The NY Jets might have a new challenger emerging for Aaron Rodgers, that is, of course, if you believe a recent report from FS1's Craig Carton. That challenger appears to be the San Francisco 49ers, at least according to Carton.
Carton reported on Tuesday that "the 49ers are ready to pursue Aaron Rodgers if the Packers deal with the Jets falls through." He highlighted Rodgers' ties to the San Francisco area and the 49ers' lack of a true "franchise quarterback."
The 49ers signed Sam Darnold last month, and he joins a quarterback room that already features Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. It's hard to believe the 49ers would suddenly have interest in trading for Rodgers after months of inactivity.
Rodgers has already publicly declared his desire to play for the Jets. No other team has pursued Rodgers in months. It's probably best to ignore this "report."
Other NY Jets news
Former Jets linebacker Darron Lee arrested
Former Jets linebacker Darron Lee was arrested on Tuesday and charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and two counts of misdemeanor domestic violence. Lee is accused of "beating the hell out of both his mom and the mother of his child."
As of Tuesday morning, Lee was still being held in a Franklin County jail as a result of the incident that occurred on Monday. For more information and specifics on what happened, check out TMZ's original report.
The Jets selected Lee with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State standout played three seasons with the Jets before he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lee last played in the NFL in 2020 when he appeared in two games for the Buffalo Bills. He previously advocated for a reunion with the Jets back in January, although that almost certainly won't happen, especially after this most recent incident.
Jets host a pair of draft prospects on official visits
A pair of 2023 NFL Draft prospects were spotted visiting with the Jets on Tuesday, per their own social media accounts. Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley and Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock both met with the Jets in pre-draft meetings.
Henley is one of the more unique defensive prospects in this year's class. A former wide receiver, Henley transitioned to the defensive side of the ball in 2020 after doubling as both an offensive weapon and return man.
As for Matlock, he's primarily seen as a likely Day 3 pick after a standout career at Boise State. Matlock wasn't invited to the Senior Bowl or NFL Combine, instead making a name for himself in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The Jets have a need at both linebacker and defensive tackle and could certainly consider targeting either player in this month's draft.