The New York Jets’ acquisition of Aaron Rodgers was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle for a team looking to break through into playoff contention after years of mediocrity. The hope was that the future Hall of Famer, fresh off several MVP awards with the Green Bay Packers, would help elevate a promising roster and lead the Jets to a Super Bowl. However, after just one season, that plan seems to have unraveled. Now, with the Jets reportedly preparing for a “reset year” at quarterback, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for Aaron Rodgers, and how will the Jets handle his departure?
In this article, we dive into the latest rumors surrounding the Jets’ approach to Aaron Rodgers’ exit, the potential landing spots for the quarterback, and what the Jets’ future at the quarterback position might look like.
The Jets’ Approach to Aaron Rodgers’ Departure
Aaron Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets has been filled with ups and downs. The excitement surrounding his arrival quickly turned to frustration, as injuries and inconsistent play marred the team’s performance. Rodgers’ struggles were compounded by the Jets’ inability to field a consistent offense, despite boasting one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL.
Now, with the team failing to meet expectations, it appears the Jets are ready to move on from Rodgers. According to multiple sources, the Jets’ front office is eyeing a “reset year” at the quarterback position, meaning they are looking to overhaul the quarterback situation and focus on long-term stability rather than trying to make a quick fix.
The Jets’ decision to part ways with Rodgers is likely driven by a few key factors:
1. Injuries and Inconsistent Play
Rodgers’ 2024 season was hampered by injuries, and when he did return, he wasn’t able to perform at the level the Jets had hoped for. His play did not live up to his four MVP awards, and the Jets’ offense remained inconsistent throughout the season. While the defense kept the team in games, Rodgers was unable to deliver the kind of performance needed to push them into playoff contention.
2. Financial Considerations
Rodgers’ contract is a significant financial commitment for the Jets, and with the team in need of cap space to strengthen other areas of the roster, moving on from the veteran quarterback seems like a prudent move. The Jets could free up substantial salary cap space by parting ways with Rodgers, which would allow them to address other key positions, such as the offensive line, wide receiver, and running back, which could help their next quarterback succeed.
3. Team Development and Long-Term Plans
The Jets are now at a crossroads in terms of team development. They have a strong defense and several pieces on offense that could make them competitive in the future. However, they need stability at quarterback to reach their full potential. A reset year gives them the opportunity to draft a young quarterback or sign a stopgap veteran while they build for the long-term.
What’s Next for Aaron Rodgers?
As the Jets prepare for life after Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback himself is now facing questions about his future in the NFL. At 41 years old, Rodgers still has a few years left in him, but he is no longer in his prime. With that said, there are still several teams that would be interested in acquiring Rodgers’ services for a Super Bowl push, especially if they are in need of a veteran presence under center.
Rodgers has always been a player who thrives on a chip on his shoulder, and the idea of moving to a new team might reinvigorate him. Here’s a look at some potential landing spots for the future Hall of Famer:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
One team that could make sense for Rodgers is the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have been in a state of flux at quarterback, moving on from Derek Carr and seeking a more stable option. With the Raiders in a rebuilding phase, they might look to bring in a veteran like Rodgers to serve as a bridge to a future young quarterback or to make one last push for a championship.
Moreover, Rodgers has a unique connection to the Raiders through Tom Brady, who holds a minority ownership stake in the franchise. While Brady’s involvement in team operations is limited, his influence could be a selling point for Rodgers. The two quarterbacks have long been compared to each other, and the opportunity to play for a team with a connection to Brady might appeal to Rodgers’ competitive nature.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Another team that could be a fit for Rodgers is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have a solid defense, a capable offensive line, and a history of success, making them a contender even without elite quarterback play. Pittsburgh could look to Rodgers as a one- or two-year solution to guide them through their playoff window.
Rodgers would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to a team that has been searching for its next franchise quarterback after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers would likely welcome Rodgers with open arms, given his proven ability to lead teams to deep playoff runs. Additionally, the Steelers’ stable coaching staff and organization would give Rodgers a good opportunity to succeed in his final years in the league.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are in a similar situation to the Jets: they have a solid defense and a young roster but need a reliable quarterback to take them to the next level. The Colts have been searching for a franchise quarterback ever since Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement, and while they’ve tried different veterans, none have worked out.
Rodgers could fit in with the Colts, who could benefit from a one- or two-year window with an experienced signal-caller. The Colts also have a solid offensive line, which would provide Rodgers with the protection he needs to thrive. With a strong defense and some good offensive weapons, the Colts could be a good landing spot for Rodgers as he looks to end his career on a high note.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are another team that could be in the mix for Rodgers, especially given his ties to the Bay Area. Rodgers grew up as a 49ers fan, and the team has long been rumored to be a good fit for the veteran quarterback. The 49ers have one of the best rosters in the NFL, and they’ve been on the verge of a Super Bowl championship in recent years. If the 49ers find themselves in need of a quarterback, Rodgers would be an ideal addition.
Rodgers would instantly upgrade the 49ers’ quarterback position and could be the missing piece to help them finally get over the hump. The 49ers also have a stable coaching staff in Kyle Shanahan, who would know how to get the most out of Rodgers’ skill set.
5. New York Giants (A Possible Revenge Narrative)
While this may seem unlikely given the rivalry between the Jets and Giants, the possibility of Rodgers joining the Giants would add an intriguing twist to the drama. Rodgers has always been motivated by challenges, and the chance to play for the Giants across the city from the Jets could provide him with that.
The Giants have a solid roster, with a strong defense and a rising star in running back Saquon Barkley. Quarterback Daniel Jones has shown flashes but has been inconsistent. The Giants could consider bringing in Rodgers to help stabilize the quarterback position and potentially make a deep playoff run. The idea of “revenge” against the Jets for giving up on him could add another layer of intrigue to the move.
The Jets’ Approach Moving Forward
With Rodgers likely on his way out, the Jets now find themselves in the market for a new quarterback. The idea of a “reset year” at the position means that the Jets are looking for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. They may opt to develop a young quarterback through the draft or sign a stopgap veteran who can provide stability while they groom their next franchise quarterback.
The Jets hold the 7th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which gives them a good position to select a quarterback. Players like Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina are expected to be top picks, and the Jets could look to move up in the draft to secure one of them. Alternatively, they may opt for a veteran quarterback in free agency to fill the gap while they continue to build their roster.
In addition to the quarterback position, the Jets will likely focus on improving their offensive line and adding more weapons on offense to help their next quarterback succeed. While the team’s defense is one of the best in the league, the offense has been holding them back, and addressing that will be critical moving forward.