NFL Free Agency: Rodgers Wants to Join the Jets, Zeke Released by the Cowboys

Aaron Rodgers intends to play for the New York Jets in the 2023 season, while Dallas Cowboys released their star running back Ezekiel Elliott. These are two of the most important news from today’s NFL free agency market. 

Rodgers Declares Himself Ready for the Jets

The three-time NFL MVP and one of the best-ever quarterbacks in the game apparently decided to finish his stint in Green Bay. In today’s episode of the Pat McAfee Show, the Packers’ No.12 stated that he intends to play for the Jets next year. 

And now the Jets are expected to have their most high-profile No. 12 since Joe Namath. pic.twitter.com/Ev7iFIPmFo

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023

According to the sources from within the organization, the trade deal between the two franchises is still being negotiated, but other than that, there are no obstacles on the way. Rodgers said that everything is up to the Packers for the moment. 

In the beginning, everyone believed that the Raiders were going to snatch Rodgers and reunite him with Davante Adams, but that didn’t happen, with the team from Las Vegas signing Jimmy Garoppolo. On the other side, the Jets have Nathaniel Hackett, who was an offensive coordinator in Green Bay, and who took Rodgers’ game to another level.

In the meantime, the unite from East Rutherford signed Allen Lazard, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay. He inked a four-year $44 million deal, and besides Lazard, rumors suggest that Odell Beckham Jr. might sing as well. 

Elliott Out of Dallas

One of the best rushers in the NFL, and the two-time NFL rushing yards leader, Ezekiel Elliott, was released earlier today by the Dallas Cowboys. One of the centerpieces of this team ends his seven-year adventure in Texas.

The 27-year-old and Tony Pollard were an excellent one-two-punch combo this year, but the salary cap problems forced the Cowboys to release Zeke in order to save other valuable players on the roster. 

Elliott’s numbers have fallen over the past three years, with him surpassing the 1,000-yard limit once, while on the other side, Pollard became the dominant rusher on the team. The fourth pick in the 2016 draft rushed for 1.603 yards that year, third-most by a newbie in the league ever. 

Mayfield Replaces Brady

Tom Brady left Tampa Bay, while Baker Mayfield stepped in to fill the gap. The former top pick at the 2018 NFL draft has a chance to revive his career in Florida. According to various media, the two parties have struck a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million. 

Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per sources. Mayfield is now in line to be Tom Brady’s successor. pic.twitter.com/2ZldEPxHY8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023

After his time with Cleveland Browns, Mayfield signed for the Carolina Panthers, but during the season, he transferred to the LA Rams, where he finished the campaign. 

JuJu in New England

JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three-year deal worth $33 million with the New England Patriots. The former Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs star, decided to accept the Patriots’ offer and start a new chapter in his career.

JuJu won the title with the Chiefs, having 933 yards and three touchdowns during the regular part of the campaign. The Patriots had to react following Jakobi Meyer’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders, which is why they went aggressively for Smith-Schuster.