaster. Reports suggest that Green Bay’s asking price is a first round pick and a conditional 2023 pick based on the Jets performance next season and whether Rodgers plays more than one more year. However, the Jets appear unwilling to meet the Packers projected asking price. In addition to their unwillingness to give up a first round pick, the Jets appear to want the trade to include potential draft capital returned to the Jets in the case of Rodgers retirement following this season. Most recently, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the two sides “were not close to completing a deal”.
The situation for Rodgers is complicated at best. Rodgers 2023 cap hit is $31.6 million. So in theory, the Packers who currently hold $21.47 million in cap space (including Rodgers) could afford to pay 12 to ride the bench while they start their quarterback of the future in 2020 first round pick Jordan Love. Obviously this would not be optimal for the Packers but it is possible. However, within Rodgers’ contract for 2023 is a $58.3 million option bonus that can be exercised at any point up until week 1. Therefore, Green Bay is able to defer payment of the bonus to the Jets and wait as long as they wish for the Jets to meet their demands while the rest of the quarterback market dries up in free agency. The Jets have pressure from multiple sides as players and fans already have expectations of Rodgers being a Jet in 2023 and the team has already signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard under the pretense that Rodgers will be throwing the ball. Therefore, it appears that the Jets hand is forced and the Packers will likely receive the Jets number 13 draft pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Conversely, some reports suggest that the Packers hand is forced as they need to clear cap space to build a strong team around their young quarterback. Unfortunately for the Packers, Rodgers has managed to make the trade difficult at almost every turn. Green Bay originally tried to retain 12 for the 2023 season but according to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, Rodgers was unresponsive when the team reached out. In addition, the Jets were reportedly willing to pay the first round asking price until Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee show and claimed to be “90% retired” before entering his March darkness retreat. Rodger’s comments reportedly increased concerns over his remaining time in the league and caused the Jets front office to reduce their proposed payment for Rodgers. Once again complicating the trade, as of April 20, rumors are circulating that Rodgers informed his agent “it’s either Jets or nothing,” meaning he plans to retire if he is not traded. In the event he retires, the Packers would still owe him $40 million in 2023.
In true Aaron Rodgers fashion, the future Hall of Famer has managed to make the situation as complicated as possible and found himself at the center of another NFL controversy. Despite the drama, the most likely outcome in the 2023 season is Aaron Rodgers plays for the New York Jets and the Jets receive insurance if Rodgers retires in 2024, the Packers receive a first round pick, a conditional day 2 pick and a veteran receiver to mentor Green Bay’s infant receiver core. With the NFL Draft fast approaching, Packers and Jets fans alike have much to anticipate.