Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy has given an indication that the deal with the New York Jets for Aaron Rodgers has not progressed too much in recent days.
Rodgers has already publicly stated his intention to play for the Jets last month, with both teams eager to make a deal happen. The Jets are looking to Rodgers to answer their long-term quarterback issues - struggling at the position last season in Zach Wilson's second year with the franchise.
The Packers meanwhile are set to move on to Jordan Love, who the franchise drafted with a first-round pick in 2020, but sat in favour of Rodgers for the last three seasons.
Despite well over a month of discussions between the two teams, terms over a trade are yet to be finalised. Compensation is yet to be agreed, with the Packers said to want a first-round pick, while the Jets are reportedly offering two second-round picks. Future draft capital or protection is also believed to be part of the hold up.
The upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled for April 27-29 in Kansas City, is seen as the deadline for a deal to take place, with both teams looking to use their selections to build around their new quarterback for the season ahead.
Optimism that the Rodgers saga may have been heading towards a conclusion grew when Jets General Manager Joe Douglas was quoted at an event saying 'he'll be here.' However, Murphy has stated that there is no update to give on the potential move. He said: "I do anticipate questions and anticipate saying that there is no update."
Heading into the 2022 season, Rodgers was coming off the back of two back-to-back MVP awards - holding back the transition of move on to Love for the Packers. The former Utah State quarterback has made limited starts in his career while sitting behind Rodgers, but will be given the forthcoming season to start in his last year of his rookie contract - and allowing the Packers to assess plans for the future.
On Love, Murphy said: "Well, I’m really glad that Aaron Rodgers turned out to be such a good quarterback. And I’m hoping that Jordan Love turns out to be a similar quarterback."
The Jets had been interested in Rodgers since the end of the 2022 season, with head coach Robert Saleh admitting they're searching for a 'veteran quarterback' to lead the side and mentor Zach Wilson.
While other candidates were available, including Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo, the Jets zeroed in on Rodgers, which gave the quarterback himself the motivation to join the team - the first time he'll play away from the Packers in his 18-year career.
