Aaron Rodgers‘ New York future still hangs in the balance. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Green Bay Packers quarterback knows something that we don’t. This is obvious from A-Rod’s persistent recruiting for the Jets this off-season before his own official confirmation with the franchise. The veteran passer-cum-recruiter has already been successful in roping in one of his former teammates for the Gang Green. And recently, he got in touch with another league veteran. Only to be rejected!
Former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell did not expect the 4x NFL MVP to lure him to the Metropolis via text messages. However, in the end, Calais had to turn down Rodgers’ offers for what the DE felt was a better move for his career.
What did Aaron Rodgers want with Calais?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers announced his intentions to play for New York Jets after the franchise had a sit-down with the quarterback last month. However, things have not progressed from the aforesaid verbal commitment. The Packers and the Jets are still negotiating an ideal compensation package for the 39-year-old.
ALSO READ: Long-Time Rival Calls Out Aaron Rodgers’ Ability to Make Jets a Contender
However, that is not putting a dent in A-Rod’s hopes of building the perfect roster for himself in New York next season. He has his Packers wide receiver, Allen Lazard. In a move to strengthen an already strong Jets defense (4th in points allowed last year- 18.6), Rodgers reached out to 6x Pro Bowler Calais Campbell who became a free agent this offseason after three years in purple and black.
“Aaron Rodgers texted me and was like, ‘Come on man, let’s go win a championship together. It was appealing to have Aaron Rodgers text you talking about winning a championship together. When it came down to it, I just had this gut feeling that Atlanta was a special place. The value I could bring would be most effective there,” Campbell said to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson on her podcast ‘The Crew’.
Campbell: “It was kind of crazy because Aaron Rodgers texted me. He’s like, ‘Yo, man, let’s go win a championship together.’”
Good news for #Jets fans: AR appears invested in team.
Bad news: Still wasn’t enough to land Campbell, who says ATL offered chance to be a “true” DE https://t.co/evaAtELQEL
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 20, 2023
Calais joined Atlanta Falcons on a one-year deal, passing on teams like the Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins. The Jets offered just as much as the Falcons did. However, Calais ultimately felt that the chance to once again play on the edge as a true DE was too good to pass up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When can fans expect some updates about A-Rod?
It’s speculatively clear to experts and insiders that the only thing holding up the Aaron Rodgers to New York move is the negotiations around the 2024 conditional draft picks. There are talks around the Jets throwing in one of their two second-round picks from 2023 for Rodgers. This year, the NFL Draft’s second round begins this Friday, at 7 pm. That is the next timestamp fans are looking at, hoping to hear some good news about No 12.
Green Bay looks to have shut the door on Rodgers. With his desire to win another Lombardi and his apparent investment in the team build, it’s not far-fetched for the Gang Green fanbase to be optimistic.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Aaron Rodgers’ reported girlfriend goes on a scenic drive with her furry besties