Jets’ Rumors Recap: Gang Green Linked to Numerous Big-Name Veterans Last Week

The latest reports surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Zeke Elliott, Calais Campbell, OBJ and more

The initial National Football League Free Agent Frenzy has passed, but the rumors haven’t ceased.

The New York Jets have been the subject of speculation on multiple fronts, especially in the past week.

The Aaron Rodgers Watch continues to provide good water-cooler conversation as does the idea of adding accomplished veterans on prove-it deals.

Here are the most-intriguing Jets-related rumors from the past week across social media...

FA Calais Campbell to Meet the Jets

After being released by the Baltimore Ravens fewer than two weeks ago, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell is searching for a new team.

Tiffany Blackmon, who can be heard on 92.9 FM The Game in Atlanta, has sources that say the six-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to visit the Jets and the Buffalo Bills in the coming days.

Campbell, who was a second-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, has made 99.0 sacks over 227 career games.

Zeke Elliott Likes Gang Green

Former NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott has identified the Jets, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals as teams he would like to play for, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Dallas Cowboys, who drafted Elliott at No. 4 overall in 2016, released the veteran running back on March 15 in a salary cap-clearing move.

Although Elliott is apparently interested in the three aforementioned teams, it has yet to be confirmed if that interest is reciprocal. 

Teams are likely looking to sign Elliott, who was reportedly going to count $16.7 million against Dallas' cap, to a low-cost deal.

Gauging the Interest in OBJ

After ESPN's Dianna Russini reported (March 17) that the Jets are "interested and staying in touch" with Odell Beckham, another ESPN reporter provided more information this past week.

Jeff Darlington predicted that Beckham, who hasn't played since suffering an ACL tear in Super Bowl LVI, will "wind up with the Jets" after the dust settles.

Beckham was attempting to sign with a NFL team during the latter stages of the 2022 season, but insiders have speculated the interested teams did not see the 5-foot-11 receiver as fully recovered at the time.

RODGERS WATCH: Packers Want First-Rounder?

In order for Aaron Rodgers to join the Jets, Gang Green and the Green Bay Packers must agree on a trade deal for the 39-year old field general.

So, what's taking so long?

Well, reports claim that the Packers are asking for the Jets' first-round draft pick (No. 13 overall) and some insiders say that may be too much.

In early March, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer estimated that a 2023 second-round selection coupled with a future conditional pick would be fair market value for the 18-year NFL veteran.

Pre-draft Visit from Minnesota Center

Each team is allowed to host a total of 30 prospects for pre-draft visits and the Jets are apparently using one on Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Jets have already held a private workout with the ascending prospect and have also invited him for an official visit.

Schmitz's stock has been on the rise in recent weeks. Considered to be the top center prospect in the 2023 Draft class, the experienced and technically-sound Schmitz could break into Round 1.

Minnesota Gophers' OL John Michael Schmitz at Big Ten Media Day
NFL prospect John Michael Schmitz representing Minnesota at Big Ten Media Day / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

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READ MORE:

Jets Make Sense for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

Ochocinco Sparks OBJ Speculation on #JetsTwitter

SI's Conor Orr Tabs Gang Green as a Top-tier Team in NFL Power Rankings

Peter King Sees Plenty of Primetime Matchups in Jets' Future

Jets Country's 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker


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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.