New York Jets' Super Bowl chances surging due to speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers trade rumors
The New York Jets recently had discussions with Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers this week, triggering a surge in their chances to bag the Super Bowl LVIII trophy.
The Packers granted the Jets the opportunity to chat with Rodgers, who is still contemplating his next move between retiring, staying put, or requesting a trade.
Six weeks back, the Jets made a move by recruiting Nathaniel Hackett for their offensive coordinator role. This strategic decision was based on Hackett's reputation as one of Rodgers' favorite OCs, and the fact Hackett called the shots during the MVP seasons of Rodgers.
After the Kansas City Chiefs secured the Super Bowl LVII title, DraftKings revised its Super Bowl futures. The Jets were initially given odds of +2600 to win Super Bowl LVIII. Now, they are +1800, making them the seventh most favored team.
While the Jets are looking at brighter prospects, the Packers are facing a downward trend. Initially priced at +3000 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are now +3500 at DraftKings.
As of now, the Jets are witnessing a significant influx of bets, with one-fifth of wagers being placed on them to claim the Super Bowl title. They are currently offered odds of +1600 to win the Super Bowl at BetMGM.
Another Round of Trade Speculations
Last off-season, whispers circulated that Rodgers would demand a trade due to a tumultuous relationship with general manager Brian Gutekunst. The Denver Broncos were considered the preferred destination for the disgruntled quarterback. To entice Rodgers to Denver, the Broncos even appointed Hackett as their head coach.
In the spring, punters were drawn to the prospect of Rodgers joining the Broncos as their new quarterback. They placed numerous wagers on the Broncos to win Super Bowl LVII, in addition to bets on the Broncos to clinch both the AFC Championship and the AFC West.
However, in early March 2022, the Packers and Rodgers negotiated their differences, and he agreed to a $200 million contract extension to stay in Green Bay. The Broncos swiftly procured Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, while Hackett failed to deliver as head coach, leading to his termination partway through the season.
The Packers ended the previous season with an 8-9 scorecard and failed to make it to the playoffs. Rodgers didn't comment on his plans for the upcoming season when the past campaign concluded. He took off on a spiritual retreat for self-introspection and came out last week, yet still undecided. Fresh developments this week imply that he may not retire and that a trade could be just around the corner, with the Jets emerging as a prime contender.
Apart from the Jets, teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans have been connected to Rodgers in trade rumors. The Packers' management has been vocal about their preference not to trade Rodgers to an NFC rival.
Jets Hold High Hopes
Fans of the Jets are overjoyed at the possibility of the team becoming instant Super Bowl contenders if they manage to secure Rodgers through a trade. The Jets ended the last season with a 7-10 record but boasted one of the best defenses in the league. Their roster includes promising young wide receivers like Garrett Wilson, who bagged the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2022.
The Jets have been the butt of jokes in the NFL and have been repeatedly ridiculed with the #LOLJets hashtag since the infamous Butt Fumble in 2012. The Jets haven't made it to the playoffs since 2010 and have managed just one winning season in the past 12 years.
The prospect of Rodgers joining the Jets has stirred up the fan base. Despite their history of underperformance, they are eagerly hoping that Rodgers will be the player to take them to the height of success. Current members of the Jets, such as cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall, have voiced their support for Rodgers to join their team next season.
