Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers Consider Recruiting Former Teammates for New York Jets in 2024

Following the departure of key figures like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, it appeared as though these significant changes served as a catalyst for a rebuilding phase, prioritizing the acquisition of talented young players to maintain competitiveness while planning for the future.

This strategy has proven successful thus far. Despite noticeable gaps in the 2023 Green Bay Packers, particularly on the defensive side, the team features an abundance of youthful talent on both offense and defense, marking a departure from past seasons.

On the offensive front, the emergence of Jordan Love as the starting quarterback in his inaugural season has been noteworthy. The Packers’ adept drafting has also resulted in the acquisition of players capable of making immediate contributions, signaling a promising future for the team.

Jayden Reed appears poised to become the next standout wide receiver, complemented by Christian Watson’s success in his second professional season when he’s been in good health.

Luke Musgrave is emerging as a high-caliber tight end, while Tucker Kraft has stepped up admirably in his absence. Despite the youth of the wide receiver group, there is evident depth, with players like Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and even Malik Heath making significant contributions when called upon.

The team’s ability to thrive with such a young roster is both impressive and uncommon in the NFL. On the defensive side, the presence of aging players like De’Vondre Campbell, who is unlikely to return in 2024, raises questions about the future. The same uncertainty surrounds the potential return of Jaire Alexander.

Decisions lie ahead regarding Preston Smith, who continues to deliver at a high level with impressive stats, boasting 45 tackles and seven sacks. The team will need to weigh its options regarding Smith’s future contributions.

According to Over The Cap, Preston Smith’s cap numbers for the next three seasons are $16.51 million, $17.51 million, and $18.21 million, and considering he turns 31 next month, there are financial considerations in play.

Releasing Smith during the offseason would yield a modest savings of $2.52 million for the Packers, accompanied by a substantial dead-cap hit of just under $14 million. However, the silver lining lies in the fact that Smith’s contract will be off the books by 2025. Despite the likely need to part ways for financial reasons, given his high-level performance, Smith is expected to find a new team without difficulty.

Another potential candidate for a move is Kenny Clark, a two-time Pro Bowler who has consistently delivered solid performances, boasting 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks in the 2023 campaign.

However, the lack of support on the defensive front has hindered the Packers’ ability to create a run-stuffing unit with a consistent pass rush. Clark’s substantial financial commitment in 2024 adds an interesting dimension to the decision-making process for the team regarding this defensive stalwart.

On a positive note, it seems that some of the young defensive players for the Packers are beginning to make a noticeable impact. While not yet dominant, Devontae Wyatt has shown improvement with 33 tackles, four sacks, a fumble recovery, and 3.5 tackles for loss, marking a significant upgrade from his rookie season. This development brings optimism for the team’s defensive future.

In his second season since leaving Georgia, Quay Walker has hit his stride, topping the team in tackles with 103 and adding to his contributions with an interception returned for a touchdown earlier in the current season.

The upcoming offseason may pose challenges for the secondary, particularly if Jaire Alexander is traded. While the experienced safety pairing of Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford seems reliable, uncertainties arise at the cornerback positions.

Keisean Nixon has faced difficulties in coverage throughout this season, and although Corey Ballantine has displayed potential when thrust into challenging situations, his status as a long-term starter remains unproven.

It’s evident that Aaron Rodgers holds considerable influence with his new team. In the previous season, he successfully advocated for the Jets to acquire Randall Cobb and Marquez Valdez-Scantling. Current reports suggest that Rodgers is making efforts to reunite with his longtime favorite target, Davante Adams, during the upcoming offseason.

Rich Cimini, an ESPN reporter covering the New York Jets, highlights the Jets’ need to prioritize rebuilding their offensive line to better support Rodgers. Cimini specifically mentions Packers offensive lineman David Bakhtiari as a potential target, emphasizing their close friendship. Despite having another year left on his $92 million contract, Cimini suggests that Bakhtiari is “likely” to be released in the upcoming offseason.

Bakhtiari, when healthy, has consistently ranked among the league’s top offensive linemen. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and 2020 and second-team All-Pro nominations in 2016, 2017, and 2019. However, his recurring injuries have kept him sidelined for over 42 games in the last three years.

Considering that both of the Jets’ starting offensive tackles from the 2023 season opener, Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton, are set to enter free agency, Bakhtiari could potentially fill a starting role or, at the very least, provide competent depth for the Jets in the upcoming season.

While Breece Hall currently holds the starting running back position for the New York Jets, there’s a possibility of adding a duo of Green Bay Packers running backs to the mix this offseason, providing a change of pace to complement Hall’s role.

Rich Cimini suggests that Aaron Jones, a favorite of Aaron Rodgers, might be a “cut candidate” for the Packers due to his substantial cap charge. Additionally, AJ Dillon is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Either of these players could bring a veteran presence to support Hall, alongside rookie Israel Abanikanda, who has shown promising glimpses in New York.

Cimini also mentions other potential depth options, including Packers interior offensive lineman Jon Runyan and Chicago Bears tight end Robert Tonyan, an individual with ties to Green Bay.

The influence of Aaron Rodgers on personnel decisions is apparent, especially considering the team’s performance in 2023, which seemed unlikely to make a playoff run even with a healthy franchise quarterback. As Rodgers continues to have a say in the team’s decision-making, it remains to be seen if the New York Jets front office will be swayed to bring in some of his preferred former teammates to strengthen the roster for the 2024 season.