Sauce Gardner 'Wouldn't Mind' Jets Trading for Aaron Rodgers After Hackett Hire

New York Jets star Sauce Gardner "wouldn't mind" seeing his team add Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers this offseason.

The 2022 All-Pro said Thursday on ESPN Radio's Fitz & Harry that he broadly "want(s) what's best for the offense":

Many expect the Jets to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. Speculation linking them to a pursuit of Rodgers intensified after they hired Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. Hackett was Rodgers' offensive coordinator for three seasons in Green Bay.

Fans have seen this story play out before, though.

The Denver Broncos were similarly desperate for a quarterback last offseason. They hired Hackett as their head coach in what was perceived to be part of a larger plan to land Rodgers.

The four-time MVP decided to stay in Green Bay, Denver turned its attention to Russell Wilson, and Hackett didn't make it through a full year before he was fired.

Whether Hackett factors into the calculus or not, it's worth asking whether Rodgers is the star the Jets should move heaven and earth to land this offseason.

Losing Davante Adams and leaning on a young group of wide receivers certainly didn't help, but that doesn't fully explain the 39-year-old having one of his worst seasons since becoming a starter.

Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, his 217.4 yards per game well below his career average (217.4). He was 26th in QBR (39.3), per ESPN.com, and Football Outsiders ranked him 16th in DYAR among the 34 QBs with at least 200 attempts.

Given how much he has waffled about his future in recent seasons, Rodgers might only be a one- or two-year solution under center as well. The Jets could wind up surrendering valuable assets only to find themselves in the exact same position earlier than they expected.

From Gardner's perspective, you'd obviously welcome Rodgers because of his track record and the fact he'd be a clear upgrade over Zach Wilson. That doesn't mean the 10-time Pro Bowler is the best available option.