Packers GM Brian Gutekunst believes there’s no time like the present to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is “obviously up there in age” at 39 years old.
Speaking Monday after the Packers traded their longtime franchise quarterback to the Jets in a highly anticipated move, Gutekunst discussed why Green Bay is moving forward with quarterback Jordan Love — nearly three years after he was drafted 26th overall.
“Aaron is obviously up there in age. I think he’s got some really good football left in him. As we got through the offseason, this made sense…,” Gutekunst said, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
“Having [Jordan Love] sit for another year would’ve really delayed [his development].”
The 24-year-old Love has served as Rodgers’ backup since 2020.
The former Utah State product will now lead the Packers following a disappointing 2022 campaign, in which the team finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Aaron Rodgers was traded from the Packers to the Jets in April 2023. Getty Images
Quarterback Jordan Love (10) will succeed Aaron Rodgers (12) in Green Bay. Getty ImagesRodgers, who won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, is now headed for New York after months of speculation.
The Jets are giving up their first-round selection at No. 13 in the 2023 NFL Draft — which gets underway Thursday — and will receive the No. 15 pick in return.
They’re also shipping a second-round pick (No. 42) to Green Bay, in addition to a sixth-rounder and a conditional second-round pick in 2024.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst in March 2022. Getty ImagesAaron Rodgers traded to the Jets
On Monday, after months of speculation and rumors, the Jets and Packers came to an agreement on a trade that brings four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to New York.
The trade immediately upgrades the Jets from rising team to playoff contender with the hopes that Rodgers will help break one of the longest active postseason droughts in sports.
The trade
The Jets receive: Aaron Rodgers, No. 15 pick (2023) and No. 170 pick (2023).
The Packers receive: No. 13 pick (2023), No. 42 pick (2023), No. 207 pick (2023) and a conditional second-round 2024 draft pick that conveys to a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of the Jets’ plays in 2023.
What comes next
The trade still needs to be finalized — the terms of Rodgers’ contract need to be worked out — and sent to the NFL.
Both teams will begin feeling this deal as early as Thursday at the 2023 NFL Draft.
For the Packers, it’s now about getting fourth-year QB Jordan Love ready to take over. With Gang Green, it’s about getting a whole host of new faces on the same page offensively.
That pick could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the plays for the Jets this coming season.
Gutekunst said Monday that “moving forward with compensation in this year’s draft” was an important factor in getting a deal done.
The Jets made it clear this offseason that they were in the market for a veteran quarterback following Zach Wilson’s struggles in his second year.
Aaron Rodgers, here in January 2023, spent the past 18 seasons in Green Bay. Getty ImagesMembers of the organization flew to Malibu to meet with Rodgers in March, the same month he said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that it was his intention to play for the Jets.
He will be wearing No. 8 as a member of the Jets, with many of his new teammates, including cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, rejoicing on Twitter.
