General Manager Joe Douglas of the New York Jets is primarily responsible for the trade of Aaron Rodgers. Now he’s speaking out on the blockbuster deal, giving hope to a perceived loser of the coup in the process

The New York Jets almost can’t get out of their glee these days. No wonder, after all, the franchise recently pulled off one of the most significant deals in NFL history.

“We’re excited, obviously, and very pleased,” New York general manager Joe Douglas said at last Tuesday’s press conference.

Wilson a loser in the trade? Not for Douglas

However, there’s also a big loser in the trade of Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers – at least at first glance. That’s because it should be clear to quarterback Zach Wilson that, barring an injury to Rodgers, he won’t be a starter for the Jets this season.

But one guy doesn’t see it quite as dramatically. On the contrary, for GM Douglas, the trade is actually turning out to be a great opportunity for the young playmaker, who was still beingched by Mike White in the second half of last season.

Douglas talks about “great deal “

Surprisingly, Douglas drafted Wilson second overall to the Jets two years ago. To block his future now (at least verbally) would be classic own goal.

“It’s a great thing that he’s on the bench behind a future Hall of Famer,” Douglas said. Wilson, according to him, could “shadow” Rodgers. An obvious argument that apparently Zach Wilson’s mother is also convinced of.

Wilson has “no limit “

“Zach’s possibilities are unlimited – there is no limit,” Douglas continued. “Nobody works harder and loves the ball more than he does.”

At the press conference, Douglas – of course – also commented on Rodgers himself, for whom the Jets are sending a first-round pick this year (13), a second-round pick (42), a sixth-round pick (207) and a future pick in 2024 to Green Bay. The latter will be at least a second-round pick, but should Rodgers make 65 percent of his plays in New York, the pick automatically becomes a first-round pick.

Douglas feels “honored “

“Aaron, of course, is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the game,” Douglas said Tuesday. “When you have the opportunity to sign a player of that caliber, you always have to look at how he fits into our culture and our team.”

Douglas dubbed the trade of the four-time MVP and 2010 NFL Super Bowl champion as “historic.” He also said he was “honored” that Rodgers wants to play for the Jets.