Packers GM Brian Gutekunst believes there’s no time like the present to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is “obviously up there in age” at 39 years old.
Speaking Monday after the Packers traded their longtime franchise quarterback to the Jets in a highly anticipated move, Gutekunst discussed why Green Bay is moving forward with quarterback Jordan Love — nearly three years after he was drafted 26th overall.
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“Aaron is obviously up there in age. I think he’s got some really good football left in him. As we got through the offseason, this made sense…,” Gutekunst said, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
“Having [Jordan Love] sit for another year would’ve really delayed [his development].”
The 24-year-old Love has served as Rodgers’ backup since 2020.
The former Utah State product will now lead the Packers following a disappointing 2022 campaign, in which the team finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
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Rodgers, who won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, is now headed for New York after months of speculation.
The Jets are giving up their first-round selection at No. 13 in the 2023 NFL Draft — which gets underway Thursday — and will receive the No. 15 pick in return.
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They’re also shipping a second-round pick (No. 42) to Green Bay, in addition to a sixth-rounder and a conditional second-round pick in 2024.
That pick could become a first-rounder if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the plays for the Jets this coming season.
Gutekunst said Monday that “moving forward with compensation in this year’s draft” was an important factor in getting a deal done.
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The Jets made it clear this offseason that they were in the market for a veteran quarterback following Zach Wilson’s struggles in his second year.
Members of the organization flew to Malibu to meet with Rodgers in March, the same month he said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that it was his intention to play for the Jets.
He will be wearing No. 8 as a member of the Jets, with many of his new teammates, including cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, rejoicing on Twitter.