Jets owner Woody Johnson ‘optimistic’ about finalizing Aaron Rodgers trade

PHOENIX — As the annual NFL owner’s meetings come to a close, Aaron Rodgers remains a Packer as Gang Green has yet to finalize a trade to bring him to New York.

The Jets and Packers have hit an impasse as they have yet to agree on compensation for the four-time MVP.

In his first comments since meeting with Rodgers, Jets owner Woody Johnson spoke highly of the veteran when he talked to reporters on Tuesday.

“He’s very impressive, extremely smart, authentic,” Johnson said on Tuesday. “He’s definitely his own person, that’s for sure. A great athlete, great golfer, I think he does pretty much everything at the highest level.

“I think we are anxious, we’re anxious, we’re optimistic. We have a plan, so we’re willing to stick with our plan. I don’t think anybody you know is hyperventilating at this point.”

On March 7, Johnson, along with Jets general manager Joe Douglas, coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett flew to Rodgers’ home in Malibu to meet with him after receiving permission from the Packers. A week later on March 15, Rodgers announced his intention to play for the Jets on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I know the reaction of the building was pretty high,” Johnson said about Rodgers’ ‘decision’ to join the Jets. “Everybody was pretty excited about having a player of that caliber. Coach [Saleh] said it yesterday, but having a person of that caliber of a player… we are seeing that more now with what’s happening with the confidence of where we’re going with this plan, with these leaders.”

Green Bay and New York have talked about trading the 18-year veteran since Rodgers announced his intentions. But Gang Green has reportedly been reluctant to part ways with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 draft.

On Monday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters that the Jets wouldn’t necessarily have to give up the 13th pick. Nevertheless, Douglas said there have been some productive conversations with Gutekunst and the Packers, but the two sides are not where they need to be.

There’s no deadline on when the Rodgers trade needs to happen according to Johnson. Following the Jets 7-10 campaign as they lost six straight games to end the season, Johnson told reporters in January, he was “absolutely” willing to spend big money on a veteran quarterback this offseason as he described it as the “missing piece.”

The Jets’ defense improved from 32nd in 2021 to fourth overall in points and yardage allowed last year. However, their offense struggled as they used four different starting quarterbacks — Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco and Chris Streveler. That resulted in the Jets finishing 25th in total offense and 29th in points per game.

Aware of the NFL tampering rules, Johnson didn’t want to talk too much about the possibility of acquiring Rodgers other than saying he believes a deal will get done.

“I shouldn’t talk too much about this player,” Johnson said. “I think Joe and I and coach and my brother [Christopher Johnson] put together [a plan] that I think we’re going to stick to it.

“We’re confident that we can get something done that is going to help the Jets.”

While Johnson and the Jets can’t talk much about Rodgers, they can talk about the possibility of acquiring wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who had an informal visit with the Jets during the owner’s meetings at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday afternoon. Beckham spoke with Johnson, Douglas and Saleh as the 30-year-old wore a white shirt and green pants.

The Giants have also expressed interest in signing Beckham, who played five seasons with the team. Beckham missed the 2022 season after tearing his ACL in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory against the Bengals.

On March 11, Beckham worked out in front of the Jets and 13 other teams.

The Jets already have acquired two receivers in free agency this offseason in Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, but they’re very interested in adding Beckham, who is friends with Rodgers.

“Once again, I mean the fact that Odell Beckham, a man of his character and quality and his ability, would consider us and wants to be with us,” Johnson said.

“If that’s what he wants, it’s pretty much a compliment.”

After missing the playoffs for 12 consecutive seasons, the Jets are going for it this offseason. Last year, it was about relying on young talent such as cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall. Now the Jets are accumulating veteran talent with the hopes of not just ending their playoff drought but competing for a Super Bowl.

After an offseason full of moves, Johnson is optimistic about what potentially lies ahead.

“I always see light at the end of the tunnel,“ Johnson said. “When I go in the parking lot every week, I think the fans are going to kill me and maybe have a right to kill me.

“They know they’re gonna win.”