New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets' Aaron Rodgers explains reasoning behind epic decision

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 7/31/23

Aaron Rodgers agreed to a reworked contract with the New York Jets last week that will net him $75 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. With nearly $110 million guaranteed still left on his previous deal with the Packers, the 39-year-old quarterback is giving up roughly $35 million to play in the Big Apple.

For Rodgers, the decision to hand over that much money came down to what felt right.

“It was the right thing that made me feel best,” Rodgers told NBC Sports’ Peter King. "I thought it was important they knew how committed I was. And in my conversations with [GM] Joe [Douglas], he has made it very clear the vision for the football team.”

The Jets are clearly in win-now mode following a plethora of offseason acquisitions, headlined by the trade for Rodgers. With more money now at their disposal, Gang Green possesses even more flexibility to bring in big names via the trade market or free agency.

“This year, compared to like 2005, the amount of transactions that happen now with guys getting cut and the amount of trades — way more than before,” Rodgers said. “Big names move at the trade deadline now. I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available that we'd be able to get him. I'm very happy with the contract. I feel great about it.”

New York has already begun the hunt for more talent, hosting free-agent running back Dalvin Cook at the team’s practice facility in Florham Park on Sunday.

DAL-VIN COO-OOK

Jets fans trying to chant Dalvin Cook onto the team at training camp ️

(via @NYJets_Media) pic.twitter.com/M1cJdolFog
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 30, 2023

Rodgers’ pay cut represents a dig at the Packers, who likely would have reaped far more return for their QB if his plans to accept less money were known. In the deal with Green Bay, the Jets moved back from overall pick 13 to 15 in the 2023 NFL Draft and gave up a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 conditional second-round pick that becomes a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65% of the snaps this season.

It’s safe to say the veteran QB enjoys sporting the Gotham Green jersey — even if it means less green in his pockets.

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