Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst gave a telling clarification about their asking price for Aaron Rodgers.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Gutekunst said the team won’t necessarily require a first-round pick in return for the 39-year-old quarterback. Rodgers already said he plans to play for the New York Jets, but the two teams have yet to reach an agreement.
Twitter users have discussed leverage changing hands whenever anyone from either side discusses the situation. They’re now wondering why Rodgers is still with the Packers if they’re not demanding a first.
“Confirmed they are not getting a first essentially,” a fan claimed.
Confirmed they are not getting a 1st essentially https://t.co/5Vsqk6FqGn
— Nova (@Nova_NYJ) March 27, 2023
“If he doesn’t need a RD1 pick, what’s the holdup? Feels like someone is lying,” Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post said.
If he doesn’t need a RD1 pick, what’s the holdup? Feels like someone is lying https://t.co/tPoFmQCz0A
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) March 27, 2023
“If the Packers don’t need a first-round pick the deal should get done today,” FS1’s Chris Healey wrote.
if the Packers don’t need a first round pick the deal should get done today https://t.co/79NXK8MzDC
— Chris Healey (@healey1) March 27, 2023
“Here’s your sign to be prepared for disappointment, Packers fans,” a Jets fan warned.
Here’s your sign to be prepared for disappointment, Packers fans. https://t.co/KdUG4Nd1j0
— Nick✈TheJetsFanatic (@JetsFanNick) March 27, 2023
“Just get this over with already,” another fan pleaded.
Just get this over with already https://t.co/kjdAwsmyRa
— JayNinetyTrey (@DiahDesignz) March 27, 2023
Last week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said trade talks hit a “standstill” because the Packers want a first-round pick and more. The Jets have the No. 13 pick this year.
New York also has picks No. 42 (recently acquired for Elijah Moore) and 43, so perhaps those early second-round selections would entice Green Bay without moving a first.
Gutekunst also said there’s no timetable on a trade getting done, and he claimed “all options are on the table” when asked if there’s a chance Rodgers stays with the Packers.