By 
PHOENIX — After a number of weeks of pursuing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson aspires to settle a trade with the Green Bay Packers.
“Well, you know, I think we’re anxious. We’re anxious,” Johnson informed a little group of press reporters Tuesday at the NFL’s yearly conference. “I guess, as we look forward, we’re optimistic. But we have a plan, so we’re willing to stick with our plan. And I don’t think anybody is hyperventilating at this point.”
Johnson, commenting for the very first time on Rodgers, remembered the minute 2 weeks earlier when Rodgers revealed his intent to bet the Jets in 2023. Johnson stated the response “in the building was pretty high and everybody was pretty excited about having a player of that caliber.”
It’s not a done offer, however.
The 2 groups remain in routine contact however have not had the ability to settle on trade settlement. The Jets supposedly hesitate to deal their 2023 first-round choice (No. 13 total), however Packers basic supervisor Brian Gutekunst showed Monday there are other methods to carry out the trade without consisting of the 13th choice — possibly an indication that the 2 sides are inching better.
Johnson stated there’s no due date from the Jets’ viewpoint.
On March 7, Johnson and group authorities flew cross nation to meet Rodgers at his house in Malibu, California. Asked to explain the conference, Johnson stated, “Have you met Aaron Rodgers? I hadn’t either, but he’s very impressive. Extremely smart. Authentic. He’s definitely his own person, that’s for sure.
“Great professional athlete, terrific golf enthusiast. I believe he does practically whatever at the greatest level. Just won Pebble Beach [Pro-Am]. Sunk like a 20-footer to win. So, he’s a rival.”
A few days after the Jets’ 7-10 season, which ended with a six-game losing streak, Johnson said quarterback was “the missing out on piece” and that he’d “definitely” be willing to spend big money to find one. The Jets made a Rodgers trade their No. 1 priority.
Johnson, mindful of the tampering rules, said at one point, “I truly should not talk excessive more about this gamer.”
Echoing the sentiments of Jets coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, Johnson said he expects the trade to happen. “We’re quite positive that we can get something done that is going to assist the Jets,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saleh and Douglas met briefly Tuesday with free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who made an appearance at the league’s event. The meeting occurred in an outdoor courtyard, with Saleh and Beckham photographed in an embrace.
The Jets already have signed two receivers in free agency, Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, but they’re in hot pursuit of Beckham. Rodgers, in his meeting with the Jets, mentioned Beckham as a player he’d like to have on the team.
Johnson said it was a “compliment” to the franchise that a player of Beckham’s stature would consider the Jets. “I believe it’s truly cool,” he said. “I imply, this hasn’t taken place in a while, right?”
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