Aaron Rodgers has been given permission to speak to the New York Jets about a possible trade.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback is yet to make an announcement on his future, with retirement rumoured since the end of the NFL season.

However, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Rodgers has received permission to speak with the Jets.

Rodgers is still under contract in Green Bay, which suggests the Packers are open to the idea of him moving on should he decide against retirement.

The 39-year-old threw 26 touchdowns for the Packers last season, with one rushing touchdown, while his 12 interceptions thrown was the most since he threw 13 in the 2008 season.

The Packers ended the season with a record of 8-9, finishing third in the NFC North, while the Jets finished bottom of the AFC East with a 7-10 record.

Two running backs coming off career seasons were designated as franchise players by their respective teams on Monday, as the Las Vegas Raiders applied the tag to Josh Jacobs and the Dallas Cowboys did the same with Tony Pollard.

The move enables both teams to negotiate with their respective players, both of whom would have been unrestricted free agents, towards long-term contracts up until July 15. Jacobs and Pollard would earn $10.1million in 2023 if a deal is not reached and they play under the tender offer.

Jacobs became the first Raider to lead the NFL in rushing yards since Hall of Famer Marcus Allen in 1985 when he compiled 1,653 this past season. The 25-year-old added 12 touchdowns and 400 receiving yards on 53 catches to earn first team All-Pro honours.

The four-year veteran has publicly stated his desire to re-sign with the Raiders, though he told The Athletic during the week of the Pro Bowl he has no interest in playing under the tag.

"Oooh, hero turned villain, man," he said when asked what his response would be to receiving the franchise tender.

"This is where I want to be. I feel like I've left my mark on this organisation. With the guys in the locker room – obviously, it's going to be shaken up next year – but I feel like this is home. For me, this is where I want to be, but I'm not going to discredit myself trying to be here, either. So, it's just got to make sense."

Pollard emerged as the Cowboys’ best running back and earned his first Pro Bowl nod with an outstanding 2022 campaign in which he rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns. His 5.22 yards per rush attempt ranked second in the NFL among players with at least 175 carries.

The 25-year-old is recovering from a broken left leg and high-ankle sprain he sustained in Dallas’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January, but is expected to be recovered in time for the start of next season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters at the recent scouting combine in Indianapolis that the team was planning on using the tag on Pollard in hopes of working out a multi-year agreement.

"I really don’t want to say it’s a done thing because as these things come and go, you don’t know where you are until the deadline comes and goes," Jones said Friday. "But right now, certainly Tony is a big part of our plans."

A long-term deal with Pollard could impact the future of Cowboys longtime running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is scheduled to count $16.72m against the salary cap this season. The three-time Pro Bowler could be asked to take a pay cut to remain with the team or may be a candidate to be released.

Jacobs and Pollard are two of four players who have received the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday's deadline, along with Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram and Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne.

Reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith has reportedly signed a three-year extension to remain the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Smith's new deal is worth $105million.

The 32-year-old took the starting role this season after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos for a haul of draft picks.

It was meant to be a rebuilding season in Seattle, with the veteran acting as a bridge to their next franchise signal-caller, but eight years after his last season as a full-time starter Smith blew all expectations out of the water.

He led the Seahawks to a 6-3 start, finishing above .500 at 9-8, all while leading the NFL in completion percentage (69.8 per cent).

By all statistical indicators, Smith was a top-10 quarterback in the league this past season.

His 30 touchdown passes were the fourth-most, he finished eighth in passing yards (4,282), and his QBR of 60.8 had him tied for sixth. It was not all simple, short passes either, ranking ninth in yards per attempt (7.5).

After spending time with the New York Jets, New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers, Smith has found a home in Seattle the past three years, and was one of 15 players to receive an MVP vote for the 2022 season.

Having made a grand total of $17.55m in his nine-year career, Smith is set to make up to $52m in the first calendar year of his new deal

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been reinstated by the NFL after a year-long suspension.

The 28-year-old was handed an indefinite suspension in March 2022 for betting in games during the previous season, including his own team, while with the Atlanta Falcons.

Despite that suspension, the Falcons traded Ridley to the Jaguars in November 2022 for a conditional 2023 sixth-round and 2024 fourth-round picks in the NFL Draft.

Ridley applied for reinstatement last month, on the first day he was eligible to do so, and the league has now confirmed his return.

In a statement, the NFL said: "Calvin Ridley of the Jacksonville Jaguars has been fully reinstated... Ridley, who had been suspended indefinitely since March 2022 for violating the NFL's gambling policy, is eligible to participate in all team's activities, effective immediately."

In his four active seasons with the Falcons, Ridley amassed 3,342 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns.

Quarterback Derek Carr is signing for the New Orleans Saints after nine years with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 31-year-old Carr was released by the Raiders on February 14 – just hours before a deadline that would have paid him $40.4million in guaranteed money – and had met with the Saints, New York Jets and Carolina Panthers as possible landing spots for 2023.

With the Saints, Carr will be reunited with coach Dennis Allen, who was Carr’s first NFL coach with the Raiders and was part of the evaluation process of him leading up to the 2014 draft.

The Raiders selected Carr in the second round of the draft and Allen choose to make him the starter immediately as a rookie.

Carr is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217) but left the team in rocky circumstances after a subpar 2022 season and was ultimately benched.

In 2022, he averaged 234.8 passing yards a game while his completion percentage (60.8) and QB rating (86.3) were both his lowest since his rookie year.

He made four Pro Bowls with the Raiders but one of his biggest areas of criticism is that he never led the team to a playoff win. He lost his lone postseason start and among quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era, he has the third-most starts for one team without a playoff victory.

The Saints went 7-10 last season and have missed the playoffs each of the last two years following the retirement of Drew Brees.

New Orleans was unsettled at quarterback after Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton played the position in 2022. The unproven Winston was injured in the first month of the season and the veteran Dalton performed well as his replacement but is now a free agent.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks has been released ahead of 2023 NFL free agency, the team announced on Monday.

A mainstay in the Vikings' defense for the past eight seasons, Kendricks is now free to sign with a new team before the start of the new league year on March 15.

In a statement, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said: "As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organisation and the Minnesota community.

"While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric's contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues.

"I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter."

Kendricks led Minnesota in tackles in seven of his eight seasons, with his total of 919 for the Vikings second among NFL players since 2015, behind only Bobby Wagner.

Highlights in 2022 included a goal-line recovery of a Josh Allen fumble for a touchdown against Buffalo Bills, helping the Vikings clinch the NFC North and finish the season 13-4, with his 137 total tackles ranking 14th in the NFL.

Bryce Young understands the questions that are being asked about his size ahead of the NFL Draft but remains confident in his ability.

The former Alabama quarterback is one of the most highly rated prospects heading into April's draft and is one of the most decorated players available.

Winner of the Heisman Trophy and SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, Young threw 79 touchdowns and had just 12 interceptions in his two seasons as a starter for the Crimson Tide.

His stellar performances include 321 yards and five TD's in his final game for Alabama, a 45-20 victory over Kansas State in December's Sugar Bowl.

Despite those impressive numbers, questions have been asked about Young's frame heading into the NFL, having been listed at six-foot and 194 pounds at Alabama.

While Young is aware of those potential concerns, it is not something that fazes him.

"I've been this size, respectfully, my whole life. I know who I am, I know what I can do," he said on Friday at the NFL Combine.

"For me, it's fair, everyone can speculate, ask me every question. I'm going to continue to control what I can control, continue to keep working my hardest. I'm confident in myself. I know what I can do.

"To be honest, I don't really know too much about what's said about me. I'm grateful for everyone's opinion, I respect everyone's opinion, but I focus on what I can control.

"I take the advice and the direction of the people that I trust."

Young also confirmed that he had met formally with the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans at the combine, who hold the first two picks of April's draft.

A potential trade for the Bears' number one pick is widely reported to be on the cards.

Carolina Panthers founder Jerry Richardson has died aged 86.

Richardson brought the Panthers to Carolina and the NFL in 1995, reaching Super Bowls in the 2003 and 2015 campaigns.

He left the franchise in 2018 after allegations of sexual and racial workplace misconduct.

Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper paid tribute to Richardson after his death was announced on Thursday, saying: "Jerry Richardson's contributions to professional football in the Carolinas are historic.

"With the arrival of the Panthers in 1995, he changed the landscape of sports in the region and gave the NFL fans here a team to call their own.

"He was incredibly gracious to me [David Tepper] when I purchased the team, and for that I am thankful.''

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also saluted Richardson, saying in a statement: "The NFL community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry Richardson.

"The Carolina Panthers are a testament to his extraordinary and tireless dedication to the community. But his league-first attitude as seen through his leadership of numerous NFL committees... helped pave the way for a series of public-private stadium partnerships throughout the country, and collective bargaining agreements that continue to support the growth of the game.

"As a former player himself, Jerry cared deeply about the welfare of players and the labour agreements he helped negotiate have led to improved pay and benefits for generations of players. From a personal perspective, he was a wise and caring advisor to me, his fellow owners, and many Panthers players and coaches over the years."

New Panthers head coach Frank Reich was the franchise's first quarterback under Richardson, and said: "I will always be thankful to Mr Richardson for the Panthers. Being a part of the inaugural [season] is something that I will never forget.

"It was truly a special experience to play a part in the culmination of his efforts to bring football to the Carolinas."

The Indianapolis Colts appear ready to improve their fourth overall pick in this year's NFL Draft with general manager Chris Ballard leaving that idea wide open.

The Colts have endured four difficult years in the quarterback spot since Andrew Luck's departure in 2019, finishing the 2022 campaign with a 4-12-1 record.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young looms large as an early pick prospect, but the Colts would likely need to trade up from their No.4 pick to get access to him.

"I know all the speculation out there," Ballard told reporters at the NFL scouting combine. "To move up, there's got to be a guy worthy of it.

"Everybody has just automatically stamped that you've got to move up to one to get it right. I don't know if I agree with that. But that's going to be the narrative, and that's OK.

"If, when we meet as a staff and we say, 'OK, this is what we need to do. This is the guy for the next 10 to 15 years and we think he's the right guy,' we'll do it. But who's to say we won't get one at four?"

Ballard was clear when asked what it would take for the Colts to take an aggressive approach to acquire a QB like Young, replying: "That we were just convicted that this is no freaking doubt the guy."

During the post-Luck era, the Colts have never been better positioned to acquire a QB to solve their dilemma with the role.

Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and veteran Matt Ryan have been their most used starting QBs over the past four seasons respectively.

"It took a lot of freaking pain to get there," Ballard said in reference to earning the No.4 pick. "But when you're there, you need to take advantage of it."

The Colts will be led by new head coach Shane Steichen in the 2023 season, coming in from the Philadelphia Eagles where he was offensive coordinator to replace interim boss Jeff Saturday.

The Baltimore Ravens are "fervently hopeful" that a deal with Lamar Jackson will get done.

Jackson's future with the Ravens remains uncertain ahead of Tuesday's franchise tag deadline, with the quarterback yet to sign a long-term contract.

The Baltimore signal-caller, who represents himself rather than employing an agent, reportedly wants a fully guaranteed deal, but the Ravens are reluctant to offer that, meaning talks have been deadlocked.

"You can't win in this league without a strong quarterback. I mean, that's been proven," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said.

"We want Lamar here. We think he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He's certainly one of our best players, and we want him back.

"We understand that living in a world without a quarterback is a bad world to live in."

DeCosta voluntarily said that few teams have made more trades than the Ravens since he became GM four years ago but had no plans to offload Jackson.

"I covet great players. I covet quarterbacks. And I love Lamar," DeCosta said. "That has not factored in one time with me. We want to do what's best for the club. We try to do what we can for Lamar. We want to make everybody happy."

The Ravens can place the franchise tag on Jackson before Tuesday's deadline, but would have to create more room in their salary cap to fit the QB's tag under the cap.

The exclusive tag is projected to cost Baltimore $45.2million, while a non-exclusive tag would be around $32m, but the latter opens him up to offer sheets from rival clubs.

"Both understand the urgency of the situation," added DeCosta, before reiterating he remains "positive" on agreeing a new deal.

"I've seen a lot of deals happen when things look bleak, or I haven't seen deals when I would've thought it was a slam dunk," he said. "It takes two people to do it. I remain positive. I have no reason not to remain positive."

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he was "200 per cent" that 2019 MVP Jackson wanted to remain with Baltimore.

"He's my quarterback, he's my guy," Harbaugh said. "I love him. As a coach, I'm looking forward to seeing it get done but it's not easy. It's the business part of it but I'm fervently hopeful and excited.

"We've been texting back and forth here and there ever since the season was over. I feel like 'Mar is doing really well. It's just part of the business, it's what you expect when you have a great quarterback."

Jackson threw 17 touchdown passes with a 62.3 per cent completion rate across 12 starts in the 2022 regular season, which was cut short due to a knee injury. His 2021 campaign was also impacted by an ankle injury, Jackson again making only 12 starts.

Jalen Carter is confident he will be "fully exonerated" of criminal wrongdoing after warrants for the 2023 NFL Draft prospect's arrest were issued on Wednesday.

The Georgia defensive tackle is considered by many to be the best player in this year's draft and was due to speak with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

But he is instead heading back to Athens, Georgia after warrants for his arrest were issued on the basis of a charge of reckless driving and racing amid an investigation into the January 15 road accident that killed a player and recruiting staffer from the University of Georgia.

Carter was allegedly street racing with Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy, who died along with Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock when the car they were travelling in left the road and hit nearby power poles and trees.

In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Carter wrote: "This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanour warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing.

"Numerous media reports have also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023.

"It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanour charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented.

"There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing."

Earlier, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department released a statement that read: "As a result of the ongoing investigation into the January 15, 2023, fatal crash that occurred in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants for Jalen Carter, 21, for Reckless Driving and Racing.

"The investigation found that Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition, and Jalen Carter, driver of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM.

"The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was travelling at about 104 miles per hour.

"The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.

"The case will be given to the Solicitor General's Office."

A unanimous All-American last season, Carter helped Georgia to successive National Championships during his college career. He is considered a candidate to be the first overall pick, though the apparently increasing probability of the Chicago Bears trading that selection means it is more likely a quarterback will come off the board first next month in Kansas City.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a potential number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Carter is to be arrested on the basis of a charge of reckless driving and racing amid an investigation into the January 15 road accident that killed a player and recruiting staffer from the University of Georgia.

Carter was allegedly street racing with Georgia staffer Chandler LeCroy, who died along with Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock when the car they were travelling in left the road and hit nearby power poles and trees.

A statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Wednesday said: "As a result of the ongoing investigation into the January 15, 2023, fatal crash that occurred in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has secured arrest warrants for Jalen Carter, 21, for Reckless Driving and Racing.

"The investigation found that Chandler LeCroy, driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition, and Jalen Carter, driver of a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM.

"The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other. Evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was travelling at about 104 miles per hour.

"The toxicology report indicated that LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.

"The case will be given to the Solicitor General's Office."

Carter was scheduled to meet the media at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday.

He has been considered the best prospect in this year's draft, although the Chicago Bears are likely to receive significant offers for the first overall pick from teams looking to select one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

Aaron Rodgers will make a decision on his future "soon enough" amid ongoing speculation.

It is unclear whether the veteran quarterback will return to the NFL in 2023 and, if he does, whether he would end his long association with the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers has completed a four-day "darkness retreat", and while he does not have a decision, he is calm about the situation and intends to reach a final outcome "soon enough".

"It's best for anybody who has an interest in this to make a decision sooner rather than later. For everybody involved directly and indirectly, it's best for a decision earlier," he said on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast.

"I feel really good about the conversations that are going to be had, that have been had with important people in my life.

"But I'm not looking for somebody to tell me what the answer is. All the answers are right inside me. I touched many of the feeling on both sides in the darkness. I'm thankful for that time.

"There's a finality to the decision. I don't make it lightly. I don't want to drag anybody around. I'm answering questions about it because I got asked about it. I'm talking about it because it's important to me.

"If you don't like it, and you think it's drama, and you think I'm being a diva or whatever, then just tune it out. That's fine. But this is my life. It's important to me.

"I'll make a decision soon enough, and we'll go down that road. I'll be really excited about it."

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Tuesday of Rodgers and the team's options at QB: "He's a great player, but until we have those conversations, I think all options are on the table right now."

The Seattle Seahawks are considering drafting a new quarterback despite ongoing contract negotiations with Geno Smith.

Last year's blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos has left the Seahawks with strong draft capital, the franchise possessing the fifth overall pick and the 20th selection for April's draft.

It leaves Seattle in relatively unchartered territory, having only two top-10 picks since 2010 – the first being the sixth pick in 2010 after the previous regime went 5-11.

In the 2022 draft, the Seahawks had pick number 10 but traded to the Jets for Jamal Adams, leaving 2023 as the first time in 13 years that the team will be among the first names on the board.

Despite being settled with Smith, who is negotiating a new contract, head coach Pete Carroll is aware this provides a rare opportunity to select a QB.

"We don't get this opportunity [often]. When you're picking in the bottom of the first round, those guys aren't available," Carroll told reporters.

General manager John Schneider further explained why a move for a QB was on the cards, despite it being a rarity for him – having selected players in this position just twice in 13 drafts with Seattle.

"Because they don’t grow on trees. It's the hardest position to acquire a talent, a guy that everybody feels very confident in," Schneider said.

Discussions with Smith regarding a new deal are continuing and, while Schneider was positive on the situation, he did not give a timeframe on when a fresh contract with last year's NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

"All these negotiations, some go a little bit faster than others. Usually when you're talking about larger numbers, they take a little more time," he added.

"It's obviously much more complex than different sports with guaranteed contracts, so there's a lot more that goes into these contracts."

Asked whether they would consider a franchise tag for Smith, Schneider replied: "That's not something I would share with you."

The New York Giants held "productive conversations" about the futures of star pair Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley according to general manager Joe Schoen.

Jones and Barkley are both franchise tag eligible and integral members for the Giants, who last season qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Schoen said the Giants intended to tag Jones if they could not secure a deal with him by the March 7 deadline, but was "cautiously optimistic" about completing deals for both players.

"We had productive conversations yesterday. We have some more scheduled today, so we'll just continue to communicate with them," Schoen told reporters on Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine.

"We'll continue to hammer out and try to get closer to getting something done hopefully."

He added: "I would love to have them both back. They work well with each other. Their entire careers in the NFL, they've been together. I do think they complement each other well.

"We've had productive conversations with both their representatives – Saquon going all the back to November – and we'll continue to do so. There's not priority on one or the other."

Schoen acknowledged tagging Jones would not be ideal for the Giants given it would cost $32.4million and potentially impact Barkley, who is a pending free agent.

"If you have to franchise tag Daniel, I don't think that's best for the organisation and I don’t believe it's best for Daniel," Schoen said.

"Especially as we try to build the team around him and questions about receivers and other positions on the other side of the ball where we may need depth.

"It does hurt you a little bit in terms of team building process, but we're prepared if that's the scenario that we’re faced with. We have a plan-B and we'll try to execute that the best we can."

Schoen insisted that there was "no doubt" that Jones would be the Giants quarterback next season.

Jones threw 15 touchdown passes from 16 starts in the 2022 season with a career-best 67.2 per cent completion rate and career-best 3,205 passing yards, with only five interceptions.

Pro Bowl running back Barkley scored 10 rushing touchdowns in a bounce-back 2022 season, returning a career-best 1,312 rushing yards in 16 starts.