The New York Jets have been quite forward in their pursuit of the Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The conversations between Rodgers and the Jets started as soon as Derek Carr made his intentions of joining the Saints known. But were those conversations keeping in line with the NFL laws?
Many NFL fans had similar concerns as the Jets GM, Joe Douglas expressed his optimism about getting Rodgers to join them. As speculated. Rodgers had the blessing of the Green Bay Packers front office, allowing him to look at his options. With both teams being on board with the negotiations, do ‘tampering’ rules not apply?
NFL fans bring up the ‘T-word’
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While Rodgers is expected to finalize a deal with the New York Jets, there are still a ton of questions enveloping the deal. Both Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers appear to have made their peace with him departing, but is it indeed a done deal?
Jets GM Joe Douglas faced a similar question during his appearance at the WFAN Sports event on Friday. Douglas however appeared fairly confident with the ongoing proceedings as he replied, “He’s gonna be here”
“He’s gonna be here” -Joe Douglas on Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/h4Fga2y3S6
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 8, 2023
Despite Douglas’ comments cheering up the regular Jets fans, others picked up on a different side of the story.
Are you allowed to say “he’s gonna be here” about a player under contract to another team?
I will have to boycott WFAN programming if Joe Douglas gets hit with the T word 🤣
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) April 8, 2023
One fan felt that the open admission meant that the deal is done already.
This tells me the deal is done…they are just waiting til closer to the draft to announce it…
— Lee Angel (@AngelLee2194) April 8, 2023
While another felt that Douglas was indeed safe from tampering allegations,
Well since JD didn't say a name, I'd say he's ok. But Packer fans and such will push the other way.
— Duck (@RDuck15) April 8, 2023
Some fans pointed out that Jets had Packer’s permission to speak to Rodgers,
It can’t be tampering if the Jets had permission to speak to the player and they did by Green Bay. Now if the packers never gave permission and he said this, that’s a different story. But we good. 🤙🏻
— l RandySavage l (@RandyKinsanity) April 8, 2023
Let's not incriminate our own man shall we? Packers gave Jets permission
— SS (@ssny2000) April 8, 2023
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The NFL fans certainly question the legitimacy of these conversations, but there’s not much ground for such concerns if all the rules were followed and both teams were in the know. It is safe to assume that the NFL would have intervened if foul play or ‘tampering’ was suspected.
NFL’s tampering rules
With the timeline being the pivotal factor, when Rodgers and the Jets started talking is a major concern. The NFL’s legal tampering period started on 13th March 2023 at 11 am CT.
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While many of us might be shocked at a legal tampering period, it allows teams to get a head start on negotiating with players. The players are not allowed to sign any deals during this period, however, they can negotiate future deals and secure their future in the process. So, whether the Jets are guilty of tampering entirely depends on when they started talking and when will they eventually finalize the deal.
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