AARON RODGERS “INTENDS TO PLAY FOR THE JETS”

After over 15 years with the Cheesheads, it appears Aaron Rodgers’ time in Green Bay is ending.

On Wednesday, the former four-time league MVP basically announced his departure from the Packers on “The Pat McAfee Show”, saying, “I made it clear my intention was to play and to play for the New York Jets, and I haven’t been holding anything up. It’s the compensation that the Packers are trying to get. ... The Packers want to move on and have let me know that in so many words.”

The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback went on a four-day darkness retreat to contemplate his future, saying at the time that he was 90% sure he was retiring.

However, upon leaving the retreat, he said that something changed with the Packers’ previous stance of wanting him to play his whole career in Wisconsin and that he wished the club had been more direct with him at the beginning of the offseason.

The 39-year-old called the decision to leave Green Bay “bittersweet”.

“I got to be the starting quarterback of the Packers for 15 years. ... So, I love you, Green Bay. Thank you. I’m as sad as some of you are, but we’ll meet again.”

Rodgers mentioned one of his motivations for joining the Jets.

“There are a lot of reasons why the Jets are attractive,” Rodgers said. “There’s one coach who has meant as much to me as any coach I’ve ever had.”

That coach is Nathaniel Hackett, fired before the end of 2022 by the Denver Broncos before joining the Jets as offensive coordinator, a position he held with the Packers from 2019-2021.

During that stretch, Rodgers captured two NFL MVP trophies while leading the league in passer rating on two occasions.

A year ago, it looked as though the native of Chico, California, was destined to finish his career in Green Bay after signing a three-year, $150 million contract with the Packers in March 2022.

That deal includes $59.465 million guaranteed in salary and bonuses this season, while the Packers would absorb $40.3 million in dead money on their salary cap if they’re able to trade Rodgers before June 1.

A trade for Rodgers has yet to materialize, but a key component to that happening occurred yesterday when the Jets signed ex-Packers receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year deal worth $44 million.

If the Super Bowl XLV champion has his way, Lazard will not be the only Packer coming to the Meadowlands.

Rodgers’ wishlist includes Randall Cobb and Marcedes Lewis, along with Odell Beckham Jr., with the latter helping the Rams' capture the Super Bowl in 2021.

The rumour of Rodgers coming to New York has drastically increased their Super Bowl odds, with Caesars Sportsbook currently putting them at 14-1 after they entered the offseason with a 30-1 chance of winning it all.