The Packers, clearly, are digging in.

They’ve been discussing an Aaron Rodgers trade with the Jets. Those discussions led to a framework and understanding of what it would take to get it done. It wasn’t signed, sealed or delivered, but the gap between what the Packers wanted, and what the Jets were willing to give up, was close enough where both sides shared in their belief that, once Rodgers said he wanted to play for the Jets, they’d complete a trade in short order.

Well, Rodgers made it clear on Wednesday’s Pat McAfee Show that his “intention” is to play for the Jets. Now, it’s time to complete the deal.

But instead of pushing this through the finish line, there’s suddenly a stall.

Rodgers was about as open and honest during his hour-long chat with McAfee as you could have expected him to be. These were his first extensive remarks about his career. He was meticulous and calculated with what he said.

He stressed his love for members of the Packers, their fans and the city of Green Bay. He doesn’t carry any ill will. If he did have one gripe over the years, though, it was how the team chose to separate with their aging players. Now, he seems to be experiencing it.

“They want to move on,” Rodgers said. “And, now, so do I.”

It’s clear Rodgers will be leading the Jets in 2023. All that’s holding it up is the completion of this trade. Instead of bridging the small gap between what the Jets are willing to offer and what the Packers led the Jets to believe they wanted, though, Green Bay’s brass is digging in, seemingly taking advantage of the current quarterbacking landscape.

Rodgers has been atop the Jets quarterback wish list for a minute or two. After the season, the Jets played through hypothetical situations where they imagined what would have happened in the games they lost if they had this quarterback or that quarterback instead. Rodgers was a player, they believed had he been with them in 2022, would have had them competing for a Super Bowl.

But it was never a guarantee things would materialize with Rodgers. He easily could have chosen to return to the Packers, play for the Raiders, or retire. So, the Jets had contingency plans in place. They could sign Derek Carr, or inquire about trading for Matt Stafford (Rams), Ryan Tannehill (Titans) or Lamar Jackson (Ravens).

The idea of Rodgers was a legitimate possibility and likelihood was confirmed when the Jets got permission to talk to the quarterback in early March. They first spoke on the phone, then flew to California to meet in person. Those conversations solidified him as the best option for New York in 2023.

Rodgers agreed. That’s why he wants to play for New York, and wants to play for New York now.

Things, though, have taken a turn. The Packers realize that, with Carr in New Orleans, Rodgers is the only real option for the Jets. After the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo, the Jets are the only real option for Rodgers. So while Rodgers has let all parties know he wants to play for the Jets, the give-and-take to bridge a gap that was believed to be seamless has instead turned into the Packers refusing to budge.

So, there’s a standoff.

“It’s time to do the right thing,” Rodgers said.

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