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The Aaron Rodgers saga might be nearing an end, with many insiders stating that the New York Jets are optimistic about the prospect of acquiring the superstar quarterback - and some of them are hearing that the trade is done.
Acquiring a franchise quarterback from the Packers is nothing new for the New York team, repeating a move from 15 years ago that did not bear fruit. The Jets tried to do the same with Brett Favre in 2008, but the results were not impressive.
What happened that season will serve as a cautionary tale for the Jets before getting their hopes up of becoming an instant contender for the AFC if they do indeed get Rodgers.
Jets must avoid repeating Favre's 2008 season with Rodgers
Expectations were extremely high for the team with such a strong defense and Favre joining during the offseason, but they never materialized into a playoff push.
The AFC East was incredibly weird that year. The Jets finished the season 9-7, with the Dolphins and the Patriots (who missed Tom Brady that season due to a knee injury during the season opener) tied at 11-5 while the Bills were 7-9. The main caveat? Buffalo lost all division games while the other three teams finished 4-2.
But they never became as strong a team as one would expect. At 39 years age, Favre finished the season with 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, and even worse, he did not return for the 2009 season. He wanted to retire again, and later announced he would sign with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2009 season.
What's the lesson to be learned for the Jets?
Be prepared for whatever comes. If they do acquire Rodgers, know that he can walk away at any time and get the position ready for the future as well. Just as Favre was 39 when he moved to New York, that's the age Rodgers will arrive if the deal materializes.
No matter how high the expectations are, at some point, you need to go out there and play - and the happiness for a new quarterback will end as soon as the regular season starts.
