Jets GM Says Aaron Rodgers Trade Is 'Great Thing' For Zach Wilson

Aaron Rodgers is officially part of the New York Jets!

The news broke a few days ago when the Green Bay Packers, who was Rodgers' home for 18 seasons (2005-2022), agreed to send trade the all-star quarterback along with their 15th overall draft pick (first round) and a fifth-round selection (No. 170) to the New York Jets, in exchange for the Jets' 13th broad draft choice (first round), a second-round pick (No. 42), a sixth-round pick (No. 207) and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that will become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65% of New York's offensive plays in 2023.

With this trade, many wondered how this could affect Zach Wilson, the New York Jets' current quarterback, but General Manager Joe Douglas says it is a "great thing" for the young quarterback.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas spoke out on the Aaron Rodgers trade, saying, "Obviously, a long time in the making."

"It was a lot of conversations with (Packers GM) Brian (Gutekunst)," he said on finalizing the trade. "A ton of respect for Brian -- I've known him for a little over 20 years -- and I can't thank him enough for the open dialogue that we've had and ultimately being able to get what we feel is a historic trade for this franchise."

He continued talking about Rodgers' legacy and what it means for the quarterback to come to New York. "Aaron [Rodgers] is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play this game," Douglas continued. "To have an opportunity to add a player of that caliber, you're always going to look into it and how it fits within our culture, within our team. It goes back to something I said to you guys in Phoenix; it's a real credit to (head coach) Robert (Saleh), his staff, and what he's been able to implement with our players and everyone here. That a player of Aaron's caliber would even want to come here, we're all excited to add someone of his character and ability."

Aaron Rodgers becoming a New York Jet has left many wondering what this means for current quarterback Zach Wilson. Still, the Jet's general manager thinks this will be a great learning opportunity for the young player.

"I feel like this is going to be a great thing for Zach [Wilson]," Douglas said. "Zach's ceiling is unlimited. No one works harder, loves the ball more than Zach Wilson, and having the opportunity to shadow and be with a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback every day, every hour he's in the building, that's a great opportunity and a great experience."

Aaron Rodgers is officially a New York Jet. Though Rodgers wore the number 12 for the last few years on the Green Bay Packers, he will have a new number when he puts on a Jets jersey. Despite getting the blessing from Joe Namath to wear the number 12, Rodgers will wear the number 8, the same number he wore in California.