The remarkable deal that saw Russell Wilson move to the Denver Broncos was apparently the inspiration for what the Green Bay Packers wanted for Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers eventually reached an agreement with the New York Jets that saw their star quarterback complete a move to the MetLife Stadium. Rodgers had been the Packers starting QB since the 2008 season after replacing Brett Favre, and was the 24th pick in the 2005 draft.
After 15 years as the star in Green Bay, Rodgers eventually moved to the Jets just days before the 2023 NFL Draft began. However, months of negotiations were required before a deal could be agreed.
A report in the New York Post by Brian Costello has provided some insight into what the Packers wanted in return for Rodgers moving to the Jets. It has been claimed that Matt LaFleur’s side wanted a similar deal to that which saw Wilson leave the Seattle Seahawks and move to Denver in 2021.
Wilson’s move to Denver two years ago saw the Broncos give up two first-round picks (one of which was ninth overall), two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Shelby Harris and quarterback Drew Lock.
The report states that the Packers took note of this deal and hoped to get two first-round picks from the Jets. However, it’s claimed that the Jets were not willing to agree to such a deal for a player that is 39 years old and may only have one more season in the NFL left in his career.
Negotiations between the Packers and the Jets continued until the Monday before the 2023 draft began last month. Green Bay eventually received one first-round pick (13th overall - moving up from 15th), a second-round pick, a sixth-round pick and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that will turn into a first-round pick if Rodgers plays in at least 65 percent of offensive snaps during the Jets' 2023 season.
The Packers now look set to go into the 2023 season with Jordan Love as their starting QB. Although, general manager Brian Gutekunst did draft quarterback Sean Clifford from Penn State with the 149th pick overall in the 2023 draft.
