What adding Odell Beckham Jr. would mean for the New York Jets - New York Jets Blog- ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers is 0-for-2 in recruiting Odell Beckham Jr. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The New York Jets' presumptive quarterback, unsuccessful in 2021 and 2022 when Beckham was a free agent, included him on his so-called wish list, saying recently on «The Pat McAfee Show,» «Who wouldn't want Odell on their team?»

Despite a crowded receiver room — five players with starting experience — the Jets and Beckham have mutual interest. He'd be their splashiest free-agent signing since running back Le'Veon Bell in 2019, joining NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and newcomers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman at wideout.

Lazard also was on Rodgers' list and --voila! — he landed a four-year, $44 million contract. Clearly, the Jets are doing everything they can to accommodate Rodgers, whose trade to them will be finalized as soon as the Jets and Green Bay Packers agree on compensation. On Thursday, Hardman signed a one-year deal that can max out at $6.5 million. Is Ezekiel Elliott next? The former Dallas Cowboys running back is considering the Jets, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter — perhaps another sign that Rodgers eventually landing in New York has made them a free-agent destination.

«They're just intoxicated with Rodgers,» a longtime personnel executive said of the Jets' brass. «They've sold their soul now.»

Rodgers and Beckham haven't been teammates before, but they developed a long-distance friendship over the years. Speaking last fall to McAfee, Rodgers said «with a player like that, you're always hoping there's a time when you can figure things out and play together.»

Rodgers and the Packers showed interest in Beckham when he was released by the Cleveland Browns in the middle of