(CNN) New York Jets General manager Joe Douglas called the deal Buy four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers for “historic” franchise.
Douglas talked Tuesday about how the trade — which has yet to be finalized while the two teams work out the details — came together.
“Obviously, it’s been a long time in the making,” Douglas told reporters at a previously scheduled pre-draft press conference.
“I still have a few points to go and finally cross the T to finalize everything … I can’t thank you enough [Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst] It was enough for the open conversation we had and ultimately we were able to get what we believe to be a historic trade for this franchise.”
According to reports from ESPN and NFL Network, the long-awaited trade would see Rodgers sent to the Jets with the Packers’ 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Packers will receive the Jets’ 13th overall pick in Thursday’s draft, one of the Jets’ second-round picks and their 2024 first-round draft pick if Rodgers plays at least 65% of the Jets’ offensive plays this season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
“Aaron is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game and to get a chance to add a player of that caliber, you’re always going to look at that and how it fits into our culture,” Douglas said. “We are all excited to add to his character and his potential.”
Rodgers spent his 18-season NFL career with the Packers, where he led the team to a 31-25 victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
to write Instagram on TuesdayThe 39-year-old expressed his gratitude to “the Packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin, the thousands of players I’ve passed by, the incredible men and women who work for the organization and the wonderful people we’ll meet along the way.”
On whether Rodgers wants to play beyond the 2023 season, Douglas said: “I don’t want to put words in Aaron’s mouth. You’ll have a chance to ask him those specific questions at the right time, but we’re obviously excited about the opportunity, excited about this deal and excited to have him on the team. .”
Kyle Stickles, a Make-A-Wish recipient from Kent, New York, will announce the Jets’ first-round pick.
Asked who he thinks his favorite team should pick in the first round, the 13-year-old said: “We definitely don’t need football.”
In 2020, Stickles was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, in his left tibia, according to the NFL.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Kansas City, Missouri.
