The New York Jets remain very much engaged in trade talks for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With Rodgers disgruntled with the Packers after an 18-year run, the Jets have been at the center of trade rumors while the quarterback confirmed he intends to play in New York.
And with that has come an increase in confidence the Jets will strike a deal and add an all-time talent before the start of the season, as general manager Joe Douglas revealed at the NFL Owners Meeting in Arizona.
"There's been some productive conversations," Douglas told reporters Monday, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "We're not where we need to be yet but I feel we're in a good place. There's no hard deadline. There's not a ton of urgency from our standpoint but very optimistic."
Rodgers, while still under contract with the Packers, could help New York put aside the dumpster fire that was experimenting with Zach Wilson last season. Rodgers is just two years removed from his fourth MVP award, making him a no-brainer upgrade.
New York has six total picks entering April's draft, including a first-rounder, which Douglas highlighted when asked about selections included in discussions with the Packers.
"Obviously, the 13th pick is a high pick in the round," Douglas said. "You really have an opportunity to bring in a strong player."
Lamar Jackson, who's also at the forefront of quarterbacks seeking a departure this offseason, could be an alternative target for the Jets. However, Douglas deflected the idea, suggesting such talks would be "disingenuous" with what the organization is trying to accomplish.
"We're staying on our path that we're on right now," Douglas said. "We're never going to operate in bad faith."
