It’s been quiet on the Aaron Rodgers front for a while now. Almost too quiet. The Packers and Jets are still working on a trade for Rodgers, which might only happen on draft night. Or, perhaps even further out. Maybe not at all?
That’s a third option suggested by Green Bay Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari on Tuesday’s Bussin’ With the Boys episode with Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. Rodgers’ long-time teammate said that the Packers are rebuilding and could keep Rodgers and pay him not to play in 2023 if the Jets don’t meet their demands in a trade.
Here’s the full quote from Bakhtiari:
“The Packers are rebuilding, whether you think so or not,” tackle David Bakhtiari sad. “Could they be good? I don’t know. Could they be bad? Probably if you’re betting more people are gonna think they’re gonna be bad than good, right? Isn’t that fair to say? So then they’ll be like, ‘Well, we’re gonna suck anyways. We want what we want, and we’re not gonna bend to anyone. So we’ll just eat it. . . . We’ll pay you, we don’t care. If we’re gonna do it our way, it’s gonna be on our terms. If not, what are we gonna be, Super Bowl contenders anyway? So we’ll eat it, you can hang on the side. We’ll pay you your money, and then we’ll suck anyways, get the picks, as compared to dealing him for something that you shouldn’t have.”
Do I think the Packers would do that? No. Is it inconceivable? Also, no. It’s a very valid point by Bakhtiari. One that highlights just how much leverage the Packers have in these negotiations. Aaron Rodgers gave them that leverage when he took to the airwaves last month to declare that he wanted to play for the New York Jets next season and said his goodbyes to Packers fans.
So, as he did to the Packers for years, Aaron Rodgers has already put his potential new team in an unreasonably challenging position by doing things his way. But at this point, the Jets can’t have Bakhtiari’s third option come to fruition. They have a defense ready to win and have spent money on the other side of the ball in free agency. They also watched the QB market pass them by while placing their eggs in the Rodgers basket. The Jets have to get this deal done and compete in 2023, or this has all been a massive swing and miss by their front office and ownership.
You can listen to Bakhtiari’s comments here:
The Denver Broncos’ offseason program began on Tuesday, and quarterback Russell Wilson was among the first in the building. According to 9News in Denver, Wilson arrived at the Broncos facility before the sun rose and reported to get his 12th NFL season underway.
Wilson and the Broncos are looking to forget a dreadful 2022 season that featured a shell of the QB that the Broncos traded for and extended just a year ago, a rookie head coach falling on the sword after just 15 games, and a sideline blowup during an embarrassing Christmas Day loss to the Rams.
Suppose new head coach Sean Payton is going to have any shot at turning this thing around. In that case, it’s going to require Wilson to show a dedication greater than he did last season in Denver or even in his final seasons in Seattle, in which he reportedly went after the jobs of GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll.
According to ESPN, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White has requested a trade. White is coming off a 2022 campaign where he compiled 124 total tackles and 5 1/2 sacks. He also added two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The Buccaneers selected White with the No. 5 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. White has been an impact starter since he arrived in Tampa Bay. He racked up nine sacks and 140 tackles in 2020 when the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to make $11.7 million in 2023.
While it sounds like Tampa Bay doesn’t intend to trade White, they would be foolish not to listen to offers. Likewise, teams searching for a dominant middle linebacker should be on the phone with Tampa.
Bucs’ Pro Bowl LB Devin White has in fact requested a trade, as @JennaLaineESPN reported. Bucs do not want to trade him, but he wants to be traded as he is coming up on his fifth-year option.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2023
This is pretty cool! I grew up blocks from Comiskey Park (yes, it was Comiskey 2.0 then) and fondly remember listening to the crowd reactions and fireworks after home runs through my bedroom window at night.
Patrick grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods before moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago before eventually relocating to the Las Vegas area with his family in 2023. He started with Bleacher Nation in 2021 and has spent time as a Staff Writer and on the Chicago Blackhawks beat. He is currently a writer and editor at Bleacher Nation covering the Chicago Bears and the NFL at large and the author of the Bleacher Nation Newsletter. Patrick is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
As the Denver Broncos gear up for the NFL Draft, the focus sharpens on strategic selections that could redefine the team's future. The draft offers a golden opportunity for the Broncos to address critical positions, setting the stage for a...
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 offseason with the familiar feeling of championship aspirations. Dak Prescott is healthy, the skill positions are loaded, but the offensive line, once a strength, is in flux. With the 24th overall pick in the...
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Cleveland Browns are at a pivotal juncture, with the opportunity to bolster their roster through strategic selections. The draft presents a prime opportunity for the Browns to address key positions that could significantly impact...
What does one back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs team do the next year in the NFL Draft? It’s highly speculated that they will fill their pass-catching holes with an elite wide receiver, or possibly bolster the offensive line...
The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive...
Mock Draft Updated 4/24. Added the Minnesota trade back in as well as two others. I expect there to be more than that, but it's awful to try and predict those sorts of things. The top five is still very...
The Houston Texans killed the NFL Draft last year, selecting the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year with back-to-back picks, and they also drafted a solid wide receiver in Tank Dell. Houston also had...
The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we're putting together a Washington Commanders 7-Round Mock Draft today. Washington Commanders 7-Round Mock Draft Photo: Getty Images Round 1, Pick 2: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina Drake Maye is a...
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-Round Mock Draft— After a disappointing late-season collapse in Jacksonville, the pressure is on. With the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jaguars have a critical decision to make—bolster their porous defense or find a reliable weapon for...
Indianapolis Colts 3-Round Mock Draft - With the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, General Manager Chris Ballard has a chance to address this critical need and propel the Colts back into the AFC playoff picture. Last year's draft class appears promising, and...
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 offseason with the familiar feeling of championship aspirations. Dak Prescott is healthy, the skill positions are loaded, but the offensive line, once a strength, is in flux. With the 24th overall pick in the...
With the invigorating spirit of a new baseball season upon us, igniting hope and anticipation within fan communities, it's the perfect time to embark on a unique exploration: a 2024 MLB Mock Draft. Numerous mock drafts meticulously analyze potential player...
The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are playing in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, with Game 3 up next.The Knicks beat the 76ers 104-101 on Monday when they last met. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in the...
At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic, with Donovan Mitchell needing four trifectas to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Donovan Mitchell's Three-Pointer Prop...
On Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Caris LeVert's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires just one trey.Caris LeVert's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...
To beat his 3-point prop, Josh Hart needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, tipping off at 7:30 PM...
The New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and if the Knicks' Jalen Brunson drains three 3-pointers, he'll beat his over/under.Jalen Brunson's Three-Pointer...
To beat his 3-point over/under, Donte DiVincenzo needs to make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.Donte...
To beat his 3-point prop, Joel Embiid needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Philadelphia 76ers meet the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, starting at 7:30...
The Philadelphia 76ers play the New York Knicks at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this matchup requires four trifectas from Tyrese...
NEWSLETTER
