Jets fans continue to wait until the team’s acquisition of Aaron Rodgers is complete. The team’s general manager is making sure they don’t get too nervous waiting.
Joe Douglas was asked about Rodgers by WFAN Sports Radio’s Boomer Esiason during a live event Friday night in New York. Esiason posed the question that’s on everyone’s mind: “Aaron Rodgers, when’s he coming?”
“He’s gonna be here,” Douglas responded, drawing a roar from the crowd. (Video courtesy Audacy’s WFAN Sports Radio.)
.@WFAN660's @7BOOMERESIASON cuts to the chase: Is Aaron Rodgers coming to the @nyjets? pic.twitter.com/X4TVAXyijM
— Audacy Sports (@AudacySports) April 8, 2023
It has been a foregone conclusion for some time that Rodgers is headed to the Jets. He publicly stated on “The Pat McAfee Show” his interest in being traded to New York for his 19th NFL season.
MORE: When will Rodgers be traded to the Jets?
The wait has been on since then. The two teams have yet to agree on compensation for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported a deal is “pretty much done,” with the Jets reportedly set on not dealing their first-round selection in this year’s draft.
Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reported March 27 that the teams were closing in on a deal that would send second-round picks in 2023 and 2024 to Green Bay, though there are certain sticking points. The 2024 second-rounder could upgrade to a first-round pick if certain “achievable” team performance escalators are met. Robinson reported the Jets want protection built in should Rodgers decide to retire rather than play in 2024, in the form of 2025 draft compensation.
MORE: Why Packers-Jets deal still hasn’t happened
It’s understandable why Jets fans are anxious to have the deal done. The team has not had stability at quarterback since the Mark Sanchez days, when he was the starter for four straight years. New York has not had the same leading passer for more than four consecutive seasons since Ken O’Brien led for seven years in a row from 1985-91.
Rodgers might not be the Jets' starter for four straight years, but he might be the most talented quarterback to have suited up for the Jets, including Brett Favre and Joe Namath. Rodgers, in a relative down year in 2022, completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 3,695 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
MORE: Why Joe Namath’s No. 12 might not stay retired for Jets with Rodgers arriving
Last season, the Jets lost their last six games and missed the playoffs. Their quarterbacks combined for 4,040 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 14 INTs and a 56.9 completion percentage. Needless to say, Rodgers' presence would amp up the excitement in the Meadowlands.