New York Jets attempted two blockbuster trades in latest Aaron Rodgers hint

01 November 2023 , 13:44

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The New York Jets inquired about Mike Evans, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers refused to trade their star wideout (Image: Getty Images)

The New York Jets attempted to complete stunning trades for Davante Adams and Mike Evans at the NFL trade deadline, prompting further speculation that Aaron Rodgers is going to make an improbable return from his Achilles tear later this season.

Following weeks of speculation, the Jets ended up having a quiet trade deadline on Tuesday. The AFC East did not trade any of their players or acquire anyone, although it wasn’t for want of trying.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas inquired and pushed to acquire Las Vegas Raiders wantaway superstar Adams as well as Evans, who is out of contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of the 2023 season. However, neither the Raiders or the Bucs were interested in shipping their prized offensive weapons.

A move for Adams would undoubtedly please Rodgers, who dominated with the receiver on an annual basis with the Green Bay Packers. Adams has 539 receiving yards and three touchdowns for a floundering 3-5 Las Vegas team.

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Meanwhile, Evans is one of the NFL’s best receivers. He is the only player in NFL history to start his career with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his nine seasons, while he holds nearly every major Buccaneers franchise receiving record; career receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

Despite Tampa Bay sitting at 3-4, Evans has put up a respectable 507 yards and five touchdowns. Douglas looked to add offensive help, but ultimately could not get anything over the line.

“There need to be buyers, there need to be sellers,” Douglas said after the deadline passed on Tuesday. “We made a lot of inquiries and had a lot of discussions about a lot of different positions but ultimately didn’t get any other deals done. That’s where we are.”

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams enjoyed eight seasons together in Green Bay

Despite losing Rodgers to what was originally believed to be a season-ending injury, the Jets have managed to salvage their season. Zach Wilson and the Jets defense have led the team on a three-game winning streak to sit at 4-3 and are certainly in the mix to reach the playoffs in the AFC.

The Jets were not interested in a trade for Raiders slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, deciding to target an outside threat instead. They also needed help on the offensive line after losing center Connor McGovern and guard Wes Schweitzer to injured reserve this week.

New York explored a trade for guard Ezra Cleveland, but decided he was not a good fit for their style of play. The Minnesota Vikings then moved him to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round pick.

All the talk of offensive help suggests Rodgers may actually make a comeback for the Jets this season, incredibly bouncing back from a traditional layoff of between 10 and 12 months. New York GM Douglas told reporters on Tuesday he is ‘expecting’ the four-time MVP to return to the team at some point this season, although he didn’t want to offer an exact timeline.

The 4-3 Jets face the 3-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in their next contest on Monday November 6.

Andrew Gamble