The New York Jets seem closer to landing Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets seem like they are getting closer and closer to landing four time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a trade.  

This would be the ultimate dagger in the heart for the Patriots if this trade were to go through.  Dianna Russini of ESPN indicates that there is optimism with the New York Jets organization that the club can land four time MVP and future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers in a trade.

Rodgers would then come to the AFC, making the conference even stronger.  The AFC East would have a new team to deal with, and the QB situation in the division would be a huge indictment on the Patriots.

Josh Allen.  Aaron Rodgers.  Tua Tagovailoa… Mac Jones??

Well, if Rodgers does end up in New York, the Patriots would be a distant fourth in the division and would have a ton of work to do to get themselves back to where they were for the last two decades.

I’d argue that the Jets would propel to being a top three team in the AFC if this trade were to go down.  The only good thing I can think that could come out of this is that Rodgers may not play for more than another year, so the Jets still do need a long-term option as much as the Patriots do.

And depending on what happens with Tua in Miami, the Dolphins also may need a long-term solution at QB as well.

The elephant in the room is Lamar Jackson, who had the non-exclusive franchise tag placed on him.  The 2019 MVP can now sign offer sheets with other teams.  The Ravens would then have to match the sheet.  If not, they’d get two first round picks back for Jackson.

To me, this is the path forward for the Patriots at the moment.  Why not take a big swing like this?  They may be one of the few teams who has the need, draft picks, and cap space to pull off acquiring Lamar Jackson.

Getting a long-term, elite answer in the building will be a decision that the team likely won’t regret, especially if Aaron Rodgers ends up with the New York Jets.