Since the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, several former Packers have followed him, most recently with the Jets acquiring Rodgers’ top target, Davante Adams.
In a prediction for potential trade deadline moves, USA Today’s Cory Woodroof suggested that the Jets might trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to bring in Royce Newman, a backup guard who played alongside Rodgers in Green Bay. “With guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sidelined due to injury, the Jets may need a new starter if he’s out for an extended period,” Woodroof noted. “Rodgers might push for the Jets to acquire Newman, adding yet another former Packers player to the roster.”
Since Rodgers’ departure from the Packers, former teammates such as Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Tim Boyle, Billy Turner, and Adrian Amos have all joined the Jets. Additionally, Allen Lazard signed with the team just before Rodgers was announced.
Rodgers has a penchant for playing with friends, and Newman would simply be the latest addition to this trend.
In Green Bay, Newman started 16 games as a rookie, six in his second year, and just two in 2023. He was waived before the 2024 season and later signed with the Buccaneers, making 22 starts during Rodgers’ back-to-back MVP seasons in 2021 and 2022.
