There was white smoke coming from the Aaron Rodgers chimney, signaling his intention to become a member of Gang Green for the 2023 season.' Finally, the Jets have their man.'' And much like the people who gather near the Vatican anxiously waiting for their savior Jets fans await their newest liberator to arrive as the final transaction, which is delayed because of one minor issue-trade compensation.''
How did Jets General Manager Joe Douglas get this lost?' It's one thing to get sidetracked as Paulie and Christopher did in the Pine Barrens episode of The Sopranos. South Jersey isn't easy to navigate, especially after not stopping at Roy Rogers, causing Paulie to ask Chrissy, “What's your plan, eat ketchup packets?”' It's another to not have a pre-visit agreement. Would you test-drive a car before knowing the price? I doubt car shoppers walk into a Rolls Royce dealership not understanding the financial commitment it would require before falling in love with the ride.' Now, Douglas is too far down the road to not buy his Rolls.'' The Packers have all the leverage as they can work around the Rodgers cap number and go about their business until the Jets blink.' There is no deadline except for draft day, as the Packers surely want to use the Jets' draft capital to help their team.'
With Rodgers taking subtle but clear and justified shots at Packers President Mark Murphy without ever mentioning his name on Pat McAfee's show this week, the man who will ultimately control the trade might have a little grudge.' Murphy is the real power broker in Green Bay.' He hides behind General Manager Brain Gutekunst, pretending that “Gute” has the authority to make the deal. Yet in league circles, everyone knows all things Green Bay football-related must be signed off by Mr. Murphy.' He became the first Packer President since before Vince Lombardi arrived in 1959 to run the football operations.' Rodgers was strategic in voicing his displeasure at Murphy, never saying his name, but knowingly letting the world know who was driving him away.' The Rodgers soap opera can go on for years-and clearly, Rodgers isn't easy to make happy.' However, something went wrong when Murphy took over for Ted Thompson, and we all might have to wait for the Rodgers book to learn the reasons.' The end is near-and the Jets will have to make the necessary trade payment.' No one said this was going to be easy.'
Two weeks ago on the GM Shuffle podcast, I said the Packers were looking for a first-round pick and another high pick depending on whether Rodgers played past 2023.'' A reasonable request on their part, since Rodgers will make the Jets a legitimate playoff team.' It will get done-there is no turning back now for the Jets, and the Packers know it.'