Aaron Rodgers explains why he wants trade to Jets, details Packers grievances in Pat McAfee Show interview

By | March 15, 2023
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The Ides of March are upon us, and so too, it appears, is a decision about Aaron Rodgers’ future.

After weeks of speculation, Rodgers confirmed what much of the NFL world believed during his weekly appearance on  “The “Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday:

He wants to play for the Jets next year.

Rodgers detailed the conversations that preceded his choice, explaining that he had initially planned on hanging up his cleats at the end of 2022. That’s why Rodgers opted to run off Lambeau Field with Randall Cobb after the Packers’ Week 18 loss to the Lions.

MORE: Revisiting Brett Favre’s 2008 trade from the Packers to the Jets

He was “90 percent” committed to retirement at the time of his venture into a darkness retreat in February.

However, Rodgers explained that he got the sense that things changed from the Green Bay front office’s point of view when he returned from his retreat. He felt the organization quite clearly wanted to move him on, a decision Rodgers described as “bittersweet.”

The four-time MVP emphasized how, although he loves and is forever indebted to Green Bay, he had grown weary of the way the organization had gone about treating older players over the years. From A.J. Hawk and Jordy Nelson to him and Cobb, he felt there were better ways to handle things with players who had shown loyalty to the franchise.

As such, when it was Rodgers’ name on the chopping block, he wanted options. And after a few teams reached out, it was New York that stole the march on him, putting on the full-court press to acquire his services.

Despite that, Rodgers hasn’t officially made the move to the Big Apple yet. That’s because the franchises haven’t yet agreed on compensation, something that seemed to irk Rodgers given his standing in the organization’s history.

Nevertheless, it looks like it’s a matter of when, not if, Rodgers will turn out for Gang Green. Now, the only questions are: What do the Jets need to give up to get him and will Rodgers don Broadway Joe Namath’s iconic No. 12 jersey?

MORE: Why Aaron Rodgers might wear Joe Namath’s No. 12 for Jets

Sporting News tracked Rodgers’ interview with McAfee — as well as the latest rumors surrounding his future — as it happened. Follow below to hear what the Packers (and soon-to-be Jets?) quarterback had to say.

Aaron Rodgers’ appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

Live updates from Aaron Rodgers’ appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

1:58 p.m.: Rodgers says Hawk knew bits and pieces about his impending decision ahead of today’s “announcement.”

1:49 p.m.: Rodgers looking forward to reuniting with his former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in New York.

1:47 p.m.: Seems Rodgers may have had interest in reuniting with a certain talented wide receiver in Las Vegas (Davante Adams)…

1:45 p.m.: Beef brewing between Rodgers and Schefter? Perhaps…

MORE: Aaron Rodgers calls out ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dianna Russini: ‘Lose my number’

1:43 p.m.: Rodgers reminiscing on his time at Lambeau. Lots of good memories for the future Hall of Famer.

1:35 p.m.: Spicy…

1:33 p.m.: Rodgers says that he didn’t hand a paper to the Jets with the names of players he wants New York to sign. At all.

1:30 p.m.: Rodgers didn’t get the feel that Green Bay was at all interested in bringing him back during the season.

1:29 p.m.: Strong words by Rodgers, who is clearly ready to dip.

1:27 p.m.: “Look at the track record. From [A.J Hawk] to Jordy Nelson to Randall Cobb,… let’s put our actions where our words are at.” Bittersweet exit for Rodgers, who feels the organization hasn’t always done right by its veteran players.

1:25 p.m.: It seems Rodgers wants to move on. The hold up is frustrating for, especially given his contributions to the franchise, per Rodgers.

1:24 p.m.: “I’m debatably the best player in franchise history.”

1:21 p.m.: In terms of his mindset, Rodgers plans on returning to play. And he’s planning on playing for the Jets.

The only obstacle is figuring out the compensation package Green Bay wants.

1:19 p.m.: Rodgers says that if Green Bay told him its plans of dealing him at the beginning of the offseason, he would feel much better about his situation.

1:17 p.m.: Initial plan was that Rodgers was going to retire as a Packer; things shifted after he went into the darkness, though. He heard whispers around the league that Green Bay wanted to move him around the time he went off the grid.

1:16 p.m.: The group that selected Rodgers, which included former executive Reggie McKenzie and Bob Harlan, is not in Green Bay anymore, Rodgers says.

1:14 p.m.: Rodgers notes that Jordan Love was drafted ostensibly to replace him. He says the Packers have a process of replacing players a year earlier, instead of a year later.

1:12 p.m.: Rodgers confirms that today is not decision day. Rather, Rodgers’ decision dropped a few days ago. At least it seems that way.

1:11 p.m.: McAfee, Rodgers and A.J. Hawk are discussing Rodgers descent into the darkness back in February. Sounds like it was a refreshing experience, all in all.

1:08 p.m.: Rodgers is here! Rodgers is here! He’s calling in from his home in California.

1:05 p.m.: Rodgers headed to the pulpit. Time to lock in.

12:45 p.m.: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the terms have not yet been agreed between the Jets and Packers. Importantly, Green Bay is not looking for multiple first rounders a la the Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford trades.

12:25 p.m.: NFL Network’s Steve Wyche raises an interesting point in regards to all the Rodgers drama. Given his advanced age and Zach Wilson’s inexperience, perhaps he can serve as a model for Wilson to learn off of. Long term gains for a short term move?

12:20 p.m.: McAfee confirms that Rodgers is ready to let the world in on his next move. How theatrical.

12:15 p.m.: Although all signs are pointing to Rodgers heading to the Big Apple, it still hasn’t formally been ratified. That’s because, among other things, Rodgers hasn’t actually requested a trade yet, per The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.

8:50 a.m. — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that it is “a foregone conclusion” that Rodgers will join the Jets. He cautioned that it hasn’t happened yet, but all indications are that it will.

LIVE: Latest updates on free agent signings, trades, rumors and more across the NFL

How to watch Aaron Rodgers on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

“The Pat McAfee Show” airs on YouTube live each weekday from noon until 3 p.m. ET. It is freely available to stream and can be viewed by clicking this link.

Rodgers’ interview is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. ET.

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