The New York Jets are inching closer to a blockbuster deal for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers - but tight end C.J. Uzomah kept his cards close to his chest amid the news.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Jets owner Woody Johnson - who is keen on securing a high-profile quarterback for the 2023 season - met with the Green Bay Packers quarterback in California this week. There was optimism about completing a deal with Rodgers ahead of the meeting, but the Jets front office are reportedly confident after the encouraging sit down between the two parties.
On Tuesday, Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew to Rodgers’ native California to gauge his interest. The 39-year-old is yet to make a decision over his future after emerging from a highly-publicised four-day darkness retreat in Oregon.
Rodgers has flirted with the idea of retirement, joining another franchise and returning the Packers for a 19th season. However, it appears the Jets are interested in sorting a move to acquire the veteran quarterback after Derek Carr signed a four-year deal worth $150million with the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
Jets players are certainly expressing their views on Rodgers’ potential arrival in New York, with stars like cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall interested in playing alongside the Super Bowl XLV MVP. However, tight end Uzomah was more cautious and tactical as he spoke at an NFL UK Flag Football event.
“It’s been quite an offseason,” Uzomah told Mirror Sport along with other reporters, with a slight smirk creeping across his face. “It will be interesting to see what’s going on when I return.”
Meanwhile, Gardner directly mentioned Rodgers on social media, tweeting: “Aye @Aaron Rodgers I promise if you become a Jet, I won’t pick you off in practice & I’ll burn the cheesehead.”
Gardner - the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year - donned a cheesehead hat at the expense of Packers fans as the Jets secured a 27-10 win over Green Bay at Lambeau Field last season. Hall, who electrified fans before suffering a season-ending ACL injury, also sounded excited at the prospect of playing with Rodgers.
The 21-year-old took to Twitter to post: “Don't mind me...Just manifesting @Aaron Rodgers.”
Rodgers signed a monster new contract with the Packers last offseason to earn $50.27m per year through the 2026 season, when he will be 43 years of age. Rodgers finished 2022 with 12 interceptions - the most he threw in a single campaign since 2008, his first year as a starter - while he also failed to post a single 300-yard passing game for the first time in his career.
If he goes to New York, Jets fans won’t mind about Rodgers’ declining play last season one bit. It appears the locker room won’t either.
The New York Jets and Chicago Bears have launched the Jets and Bears NFL Girls Flag league, the first UK all girls’ competition of its kind designed to increase access to sport for young girls. To find out more about the league and teams, please visit, www.chicagobears.com and nyjetsinuk.com/girls-flag
