We've known it for quite some time, but it wasn't official until now, just days before the 2023 NFL Draft. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Green Bay Packers have traded quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Adam Schefter of ESPN added to the report, including the exact compensation:
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- Jets trade: Picks No. 13, No. 42 and No. 207, and a 2024 conditional second-round pick that becomes a first-round pick if Rodgers plays 65% of the plays or more.
- Packers trade: Aaron Rodgers, and picks No. 15 and No. 170.
DraftKings Sportsbook has adapted to the news, and the Jets are now +1400 to win the Super Bowl in 2023. Now that Rodgers is officially on the team, let's look ahead at what to expect from the Jets.
Jets Could Miss Out On Key Offensive Lineman
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While a first-round pick swap for the Jets going from No. 13 overall to No. 15 may not seem like much, this could be just enough to miss out on a key offensive lineman. The Jets are commonly mock-drafted an offensive lineman at No. 13 overall due to the uncertainty surrounding Mekhi Becton and an aging Duane Brown.
Moving to No. 15, the Jets now pick after the Packers (of course) and the New England Patriots. These are two teams that could take an offensive lineman. Before the No. 13 pick, teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are all possibilities for an offensive lineman.
The Patriots are another team often linked to an offensive lineman.
While it may be just a couple of picks, there's a possibility the team could miss out on a player such as Darnell Wright, who profiles as a plug-and-play right tackle. Additionally, it'll be difficult for the Packers and Patriots to pass up on Ohio State product Paris Johnson Jr. if he's available.
Jets Will Go Over On Win Total Number
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According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Jets' over/under for regular season wins is 9.5. With Rodgers on the roster, this is a massive upgrade for a team that had Zach Wilson starting games last year. In 2023, the Jets will have nine home games while the AFC East takes on the NFC East.
Look at this list of opponents:
- Washington Commanders
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Atlanta Falcons
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Houston Texans
- Buffalo Bills (twice)
- Miami Dolphins (twice)
- New England Patriots (twice)
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Denver Broncos
- Cleveland Browns
- Las Vegas Raiders
Looking down this list of games, let's assume the Jets split with the Dolphins and Bills, and sweep the Patriots. From there, the games that stand out as challenges will be the Eagles, Chargers, Chiefs and, potentially, the Cowboys. If the Jets were to lose all of those games, plus the split with their two division rivals, they'd have a record of 11-6. The team could slip up with a new quarterback, but they'll have enough time to get the roster up to speed and gel together.
Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson Will Have 100+ Catches
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In his rookie season, wide receiver Garrett Wilson had 83 receptions on 139 targets for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. With Rodgers at quarterback, the team will (hopefully) have a full season of running back Breece Hall and wide receivers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman. While Rodgers has a track record with Lazard, Wilson will be the go-to option. The team could draft more weapons at No. 15 or in the second round, but Wilson is an ascending player in for a massive second-season boom.
Predicting the Jets First Two Picks
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At No. 15 overall, the Jets should still have an opportunity for an offensive tackle, such as Wright, Broderick Jones or Anton Harrison. If all of those picks are unavailable, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Jets try to trade down or select one of the top tight ends in the draft, such as Dalton Kincaid or Michael Mayer, to add more weapons for Rodgers.
Moving to their second-round pick, the Jets have a need at linebacker, making Jack Campbell or Drew Sanders a possibility. Another option could be to target a tight end if they don't get one in the first round, such as Luke Musgrave or Sam LaPorta. A final possibility could be wide receiver Josh Downs, a smaller receiver who could be a reliable Randall Cobb-like option for Rodgers out of the slot.
