The Jets lost their leverage in an Aaron Rodgers trade

The New York Jets and Inexperienced Bay Packers appear to be locked in some kind of Texas standoff within the Aaron Rodgers commerce. Neither facet transferring an inch, neither facet getting up from the desk however making it very clear that compensation is the one factor holding up this commerce. With either side seemingly gazing one another like anxious center schoolers at a dance, the subject of “leverage” has come up. Who has the higher hand on this acquisition of the longer term Corridor of Fame QB? What’s going to the compensation be?

Then the Jets occurred.

The Jets spoke to Aaron Rodgers first earlier than going to the Packers with any precise compensation or a deal in place, nullifying their leverage (the Packers did grant the Jets the power to speak to Rodgers). They put the cart earlier than the horse, and by doing that ensured that the Packers would maintain all of the playing cards at this desk.

Let’s be clear: there is just one crew that’s in on the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, and that’s the New York Jets. No different crew has reportedly been , and Rodgers himself mentioned on the Pat McAfee Present that he intends on taking part in subsequent yr in New York for the Jets. The Jets have already begun to assemble the Knights of the Rodgers desk, together with Nathaniel Hackett, who would be the Jets offensive coordinator, and Allen Lazard.

Once more, that is all being finished and not using a deal in place for Rodgers. Basically, the Jets are getting the whole lot prepared for Rodgers with out really being near a deal for him. Whereas being the one crew may probably swing a number of the energy again to the Jets, New York additionally has no different contingency plan if this falls by means of. They’ve gotten into mattress with Rodgers, and ensured that there’s no different possibility however him. Zach Wilson goes to be the crew’s backup, behind…Christ Streveler at this level. New York made it clear that they’re not going after Lamar Jackson, citing being “disingenuous and being in dangerous religion” in the event that they did.

So this brings them again to the Packers brass, however now they haven’t any different plan B. It’s both Rodgers or bust, which works in Inexperienced Bay’s favor.

Now let’s study this from the Packers’ perspective. Rodgers is finished in Inexperienced Bay; each the Packers and their former QB have acknowledged that. Nonetheless, Rodgers isn’t retiring, so the rights to his totally assured contract wouldn’t be forfeited. If the Packers had been certainly buying and selling Rodgers, they must eat round $40 million in lifeless cap, which is one thing that’ll must be mentioned in commerce negotiations with the Jets. The cap hit if Rodgers was launched would even be monumental, so a commerce is the one seemingly factor.

Nonetheless, with Jordan Love already within the fold and Packers brass ensuring that he’s going to be the starter subsequent yr, the Packers may simply maintain on to Rodgers previous the draft till the Jets make a suggestion that’s extra appropriate to their wants. They don’t want to commerce Aaron Rodgers proper now; the Jets want to commerce for Rodgers proper now, as a result of they haven’t any different selection.

Proper now, the Packers have the leverage. They’ll ask for a primary spherical decide (thirteenth total decide this yr maybe) and if the Jets say no, then they will anticipate a greater supply. They’re not those determined to make a deal. New York has already advised Rodgers that they need him there, and Rodgers needs to be there. Now the Jets must make a suggestion the Packers like, but it surely didn’t must be this manner. They went to Rodgers first, with out having any compensation beforehand, and now have booked themselves right into a nook.

The Jets had the right alternative to get Rodgers with out shedding all of their leverage. Nonetheless, by means of one misstep they conceded the leverage to the Packers and now have had the tables turned on them.