The potential trade between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets for Aaron Rodgers has dominated the rumor mill for months. As we all know, not much is said to be left for an announcement. With the upcoming draft approaching a small deadline.

Even with the NFL offseason slowly approaching, the expected trade between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets for Aaron Rodgers is not coming to finalization.

However, both sides are approaching a soft deadline in the upcoming draft. That’s because draft capital and value are at stake for the quarterback, who has been courted by the Jets for months.

“The last chance for a trade during the draft is before picks 42 and 43 [both owned by the Jets, note],” Adam Schefter of “ESPN” reported. “Because if both picks are drafted before the Rodgers trade happens, negotiations could drag on forever. “

Aaron Rodgers: long waiting game looms

Should the Jets use their own draft capital in the first two rounds themselves, Schefter says those picks would almost certainly not be part of a trade package for the Packers quarterback.

In that case, Green Bay wouldn’t be in a hurry to deal Rodgers too cheaply, as the Jets would only have picks left to deal for 2024 or later. Then the leverage is back on the Packers. If the Jets really want the 39-year-old, they should get him to the team before training camps.

Optimal waiting games are not for either side, though. So the draft days could set the tone for the trade.