Aaron Rodgers is a New York Jet! It’s been a crazy and confusing ride up to this point for Rodgers, but here we are.
Trade compensation, per sources:
Jets get:
🏈Aaron Rodgers, pick No. 15, a 2023 5th-rd pick (No. 170).Packers get:
🏈Pick No. 13, a 2023 2nd-rd pick (No. 42), a 6th-rd pick (No. 207), a conditional 2024 2nd-rd pick that becomes a 1st if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the plays. pic.twitter.com/Q2vUMfyZGH— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2023
In 2022 Rodgers suffered his worst statistical full season since 2010. His 26 passing touchdowns were the fewest in a season since 2008 (min 10 games played). And his 12 interceptions were his most since 2008. His yards per game were the fewest since he became a starter. In short, it was a extremely bad year for a QB or Rodgers talents.
There are a few things that can be to blame, age is one. The loss of Davante Adams is another. Yes he had several receivers fill in admirably, guys like Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson.
But it wasn’t enough. Green Bay just didn’t have it last year. Now he gets a second shot with new scenery with the Jets. And some old friends, as Allen Lazard joined the Jets on a four-year deal!
Now let’s take a look at the fantasy impacts for both the Jets and Packers!
Aaron Rodgers Traded to the New York Jets
Jets Side
New York boasts two young and talented offensive weapons, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. Let’s not forget Michael Carter and Tyler Conklin had their moments last year plus the Jets added Rodgers's Green Bay buddy, Allen Lazard.
Wilson enters his second year in the NFL already having a 1000 yard season under his belt. And that’s with the likes of Mike White, Zach Wilson, and Joe Flacco throwing to him. Rodgers has nowhere to go but up from his 2022 totals unless he is completely washed, (which I don’t think is the case) boosting Wilson’s stock. Wilson may not be Adams or Jordy Nelson caliber yet, but he’s on that trajectory and has what it takes to be Rodger’s best friend on the field.
Lazard steps in as the Jets' WR2, especially with Elijah Moore now in Cleveland. Lazard had career high's in targets, receptions, and yards per game last year as the top target for Rodgers last season. Removing week 1 which he missed due to injury, Lazard was the rest-of-season WR29. I expect him to finish in the WR3 range once again.
Breece Hall can assume the Aaron Jones role as a safety blanket for Rodgers and a strong runner out of the backfield. Defenses will need to account for New Yorks weapons which should open up bigger running lanes for Hall.
The Jets offensive line does have some question marks, as they don’t have a full starting five. They’ll likely address the need via the draft and fill in holes with free agents. They weren’t impressive at all last season, but if New York drafts well, they can make a huge leap in pass protection for their new QB.
Rodgers will likely return low end QB1 value in 2023 with the offensive firepower of the Jets helping him out. He won’t be the Rodgers of old but he will definitely finish better than the mediocre 2022 season he had in Green Bay.
Packers Side
As for the Packers, this paves the way for Jordan Love to take the reigns of the offense. And it’s not like Green Bay is devoid of weapons. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are entering their second year in the NFL, and Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon are solid backs. As I mentioned above, Allen Lazard is gone so that openings things up for Watson to spread his wings, and it will be interesting to watch if the small school phenom can take flight. He’s got the talent to do it.
It’s hard to tell how well he will do as we’ve only seen Love in limited action, but my guess is low end QB2 high QB3 with potential upside if all goes well.
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