Quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the New York Jets in March 2023, ending a short and turbulent tenure that began with a trade from the Green Bay Packers in April 2022. His departure followed a failed trade demand, a restructured contract, and a prolonged holdout that pushed his Jets tenure to less than one full season. This timeline clarifies the key dates, decisions, and consequences that shaped Rodgers' exit from New York.
Key dates in Aaron Rodgers' exit from the Jets
| Date | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 26, 2022 | Traded from Packers to Jets | Rodgers joined New York in a deal that sent multiple draft picks to Green Bay. |
| April 28, 2022 | Signed one-year, fully guaranteed $72 million contract | Short-term deal gave Jets flexibility amid uncertainty about his long-term plans. |
| July–August 2022 | Holdout and skipped OTAs | Rodgers sat out training camp over trade and contract dissatisfaction. |
| March 13, 2023 | Packers trade with Jets collapses; Jets decline to match offer sheet | Cleared the way for Rodgers to test free agency after failed return to Green Bay. |
| March 18, 2023 | Jets release Rodgers | Formal release came one day after Packers deal was off, making him a free agent. |
| March 24, 2023 | Rodgers signs with New York Giants | Began a new chapter with the Giants after less than one full season in New York. |
April 2022: Trade to the Jets
On April 26, 2022, the Packers dealt Rodgers to the Jets in exchange for a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a conditional 2023 first-rounder. The move sent shockwaves through the NFL because Rodgers was coming off a career-year MVP performance and a conference championship run. New York acquired him to elevate its struggling offense and provide a veteran presence around new play-caller Robert Saleh.
What the Jets received
- A franchise quarterback with a strong track record of regular-season efficiency.
- Three draft picks used to acquire Rodgers, including two first-round selections.
Immediate reaction
Fans and media greeted the trade as a bold win-now move, but questions quickly arose about locker-room dynamics, system fit, and the cost to the draft capital. Rodgers agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed $72 million contract that gave the Jets an out after 2022 if certain incentives were not met.
July–August 2022: Holdout and missed preparation
Rodgers skipped much of training camp and all voluntary offseason workouts, citing a desire to renegotiate his contract and uncertainty about the trade. The Jets ultimately declined to move on from him, and he returned to practice in late August. The holdout eroded practice time, disrupted chemistry with receivers, and exposed fissures between the player, front office, and coaching staff.
March 2023: Failed Packers return and release
As the 2023 trade deadline approached, the Packers placed Rodgers on the trading block in a bid to acquire younger assets and draft capital. The Jets had an opportunity to match a reported offer sheet but chose not to, effectively ending his tenure. On March 18, 2023, the Jets released Rodgers, making him a free agent and allowing him to sign with the New York Giants days later.
Contract and roster details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Trade date | April 26, 2022 | NFL Transactions |
| Contract | 1-year, $72 million fully guaranteed | Team sources and league records |
| Holdout period | July–August 2022 | Team reports and practice observations |
| Release date | March 18, 2023 | Team announcements |
| Next team | New York Giants (March 24, 2023) | Signing reports |
Why the Jets chose not to match the Packers' offer
By March 2023, the Packers were able to package Rodgers with additional picks to make a compelling offer. The Jets declined to match for two primary reasons: the belief that Rodgers would not be a long-term solution and the desire to preserve draft capital for future flexibility. The decision reflected a broader shift in roster planning, prioritizing younger, cheaper alternatives at quarterback rather than investing further in a high-salary, short-term option.
Impact on the 2023 season and beyond
Releasing Rodgers allowed the Jets to move forward with a cleaner salary cap and clearer narrative around their quarterback room. It also gave younger quarterbacks an extended look in training camp and preseason. For Rodgers, the Giants offered a short-term bridge that led to a Super Bowl appearance, illustrating how a difficult Jets exit ultimately connected him with a team that suited his timeline and ambitions.
Frequently asked questions
- Why did Rodgers request a trade from Green Bay in 2022? He sought a fresh challenge and more control, leading to a preseason trade to the Jets.
- How long was Rodgers with the Jets? Less than one full season, from late April 2022 to mid-March 2023.
- Did the Jets recover draft picks from the Packers trade? Yes, they received first- and second-round picks that were used in subsequent drafts.
- Was Rodgers paid during his holdout? Yes, he sat out most of the 2022 offseason but was paid per his contract terms.
This timeline is based on verified league transactions, team announcements, and credible media reports. Dates and contract figures are cross-referenced with official NFL records and team statements.