I feel like it's been made pretty clear that GB (at least Gutekunst) doesn't want him back. So the problem becomes if AR says "I'M PLAYING AND THAT'S THAT - I'M NOT RETIRING!!!", and they don't get a trade done, it becomes an untenable situation. They COULD NOT release him, even if they wanted to - apparently that $58 mil bonus is set up such that if they release him, the whole thing becomes payable (and added to the 2023 cap - meaning his 2023 cap # shoots up to an unfathomable $99 mil). And I can't see anything but locker room issues if you bring back a player that it has been made clear the team doesn't want.

I mean, I suppose they could keep him on the roster, pay the money, and tell him to stay home - but how do you think that would go over? Probably about as well as the $20 million "marketing" contract they tried to get Favre to take to stay retired...

I think Gutekunst knows that in order to avoid a total disaster of a 2023 season, they HAVE TO get the trade done. And I think the Jets know that as well - so really, GB/Gutekunst has ZERO leverage to employ.

Also, the Jets now have no leverage with Rodgers - since Carr and others are off the market, they basically have no alternative but Rodgers, and they have the fan base (and New York media for that matter) whipped into a frenzy at the thought of getting him.

So guess who's really in control?

Ugh.