The NFL world was abuzz with rumors of Aaron Rodgers’ reported trade from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets. Multiple NFL insiders, including Trey Wingo and Dov Kleiman, reported that the deal was done. However, the NFL Network indicated that the deal had not yet been finalized.
If the trade were to go through, it would mean that the New England Patriots would face Rodgers twice a year, throwing to the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. This would be a stark contrast to their 14-game winning streak against the Jets since December 2015, as the Patriots never played against Rodgers as the Jets’ quarterback.
Already faced with defending against the likes of Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa, the addition of Rodgers would make the Patriots’ defense’s task even more daunting. The Jets were previously thought to be the front-runners for free agent Derek Carr, but he instead announced that he was signing with the New Orleans Saints.
With the Patriots trying to improve from their 8-9, non-playoff finish last year, facing Tagovailoa, Allen, and potentially Rodgers in their division schedule would be a tough challenge. Last season, the Packers overcame a seven-point deficit to beat the Patriots at Lambeau Field, with Rodgers throwing a late touchdown and leading a field-goal drive in overtime.
