One ESPN writer has crazy idea for Jets to pursue if Aaron Rodgers falls through

ESPN writer Bill Barnwell had a backup option the New York Jets can lean upon in case they are unable to acquire Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.

The New York Jets know that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants to play for them for the 2023 season. The problem is, they have to reach an agreement on a trade package with the Packers to acquire the four-time NFL MVP. There is apparently a “key date” of Apr. 27, which is the first day of the 2023 NFL Draft.

What would the Jets do if negotiations with the Packers were to fall through?

ESPN Bill Barnwell (subscription required) wrote about the potential of the Jets pivoting to acquiring Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The article was ranking Jackson’s best NFL team fits, with the Jets ranking second.

“If they don’t land Aaron Rodgers, Jackson would be the most notable alternative available. It’s not quite as sordid of a history as the Bears’, but with apologies to Chad Pennington’s 2002 campaign, there are Jets fans approaching 50 years of age who haven’t seen a dominant season from their quarterback. At some point, you might go all-in to try and erase the psychic pain of your fan base.

“The Jets had a championship-caliber defense from Week 3 on, ranking among the league leaders in most metrics. Many of their core players will return in 2023. For fans, the logic is simple: Upgrade at quarterback and this is a playoff team. Unless the defense totally collapses, I’m not sure I disagree.”

Lamar Jackson a backup option for Jets if Aaron Rodgers trade falls through

This was a hypothetical written by Barnwell. By all accounts, the Jets are all-in on acquiring Rodgers, and it sounds like a deal is closer to coming to fruition. There is framework, per Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, that the Jets would send a second-round pick in 2023 and a second-rounder in 2024. But, the Jets are looking for draft compensation if Rodgers were to retire after the 2023 season.

As for Jackson, he revealed in a tweet last week that he had requested a trade from the Ravens back on March 2. The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, meaning that he could negotiate with other teams on an offer sheet.

From there, Baltimore would have the choice to match the offer sheet, or collect two first-round picks from the interested team. The issue is, a lot of teams bowed out of pursuing Jackson. So, his status for the 2023 season is very much in the air.

There should be more clarity towards the Jets’ quarterback situation once we get closer to the opening night of the NFL Draft. Until then, the speculation is only going to grow.