Stay Patient for Rodgers, or Sign Carr Now?

With NFL free agency only 12 days away, the New York Jets have reached a breaking point on who they will choose to be under center for the 2023 season, whether it be finding a way to trade for Aaron Rodgers or sign free agent Derek Carr.

As previously reported, the Jets view their top two candidates as 1a and 1b. Still, as no surprise, many inside the building have been waiting on Rodgers to decide on his playing career before putting all their eggs in the Derek Carr basket.

Because the Jets are in a position to take a massive leap into contention this next year, it has become imperative that GM Joe Douglas and co. land one of their top two options.

Aaron Rodgers

Last week, Rodgers emerged from his Darkness Retreat without answers on whether he will continue his playing career or retire, putting the Packers and Jets in a tough predicament on how to proceed.

Rodgers spoke publicly for the first time since the retreat on The Aubrey Marcus Podcast and discussed not prolonging the decision too long.

Saying, “I’ll make a decision soon enough, and we’ll go down that road.”

ESPN NFL analyst Jeff Darlington went on air saying he believes the Packers and Rodgers “are destined for a break-up” due to recent comments made by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst hinting that the organization is ready to turn the reins over to Jordan Love, who they selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

NFL insider Adam Schefter spoke on what he believes will be the outcome for Rodgers, saying

“My sense is ultimately it will come down to whether he wants to play elsewhere, which would be really the New York Jets, or whether he wants to retire. To me, those are the two most logical options and two most likely scenarios here.”

If Rodgers decides to retire or return to Green Bay, many around the league believe the Jets are the favorite to land Derek Carr.

Derek Carr

Derek and the Jets have met twice, the first time at the Jets facility and most recently in Indianapolis during the NFL combine. Both sides reportedly have strong mutual interest.  

During Joe Douglas’s press conference at the combine, he spoke highly of Carr, saying, “I can say that he left a strong impression with everyone.”

The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers are also expected to make a significant push for Carr as they met with him during the combine, per Ian Rapoport.

Carr has made it known that he would prefer to sign with his new team as soon as possible to help recruit players to his new team. Therefore, forcing a team like the Jets to make a tough decision. Wait on Rodgers with the possibility of landing neither or turning their focus on signing Carr long-term.