Aaron Rodgers Trade Revisited: Packers Win Big, Jets Left Regretting?

June 2, 2025 – One of the most high-profile trades in recent NFL history between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, involving legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has been revisited—and the verdict seems clear: the Packers came out on top.

In the trade, the Packers sent Aaron Rodgers, along with the 2023 No. 15 and No. 170 overall picks, to the Jets. In return, they received a haul of valuable draft picks: 2023 No. 13 overall (Lukas Van Ness – Edge), 2023 No. 42 overall (Luke Musgrave – TE), 2023 No. 207 overall (Anders Carlson – Kicker), and 2024 No. 41 overall (Javon Bullard – S). The Jets, meanwhile, only added Will McDonald (Edge) and Israel Abanikanda (RB) alongside Rodgers.

However, Rodgers’ stint with the Jets has been far from ideal. He suffered a major injury early in the 2023 season, hampering New York’s plans. On the other hand, the Packers’ draft picks have shown significant promise, with players like Van Ness, Musgrave, and Bullard contributing to a young, sustainable roster.

Packers fans are ecstatic. One social media post summed it up: “Yeah it’s definitely safe to say that we won this trade 😎.” General Manager Brian Gutekunst, nicknamed “Gutey,” has been said to have “fleeced” the Jets—a playful jab implying he got the better end of the deal by a wide margin.

The trade continues to spark debate. Can the Jets turn things around with Rodgers in the future, or will the Packers keep reaping the benefits of their savvy draft picks? Only time will tell.