Packers: Jets officials fly to meet with Aaron Rodgers in California

Things seem to be getting very real regarding a trade between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets for Aaron Rodgers.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky and Dan Graziano reported this afternoon that a number of Jets team officials were flying out to California to meet with Rodgers.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini has since reported that the Jets officials have arrived.

Jets officials flying to meet with Rodgers is a significant development as it shows their serious interest in getting a trade over the line. It also shows that Rodgers is willing to talk to them, and it also means the Packers granted permission for Rodgers to talk to the Jets.

So, you may be wondering who has flown out to speak with Rodgers.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Jets owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and “possibly others” are there.

Again, that’s significant.

To have the owner, GM, head coach, and offensive coordinator there to speak with Aaron Rodgers shows the importance of this trip for both the Jets and Rodgers.

Having Hackett there could also make a difference. Hackett was the Packers’ offensive coordinator before becoming Denver Broncos head coach last year. He can run a system Rodgers is comfortable with, and Rodgers has often spoken about his great relationship with Hackett.

Rodgers having in-person conversations doesn’t guarantee anything, of course. Both sides would have to agree to a trade, and the Packers and Jets would then need to discuss compensation.

But the fact it has gotten this far suggests that both sides have real interest.

With free agency only a week away, we should hope to get an answer in the coming days. Will Rodgers decide he wants to play for the New York Jets in 2023? Now we wait to find out.