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It was supposed to be the trade of the century. The New York Jets, a team that had been stuck in mediocrity for over a decade, landed the biggest prize in the NFL: Aaron Rodgers, the legendary 4X MVP QB, and a Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers helped them as well, but now the Jets are under fire.

Instead of leading the Jets to the promised land, Rodgers suffered a horrific injury in the opening game against the Buffalo Bills on MNF. Rodgers was getting paid $100 million with the Packers. A-Rod was supposed to make $110 million but took a pay cut by getting $75 million so that the Jets have the flexibility to improve the roster. Still, his payment is a big issue for the Jets.

The injury was a disaster for the Jets, by putting all their eggs in one basket. They had not only invested money but a lot of resources as well in this blockbuster trade. They gave up their 2023 first-round pick (No. 13 overall), their 2023 second-round pick (No. 42 overall), their 2023 sixth-round pick (No. 207 overall), and a conditional 2024 second-round pick to the Packers as well.

The trade was widely criticized at the time. As many felt that the Jets overpaid for a 39-year-old QB past his prime. After all, Rodgers had struggled in his last season with the Packers. Throwing for his fewest yards and most interceptions in a full season of his career. This trade reeked of desperation for the Jets.

The Jets failed to develop their 2021 second-overall pick, Zach Wilson. Wilson had shown flashes of potential in his rookie season but had also been inconsistent and turnover-prone. The plan seemed to be that Wilson would develop under Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, A-Rod could not do what he had done with Jordan Love.

A beneficial trade for the Packers

After a long and bitter standoff, the Packers had traded Rodgers. And they were laughing all the way to the bank. The Packers had already drafted QB Love in 2020. Hoping that Love would learn from Rodgers, and eventually take his place as the starter for the team.

And with Aaron Rodgers gone, Love was not only thrust into the limelight, but he got his chance and did not disappoint. He was ready to be the next star QB for the Packers. Love completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,599 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023.

The trade that sent Rodgers to the Jets will go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history. The Jets gave up too much for a quarterback who played only four snaps for them. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.