Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is negotiating with the New York Jets regarding a possible trade. What makes the franchise from the Big Apple so attractive to the superstar?

They have become rare in sports: athletes who spend their entire career with one team.

For a long time, it looked like Aaron Rodgers would be part of that small circle. For 18 years now, the quarterback superstar has been under contract with the Green Bay Packers, the past 15 seasons as a starter.

But A-Rod’s time with the Wisconsin franchise appears to be coming to an end. Although the four-time NFL MVP still has a valid contract – he only signed for three years and 150 million US dollars last March – the 39-year-old has not yet made a commitment to the Packers.

Instead, he met with representatives of the New York Jets in California at the beginning of the week. The team from the Big Apple currently seems to have the best chance of signing the playmaker via trade.

But what makes the Jets so attractive for Rodgers?

OC Hackett as an old acquaintance

One of the reasons was already part of the negotiations between the two parties. According to “ESPN”, Owner Woody Johnson, General Manager Joe Douglas, Head Couch Robert Saleh and Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett travelled together to the West Coast to convince Rodgers to join their team.

The latter Hackett is an old acquaintance – and confidant – for the Signal Caller. Before Hackett unsuccessfully tried his hand as head coach of the Denver Broncos last season, he worked as offensive coordinator for the Packers for three years.

He and Rodgers held each other in high regard during that time and had nothing but praise for each other. The quarterback made it clear just how close the bond was – and still is – as recently as late January on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “I love Hack, he’s my husband. I love him and Megan and the kids. They’re really special to me. We really hit it off when he was in Green Bay. He was fun to work with. “

Jets as a promising team

However, Hackett isn’t the only thing in favour of a move to New York. With the Jets, a young and promising team would be waiting for the veteran. Because since the Jets were arguably the worst franchise in the best football league in the world not too long ago, things have changed dramatically.

When the Packers surprisingly conceded against the Jets last October, Rodgers stated a little later to Pat McAfee: “They’ve got a lot of good players.” Cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Quinnen Williams – talent is available at many positions.

What hasn’t been there for a long time, however, is a good quarterback. Since the last playoff appearance twelve years ago, Gang Green has worn out 14 playmakers.

Aaron Rodgers would be the saviour

Were Rodgers to be signed, the 39-year-old would certainly be treated like the new saviour in the Big Apple. After countless misunderstandings with Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Co. all too understandable.

Rodgers would be 1 at MetLife Stadium, undisputed. Something that has long since been out of the question in Green Bay. After being drafted in 2005, Rodgers sat on the bench behind Brett Favre for three years before being allowed to be a starter.

Just those three years that Jordan Love is now waiting behind Rodgers – and now doesn’t want to wait anymore. The 2020 first-round pick is ready to prove himself at quarterback. And not only among fans, but also among those in charge, the voices of those who finally want to see the 24-year-old as a starter are growing.

New York instead of Green Bay

Another factor that should make the Jets attractive to Rodgers is the fact that they are based in the AFC. On several occasions, the Green Bay officials made it clear that they did not want to give up their superstar to the NFC, let alone the NFC North. This was a not unimportant aspect of the negotiations.

Apart from all the sporting aspects, the city of New York might also hold a certain attraction. For 18 years, the quarterback lived in the quiet, tranquil and sometimes icy Green Bay, and has long considered the city in the US state of Wisconsin his home.

Why not enjoy the cultural, culinary, etc. offerings of a metropolis with millions of inhabitants for the last time before the end of his career? Why not enjoy the cultural, culinary, etc. offerings of a metropolis with millions of inhabitants?

Nothing has been decided yet, now it’s Aaron Rodgers’ turn.