NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers tampering, Harrison Smith hint, Chiefs trade pitch

NFL Rumors: The free-agent landscape is waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. A trade between the Packers and Jets could happen Tuesday.

Aaron Rodgers won’t make up his mind. I’m sure you’re tired of it, because I am.

However, what if trading for Rodgers so openly has some unfortunate repercussions for the Jets? Green Bay’s possible return for Rodgers is unknown at this time, but the soon-to-be former Packers QB is reportedly openly recruiting players to New York, despite not being added to the roster yet.

That, my friends, is illegal tampering during the legal tampering period. You heard me right.

https://twitter.com/RossTuckerNFL/status/1635374549406740480

NFL rumors: Is Aaron Rodgers guilty of tampering?

We’ve seen organizations punished for less, so sure. However, given it’s an open secret that Rodgers wants on the New York Jets, it’ll be hard to prove that this is anything beyond No. 12 merely suggesting that his friends follow his lead.

Assuming the organization is not acting on Rodgers behalf, and that they are making their own decisions, then we shouldn’t have a problem.

This is the Jets, though. There’s always a problem.

NFL rumors: Could the Chiefs trade for a rival?

The Denver Broncos are shopping Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, with the latter being the most affordable trade candidate.

Prying Hamler from the division rival Denver Broncos will be tough, as Denver should know better at this point not to give in to Kansas City’s demands. However, the Broncos are also desperate for NFL Draft picks, since they dealt all of theirs to acquire the other man in the picture above, Russell Wilson.

So, what would a trade look like?

Hamler is not a player who will move the needle much for the Chiefs on a normal year. But this isn’t most offseasons, as KC could lose both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman. Hamler is more of the Hardman type, as he can play both in the backfield and in the slot. Hamler uses his speed to his advantage, and has experience on special teams as well.

All of that can come in handy with the right offensive mind. Andy Reid is just that, as he and Matt Nagy will take over the play-calling with Eric Bieniemy headed to Washington.

NFL rumors: Harrison Smith talking return to Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was expected to be a cap casualty, as the team has parted ways with several trusted veterans over the last few days to clear cap space. However, when asked about potentially leaving Minnesota, Smith had an intriguing answer in the form of a photograph.

FanSided’s Alicia de Artola outlined the Harrison Smith situation on Friday as it was developing, considering the alternative to cutting the safety.

"“That doesn’t mean Smith is definitely going to be cut, Wolfson said. The team could still try to restructure his current deal to be more team friendly. However, if the two sides can’t agree on that, the cut is certianly possible. Smith has been a stalwart for the Vikings since he was drafted No. 29 overall in 2012 out of Notre Dame. He’s started 158 games over the last 11 seasons in Minnesota, making it to six Pro Bowls. He was an AP first team All-Pro in 2017.”"

Smith would be a valuable add for any team needing secondary help, and he’s a fan favorite with the Vikings. That’s precisely why Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shouldn’t let him reach free agency.

Minnesota already lost one veteran in the secondary in Patrick Peterson, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.