Aaron Rodgers will be a Jet…eventually. As the veteran signal caller’s divorce from the Green Bay Packers continues to drag out, his likely new team is continuing to make all the preparations necessary for his arrival. However, when that arrival may occur is a complete unknown. Neither side appears especially rushed to make a decision, even with the 2023 draft and its all-important capital quickly approaching.
So far in the offseason, as the Jets prepare for Rodgers’ arrival, they have made a multitude of moves to make the new quarterback comfortable. They signed Wide Receiver Allen Lazard, formerly of the Packers and a so-called dealbreaker for Rodgers. They also nabbed Nathaniel Hackett to run the offense. Hackett was Green Bay’s OC between 2019 and 2021. They also have four top-100 picks in the upcoming draft and could add yet more talent to build around Rodgers. Furthermore, with a mid-first-round pick and two second-round picks, the Jets have the ability to be aggressive in moving up. And while the quarterback they signed Thursday was not Rodgers, it was yet another piece in the Rodgers’ puzzle.
Jets sign QB Tim Boyle
OFFICIAL: Welcome to the QB room, Tim!!
: https://t.co/HyqxXEU0pL pic.twitter.com/sr3k81pGgo
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 6, 2023
Career backup Tim Boyle signed a one-year deal with the Jets, becoming the third quarterback on the roster alongside Chris Streveler and Zach Wilson. The 28-year-old Boyle spent the 2022 season with the Bears and has thrown three touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 career games. Boyle went undrafted in 2018 and signed as a free agent with the Packers. He stayed in Wisconsin until 2020, backing up Rodgers and Jordan Love. Boyle has three career starts, all coming in 2021 with the Lions.
It’s more evidence of the Jets making moves to give Rodgers an offense he can slot right into upon his arrival. Rodgers called Boyle “just a really special guy” in 2021, “I watched him grow and develop over the years with us, not just as a person, but as a player. He’s got a big-time arm, and he’s very athletic, as well.” While the move may seem inconsequential to most, it’s another clear sign that the Jets want the roster Rodgers-ready when he eventually arrives.
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