Report: Jets tried to trade for Stafford before acquiring Rodgers

The New York Jets explored making a trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford when their pursuit for former Green Bay Packers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers lagged, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

New York was uncertain what Rodgers wanted or if he'd even play in 2023 before the quarterback expressed his interest in March in joining the club, Rapoport reports. The Rams were adamant Stafford wasn't available, and trade talks reportedly didn't progress.

The Jets weren't the only ones to inquire about Stafford, as many quarterback-needy teams reached out to Los Angeles looking to acquire the 35-year-old, Rapoport adds.

A rash of injuries limited Stafford to just nine games in 2022. He rehabbed an elbow ailment during the offseason and suffered a spinal cord injury and a concussion that forced him on injured reserve in December.

Stafford is now fully healthy. However, the Rams will be without star wide receiver Cooper Kupp after placing him on injured reserve earlier in the week with a hamstring injury.

The former first overall pick is 89-101-1 in 191 career starts, throwing for 52,082 yards and 333 touchdowns.