Rodgers, 4-time MVP, plans to play for Jets
After 18 years in Green Bay, QB ready to leave
Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday he intends to play for the New York Jets in 2023 after 18 seasons in Green Bay and the four-time NFL MVP quarterback is waiting for the Packers to trade him.
The 39-year-old Rodgers, speaking during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube and Sirius XM, said he believes the Packers want to move on and make 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love their starting quarterback.
“At this point, as I sit here, I think since Friday I’ve made it clear that my intention was to play and my intention was to play for the New York Jets,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t been holding anything up at this point. It’s been compensation the Packers are trying to get for me, kind of digging their heels in.”
Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has acknowledged the team granted the Jets permission to talk to Rodgers, the face of the franchise since Hall of Famer Brett Favre was traded to the Jets in 2008. The Jets sent a contingent that reportedly included owner Woody Johnson, coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to Rodgers’ home in Southern California last week.
Rodgers expressed his appreciation for his 18 seasons in Green Bay but added that it’s time for the Packers “to do the right thing.”
The Packers had no immediate comment on Rodgers’ remarks, which follow days of speculation that his time in Green Bay might be done.
Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott, ending a seven-season run for a two-time rushing champion who never regained the form of his dominant early years.
Elliott will be designated a post-June 1 cut, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t reveal details of the decision.
Elliott has 8,262 career yards rushing, third on the Dallas list behind Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s career leading rusher, and Tony Dorsett. Elliott also was third behind Smith and Dorsett with 68 career touchdowns rushing.
Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles informed five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay that he will be released, a person with knowledge of the decision told The AP.
Slay posted a goodbye on Twitter: “Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next.”
The 32- year- old Slay played a key role on defense for the NFC champion Eagles.
• The Eagles and six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox agreed on a $10 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed on an $8.5 million, one-year contract with quarterback Baker Mayfield, a person with knowledge of the deal told The AP.
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick by Cleveland in 2018, joins his third team since last July. Mayfield was 1-5 as a starter last season in Carolina before he was released. He joined the Los Angeles Rams and went 1-3 in four starts.
Mayfield’s best season was 2020 when he led the Browns to an 11-5 record and a playoff win against the rival Steelers. Mayfield threw for 3,563 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions that season.
Patriots
New England made its first big pickup of free agency, adding free agent and former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Smith- Schuster confirmed the move in a post on Twitter saying he was “Excited for my next chapter in New England!”
“I will give this organization everything I have, thank you for believing in me!” he wrote.
A person with knowledge of the deal said it is for three years and could be worth as much as $33 million.
Smith-Schuster also expressed thanks to the Kansas City, where he won a Super Bowl last season after spending his first five NFL seasons in Pittsburgh.
Commanders
Jacoby Brissett agreed to terms with Washington on a one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Brissett threw for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions last season with Cleveland.
Panthers
Carolina agreed to terms with running back Miles Sanders from the Philadelphia Eagles and tight end Hayden Hurst from the Cincinnati Bengals. Sanders, a Woodland Hills grad, ran for 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl. He has rushed for 3,708 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in his first four seasons in the league, all with Philadelphia.