The 2023 calendar year for the National Football League rings in at 3:00 PM CST today. Unrestricted free agents can put their name on the dotted line to contracts already negotiated and teams can complete trade transactions. Brace yourself for a lot of activity.
There’s already been plenty involving the Green Bay Packers but he headlining move still hasn’t been resolved. Will Aaron Rodgers say yes to the New York Jets? They’re the only team pursuing the 18 year veteran, still under contract with the Packers for two years but given permission to talk to the Jets over the past couple of weeks. According to Dianna Russini of ESPN, the most recent conversations have included Rodgers presented New York with a wish list of players he’d like to play with if indeed he chooses to continue his career with the Jets. On that list is Randall Cobb, Marcedes Lewis and even Odell Beckham Jr.
Allen Lazard was also on that list and whether Rodgers comes or not, he’s headed to the Meadowlands. On Tuesday, Lazard agreed to terms on a four year, 44 million dollar deal. The former Iowa State product was claimed off the Jacksonville roster in 2018 and in five seasons with the Packers, Lazard emerged as the number one receiver in 2022 after the Packers dealt Davante Adams to Las Vegas. He played 57 games over five years, catching 169 passes for 2236 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Rodgers still hasn’t announced his decision on whether he’ll accept a trade to New York, return to the Packers or retire but he’s scheduled to appear with Pat McAfee on Wednesday at 12:00 PM.
The Packers lost another veteran Tuesday with defensive tackle Jarran Reed decided to return to Seattle. Signed to a one year deal last season, Reed helped solidify the depth on the defensive line but he’s going back to the Seahawks on a two year contract reportedly worth 10.8 million dollars.
Green Bay has extended a restricted free agent tender offer to offensive tackle Yosh Nijman. Entering his 4th NFL season, Nijman has helped the Packers get through offensive line injuries by playing both left and right tackle the past two years. The second round tender offer is worth 4.3 million dollars. Nijman can still negotiate with other teams but the Packers will have the right to match any offer and is he signs elsewhere, Green Bay would receive draft compensation in return.
De’Vondre Campbell became the latest veteran to have his contract restructured. Field Yates of ESPN said the new terms will create another 2.6 million dollars in salary cap space for the team.
The player and money maneuvering is only just beginning.
