Rodgers’ move to Jets voted the worst deal of 2023.

Aaron Rodgers being voted the worst move of the 2023 season has surprised many. Considering there were a whole host of other candidates that could have easily replaced the veteran quarterback like Carolina hiring Frank Reich and firing him after just one season.

Rodgers’ trade during the last offseason was well covered by various media outlets. Why would it not be? The 40-year-old had finally left the Green Bay Packers after 18 years, after adding another Super Bowl banner at Lambeau Field. His destination sent shockwaves because it was the lowly and eternally straggling New York Jets.

However, if one player could have turned the fortunes of the gang green, it would have been Rodgers. His trade was orchestrated by former Denver Broncos head coach and current Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who himself could be a great candidate for the worst appointment in 2023.

The excitement in the Big Apple, especially in the New York media, was through the roof. It’s not every day that a trade for a Super Bowl winner takes place. Not to mention, the Jets became instant top-5 favorites to bag their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

But on opening day, while facing the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter, Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon, ending his season. The Jets finished the season similar to the way they have for the better part of 11 years without qualifying for post-season football.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Image via ESPN)
In his absence, the Jets went through three different quarterbacks. The previous starter, Zach Wilson, took over the reins, followed by Tim Boyle, who was later released, and veteran Trevor Siemian. NFL Rumors shared that Rodgers’ trade to the Jets was voted the worst last season.

It sparked a debate about whether the ruling was a bit harsh, considering Rodgers spent 99% of the season on the sidelines. A commenter pointed out that it should be the Panthers’ business, from adding Frank Reich as their head coach to drafting Bryce Young as their quarterback and passing on CJ Stroud should be at the top of the list. Because the Panthers had the worst record, winning just two games all season.

The Panthers and Frank Reich not being number one tells me everything I needed to know lol. How does anyone even know if the Rodgers trade is going to work out or not? He played four snaps..so you wouldn’t know if it’s worked out yet lol. So stupid. https://t.co/AJg5cCRtiZ

It’s too early to let Aaron Rodgers deal a bust. Not only didn’t he get the chance to play, but the Jets roster itself was unchanged from the 2022 season, in which they finished 4th in their conference.

The four-time NFL MVP is likely to stick around for at least two more years with the Jets. If he gets to play an entire season without any injury, combined with receivers like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall to throw to, Rodgers has the capabilities to take this team to their destination. The Super Bowl.