April 26, 2023   4 MIN READ

All-In Aaron

NFL Roundup: Rodgers Officially a Jet; DeAndre Hopkins Landing Spot; Chase Young Option Declined

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The story of the 2023 NFL offseason has seemingly come to a peaceful conclusion. 

After months of speculation, confirmation, and worry, Aaron Rodgers was introduced to the media as the newest quarterback for the New York Jets on Wednesday afternoon.

Aaron Rodgers believes in the Jets’ Super Bowl chances.

After being the man behind the center for the Green Bay Packers for 15 years, the four-time MVP minced no words when it comes to his expectations for his new team. 

“I’m an old guy. I want to be part of a team that can win it all and I believe we can get that done,” Rodgers said in his introductory press conference. 

With an elite defense already in place and offensive cornerstones in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, Joe Douglas has wasted no time this offseason, adding key role players to further satisfy Rodgers with the acquisitions of fellow former Packer Allen Lazard and signing of reigning Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman. 

As part of their all-in bid, the Jets are paying big-time compensation for a soon to be 40-year-old quarterback, including a pick swap of 2023 first-round selections and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if playtime benchmarks are met. 

The Philadelphia Eagles will also get a chance to spar with the new-look Jets, as they are scheduled to face off in the 2023 season, in a game that is a strong candidate for prime-time television.

DeAndre Hopkins

The arms race for one of the top wide receivers in the NFL appears to be between leading AFC contenders.

Adam Jones on the Pat McAfee Show has named the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens as potential suitors for DeAndre Hopkins, and a deal could be done by the end of Round 1 on Thursday night.

 

Each team would see big benefits from acquiring the five-time All-Pro wide receiver. 

With Baltimore, Hopkins would fit right in as the team’s number one receiver and satisfy their disgruntled free agent MVP quarterback in the midst of an intense contract negotiation. 

Buffalo has been searching for a second elite wide receiver opposite of Stefon Diggs after Gabe Davis has not shown the consistency needed.  

The Chiefs on the surface level seem like an unlikely suitor, considering they are one-year removed from trading away Tyreek Hill and winning a Super Bowl off of it. But Patrick Mahomes certainly would not complain about having another elite big-bodied target and matchup nightmare in addition to Travis Kelce. 

Chase Young

An NFC East rival to the Philadelphia Eagles is keeping their future flexible. 

The Washington Commanders will reportedly not be picking up the fifth-year option for EDGE Chase Young. 

https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1651250615853502472

The second overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft from Ohio State was considered a can’t-miss defensive prospect at the time and joined a stacked defensive line that included Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, and Montez Sweat, the team’s previous three first round selections. 

Young began to live up to his potential in his rookie season, where he finished with 7.5 sacks and was awarded as the Defensive Rookie of the Year as well as a Pro Bowl selection.

After a slow start to his sophomore campaign and only 1.5 sacks, Young’s 2021 season came to an end after nine games in heartbreaking fashion with an ACL and Patellar Tendon tear.

The injury kept the defensive end out for most of his third season, only returning for the team’s final three games.

With the Commanders declining a fifth year option, Young is scheduled to hit the open market in the 2024 offseason. 

Washington’s decision makes 2023 a prove-it deal for Young. If the 24-year-old has a return-to-form season, one can expect teams will be lining up to give him a market-setting deal.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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