With Lamar Jackson announcing that he is seeking a trade from the Baltimore Ravens, many have asserted that the New York Jets should abandon their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers and go after Jackson instead. Today, the Jets addressed that possibility.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Jets general manager Joe Douglas made it clear that the team will not pursue Lamar Jackson because it would be disingenuous to do so when they’re working with the Packers to acquire Rodgers.
“We’re staying on our path we’re on right now. We’re never going to operate in bad faith,” Douglas said in response to questions about potentially pursuing Jackson.
In making this announcement, the Jets forfeit what could have been considerable leverage in negotiations with the Packers.
Douglas says it would be “disingenuous” to have conversations with Lamar Jackson right now because they’re trying to get a deal done with the #Packers: “We’re staying on our path we’re on right now. We’re never going to operate in bad faith.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 27, 2023
Right now the Jets and Packers are at a standstill with trade compensation due to the Packers reportedly seeking a first-round pick – which the Jets are loathe to part with.
There’s cases to be made that either of them have the upper hand in contract negotiations. From now until the NFL Draft, the Jets probably have more leverage. After the draft, all of the leverage is on the Packers.
As for Lamar Jackson, his options appear to be dwindling.
Where will Jackson play in 2023?