Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers has been slammed by NFL reporter James Palmer for “holding two franchises hostage” after he failed to inform the New York Jets of his decision ahead of the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period.
Rodgers has been tangled in a trade saga between his Green Bay Packers and the Jets for some time. The 39-year-old has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to hold anyone hostage with his decision as he weighs up retirement, joining the Jets or returning to Green Bay for a 19th season.
However, Rodgers’ inability to come to a decision has left the Jets in a tight spot. They are essentially either Rodgers or bust, having already seen a number of free agent quarterbacks sign with other teams.
And Rodgers’ lack of urgency has left NFL insider Palmer unimpressed. Palmer tore into Rodgers and claimed he is “holding two franchises hostage”.
Speaking on Good Morning Football, Palmer said: “It’s a funny haha, laugh, laugh at the media, right, Aaron Rodgers. Hilarious. Lets just hold two franchises hostage throughout the most important portion of the offseason.
“One team [Packers] doesn’t know if they have $60million (£49.3m) to play with or not, so they’re just ‘we’re all negotiating the other 31 teams but we can’t do that’.
“The Jets are like, ‘This is hilarious, Aaron. We don’t know who our quarter-back is going to be. We have this kid, Zach Wilson, but we’d really prefer you. We’d like to start a Super Bowl window right now. These jokes are hysterical.’
“No, it’s far more aggravating. Aaron Rodgers, what is going on right now because he’s essentially holding two franchises hostage during the most important portion of the offseason.”
Rodgers signed a monster new contract with the Packers last offseason to earn $50.27m (£41.3m) per year through the 2026 season, when he will be 43 years of age. However, his 2023 cap hit if he is traded to a new team is just $15.74m (£12.9m).
