Aaron Rodgers To The New York Jets: Outlook For Both Teams

NFL QB Aaron Rodgers – Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

We finally have some clarity on the Aaron Rodgers situation. After much speculation, he made his intentions clear that he wants to play for the New York Jets. The front offices will have to figure out the compensation but it is all but a done deal. Now the focus goes on the future of both teams. What is the outlook for the Packers and the Jets?

NFL QB Aaron Rodgers – Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers To The Jets

I decided not to write this article right when the news broke. One of my side projects is hosting a Disney podcast called Beers and Ears (yes this is a shameless plug). We never review movies right as they release because we want to be able to digest what we just saw. That is my goal here. I’ve had a good 24 hours to let the news settle and reflect on what this trade actually means. As a Packers fan, Rodgers has been my quarterback for half of my life but I am a fan of the team so it is time to move forward.

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love – Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

Outlook For The Packers

Green Bay transitions to the Jordan Love era. After three years of learning behind Rodgers, he will finally get his chance to lead a team. The offense around him isn’t terrible either. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are a great backfield. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson have shown promise. The offensive line of David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan Jr., and Yosh Nijman with Zach Tom as the backup is a solid bunch. One underrated element is the fact that the Packers retained quarterbacks coach Tom Clements who has helped jump-start Love’s development.

This will also be a chance to see Matt LaFleur’s offense in its purest form. Rodgers often would do his own thing at times which is fine but this season will give the Packers a look at just how good a coach LaFleur is. If you add in some solid defensive pieces plus whatever draft capital from the New York Jets, the Packers’ outlook isn’t bleak by any means. Ultimately, it all hinges on whether Love can be a franchise guy or not.

New York Jets HC Robert Saleh – Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK

Outlook For The Jets

This is a little murkier in my opinion but let’s start with the good. The New York Jets had to do something at quarterback. There is no way they could feasibly go into next season saying, “Let’s see how Zach Wilson turns out. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Rodgers immediately raises the floor of that position. Even if he isn’t in MVP form, he isn’t Wilson levels. The Jets’ offense will not be terrible with Rodgers at the helm. With Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Breece Hall, and a solid defense on the other side of the ball, the Jets have a lot to be excited about for 2023.

Now onto the questions. Will Aaron Rodgers be able to develop chemistry with this team quickly? One of the best qualities for Aaron Rodgers is how well he takes care of the ball. However, the downside is that if he does not trust his receivers, he will not make the high-risk high reward throws. Last year, he had many deep throws toward the sidelines. Why? He knew that it was a throw that would not be picked off. It was really frustrating to watch at times. If Rodgers doesn’t trust his pass catchers, I would expect more of the same.

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (17), Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa – IMAGO/USA Today Network IMAGO/Zuma wire

A Tough AFC

Can the Jets with Aaron Rodgers make it out of the AFC? The AFC is rough. In their own division, you have Josh Allen and a Super Bowl-hunting Bills team. While there may be questions about Tua Tagovailoa‘s health, that team looks ready to compete. This is not to mention Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence. The Jets might not be the best team in their division let alone in the conference.

This is on top of other questions like is Robert Saleh the right head coach? Can Nathaniel Hackett call plays? What other pieces do the Jets need to add? On their own, these questions aren’t a big deal but adding them all together leaves me feeling like the Jets may end up looking back and regretting this situation. I applaud them for going for it. They need to make a big move. However, it doesn’t immediately give a clear picture of their outlook.

Only Time Will Tell

Obviously, I could eat crow here. Jordan Love could be a disaster. Aaron Rodgers could walk in and run a top-5 offense and take the Jets to a Super Bowl. Having watched Rodgers for 18 years I can say with certainty that this is absolutely a possibility. Here’s the main reason why I love this situation. As an NFL fan, it gives drama and intrigue to the 2023 season.

Can you imagine if all the pieces fell right and the Packers and Jets met in the Super Bowl? Oh baby that would be juicy. Only time will tell on this trade but I for one am excited for what it brings for both teams even if there are a lot of questions as well.