Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors: Jets, Packers 'Stuck' on Conditional 2025 NFL Draft Pick

Nearly two weeks since Aaron Rodgers publicly expressed his intention to play for the New York Jets in 2023, the Green Bay Packers are still trying to get the value they want for the four-time NFL MVP before trading him away.

Per Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, the main thing that has the Jets and Packers "stuck" in talks right now are the protections on a 2024 draft pick if Rodgers retires after the upcoming season.

"A sticking point in the talks is the Jets seeking an element of protection built into the trade, specifically one that sends some 2025 draft compensation to New York from Green Bay if Rodgers does not play in 2024 and beyond," Robinson wrote.

Robinson noted the current trade focus is on a second-round pick in 2023 and a second-round pick in 2024 that could become a first-rounder with "achievable" team performance escalators.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters on Monday he wasn't necessarily seeking a first-round pick for Rodgers, but there is no timetable to get a deal done.

Gutekunst also said "all options are on the table" regarding Rodgers potentially returning to Green Bay, though it doesn't seem like things are trending in that direction.

Even though the Packers aren't publicly putting a timetable on trading Rodgers, if draft-pick compensation is the main part of their discussions with the Jets, it doesn't take much to assume something will likely need to be done on or around the start of the draft on April 27.

Rodgers' public waffling about his future in recent years could end up coming back to hurt the Packers. He has talked about retirement in each of the past two years.

"At some point, the carousel comes to a stop and it's time to get off," Rodgers told reporters after the Packers' Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions. "And I think you kind of know when that is, and that's what needs to be contemplated. Is it time? Also, what's the organization doing? It's part of it as well."

Robinson noted the question of Rodgers playing in 2024 really stems from him saying on The Pat McAfee Show that he was "90 percent retiring" before going on a darkness retreat in February.

Both sides in these talks are justified in what they want from a potential Rodgers trade. The Packers would be trading a quarterback who is a franchise icon and is still capable of playing at a high level.

The Jets don't want to be stuck in situation where they would potentially be giving up a premium draft pick next year for a player who is no longer on their roster.

Rodgers, 39, is coming off a 2022 season that was a step down from his MVP level of the previous two years. He threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Packers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

New York finished 7-10 last season and missed the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year.