The New York Jets find themselves in a situation all too familiar to Green Bay Packers fans.
Aaron Rodgers is contemplating his NFL future, leaving the franchise waiting on his decision. The Jets must also decide their path, with new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey developing their plan at the quarterback position.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Glenn is "open" to keeping Rodgers in New York and that Rodgers feels the same way. Rapoport noted that we can expect the "conversations to ramp up in the coming week."
The Packers and Rodgers will always be connected, and a Jets return could allow Green Bay to find Jordan Love a star wide receiver.
While Rodgers returning would likely close the door on a Davante Adams reunion, it could create a new trade opportunity.
Aaron Rodgers return could give Packers a chance to trade for Garrett Wilson
The Packers need to explore every avenue to improve their roster this offseason, especially with Brian Gutekunst saying they need to show more "urgency" moving forward. That includes considering a blockbuster trade.
Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is a player to watch.
Ian Rapoport believes Wilson could request a trade if Rodgers returns to New York. The report notes that Wilson and Rodgers had a "blowup during training camp," while Wilson grew frustrated with a reduction in targets after the team traded for Davante Adams.
Before the Adams trade, Wilson averaged 11.2 targets per game. That number dropped to 7.9 after the Jets acquired Rodgers' favorite receiver.
ESPN's Benjamin Solak believes the Packers will look to make a big move at wide receiver. He thinks they could target Wilson or DK Metcalf in a trade if they fail to land Tee Higgins in free agency, adding that Green Bay could even include Romeo Doubs in the deal.
Draft picks plus Doubs for Wilson? Who says no?
The Jets would add draft capital (which they could use to land Rodgers' successor) while reuniting Rodgers with Doubs, a perfect complement to Adams. Green Bay would find its star WR1 to build the passing game around.
Even with below-average quarterback play for much of his Jets career, Wilson has caught 279 passes for 3,249 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons. He hit the 1,000-yard milestone every year. Wilson would be a game-changing addition to the Packers' offense and quickly become the go-to target Love needs.
Eventually, the Packers will get Christian Watson back from injury. A receiving corps of Wilson, Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks could dominate, especially with Josh Jacobs in the backfield.
The Packers don't typically trade premium picks for veteran players, but this could be a win-win for both teams.
Not for the first time, though, it all starts with Rodgers' NFL future.