Aaron Rodgers deal with Jets shakes up AFC East, Patriots’ defense to face new challenges

By | Bullscore 14 Mar, 2023

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP quarterback, is reportedly being traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets, according to NFL insiders Trey Wingo and Dov Kleiman. The news of Rodgers’ trade to the Jets became a hot topic on Monday afternoon. While the deal has not yet been officially confirmed by the NFL Network, the news has raised questions about how this will affect the New England Patriots and AFC East.

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is being traded to the #Jets, per @wingoz

"It's done." pic.twitter.com/k2L3SlfOnp
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 13, 2023

With Rodgers joining the Jets, the Patriots will have to face him and 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson twice a year. This is a significant change for the Patriots, who haven’t lost to the Jets since December 2015. However, they have never faced the Jets with Rodgers at quarterback before.

Hearing Rodgers to the Jets is done. History about to repeat itself between New York and Green Bay. Time is indeed a flat circle
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 13, 2023

The Patriots already have to defend against top quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa in their division, and now they have to add Rodgers to the list. While the Patriots defense won’t be facing Zach Wilson on the Jets this season, they will have to deal with a daunting division schedule against Tagovailoa, Allen, and now Rodgers.

The Jets were originally in the running to sign free agent Derek Carr, but he ultimately signed with the New Orleans Saints. With the Jets looking to upgrade from former first-round draft pick Zach Wilson, they set their sights on Rodgers. Despite recently completing a “darkness retreat,” Rodgers reportedly decided to accept the trade to New York.

It remains to be seen whether the Patriots will slip to the worst team in the AFC East, but the addition of Rodgers to the Jets certainly makes things more challenging for them. The Patriots finished last season with an 8-9, non-playoff record, and they’ll need to step up their game to stay competitive in the division.