AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File
Much like they did with Brett Favre 15 years ago, some around the NFL believe the New York Jets went all in on a declining Green Bay Packers legend at quarterback.
One AFC scout told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler he now considers Rodgers a fringe top-10 quarterback heading into the 2023 season.
“I think everyone is afraid to say he’s declined a little,” the scout said. “He’s still a great thrower and sees it really well, but he’s more like [ranked] eight to 12 for me.”
Rodgers saw his numbers take a nosedive last season after back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021. He threw for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, throwing nearly as many picks as he had in the previous three seasons combined.
The Jets traded 2023 first-, second- and sixth-round picks and a conditional 2024 draft pick to the Packers for Rodgers and 2023 first- and fifth-round selections. It’s likely the 2024 pick will become a first-round selection, barring a season-ending injury for Rodgers.
The move was a bit of an act of desperation from the Jets, who failed to develop Zach Wilson the past two seasons and have a championship-worthy defense. They’re hopeful Rodgers can lift up a group of talented but young skill-position players, highlighted by wideout Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall (returning from an ACL tear).
New York added Rodgers favorites Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to the offense as well, along with speedster Mecole Hardman.
The complement of skill-position players will be far better in New York than last season in Green Bay, which saw the Packers fail in their attempt to replace Davante Adams. No Packers receiver topped 800 yards receiving last season, as Rodgers sputtered without Adams as a safety valve.
Wilson, who topped 1,000 yards receiving last season despite the Jets’ abysmal quarterback play, should instantly be able to step in as a bonafide WR1 for Rodgers. Coupling him with Lazard and Hardman should give Rodgers a combination of speed on the outside and consistency over the middle he’ll need to bounce back.
That said, if he did truly suffer a marked year-over-year decline last season, we’ll get a good idea early next season.
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