Jets inquired about Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford before completing blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers
- New York wanted to cover all the bases in its search for quarterbacks this season
- Rodgers will be in ‘Gang Green’ on Monday to play against the Buffalo Bills
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It has been revealed that the New York Jets sought the opportunity to land LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford before ultimately going all out to sign Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
When negotiations with the Green Bay Packers on a trade involving Rodgers hit a snag, the Jets instead approached the Rams and inquired about Stafford, according to NFL Network.
The conversations were short and sweet, as the Rams were “adamant” that Stafford was unavailable despite the team coming off a torrid 5-12 season just a year after winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy (Super Bowl LVI).
NFL Network also reported that talks about a deal for Stafford were “more exploratory” than anything, as the Jets simply wanted to cover all bases in their quarterback hunt following the recognition among front office executives that the team’s quarterback position needed to be are upgraded.
The Jets ultimately went all out for their No. 1 target: Rodgers, but the NFL Network report certainly provides insight into the team’s offseason plans as owner Woody Johnson looks to contribute to New York’s lone Super Bowl victory in 1969 .
The Jets inquired about other QBs, including Matthew Stafford, before signing Aaron Rodgers
LA Rams field general Matthew Stafford is said to have brought championship status to New York
The Jets are currently suffering from the drought in American sports history, having last made the NFL playoffs in 2010. ‘Gang Green’ finished last year with a 7-10 record with Zach Wilson starting at quarterback.
It’s not hard to see why Stafford was once a target for the Jets, as the veteran quarterback has championship experience, though his age would have hindered his chances of finding a long-term solution for New York.
And while he’s not exactly as highly rated among fans, coaches and players as Rodgers — a four-time NFL MVP — Stafford is still pretty solid when fully healthy.
He was hampered by injuries last season and only played in nine of LA’s 17 games.
The 35-year-old Stafford won a Super Bowl with LA in 2022. He would have been a short-term solution for the Jets
But the Rams ultimately want to keep Stafford as long as they want and hope he can help the team bounce back from their layoff year in 2022, although he will be without Super Bowl 2022 MVP Cooper Kupp for at least four weeks.
Kupp injured his hamstring during training camp and is working his way back to full fitness.
The Jets completed a blockbuster trade for Rodgers – also a one-time Super Bowl champion (XLV) – in April and it has proven to be a success so far, despite the 39-year-old yet to make any moves. an official NFL game for his new team.
The Jets’ challenge for an AFEC East title begins Monday when they host the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium.