Aaron Rodgers will not be again with the New York Jets in 2025, the crew introduced earlier this week, opening the door for any crew to signal the four-time NFL MVP.
Rodgers cannot transfer like he used to within the pocket, however he may be an asset for a crew if he chooses to return for his twenty first NFL season. In 2024, the 41-year-old handed for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, two greater than Kansas Metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes.
Per Fox Sports’ NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, a former NFL participant: “Contemplating the significance of effectivity and ball safety in a league wherein video games are routinely determined by eight factors or fewer, Rodgers’ latest regression may make quarterback-needy groups hesitate so as to add the veteran (and his most popular playbook) to the lineup.”
However, Brooks added, “As a short-term rental with Tremendous Bowl expertise and a successful pedigree, Rodgers may assist speed up the event of a playoff-ready crew if he totally buys into this system.”
Rodgers is just too large a reputation to be a backup, so what groups is likely to be sooner or later Corridor of Famer as a starter?
Listed below are QB-needy groups that could be within the New York Jets castoff:
Minnesota Vikings | Probably
Minnesota chosen Michigan QB J.J McCarthy with the tenth choose within the 2024 NFL Draft, however he suffered a season-ending damage throughout the offseason. QB Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a stellar regular-season document (14-3) and postseason berth, however he underwhelmed in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff loss.
This can be a playoff-ready crew with an impressive head coach (Kevin O’Connell) and a famous person broad receiver (Justin Jefferson). The Vikings meet Brooks’ standards.
Minnesota may transfer on from Darnold, a pending free agent, and usher in Rodgers. In the meantime, McCarthy may sit behind one of many all-time nice QBs for a season till he’s prepared. Longtime Packers star Brett Favre performed for the Vikings. Why not Rodgers, one other former Inexperienced Bay nice?
New York Giants | Unlikely
The Giants have struggled immensely at QB since Eli Manning retired in 2019. Former Giants QB Daniel Jones had shining moments (2022 season playoff win vs. the Vikings) in New York, however he was principally inconsistent. In 2024, he performed far beneath his contract worth and acquired launched.
The Giants went 3-14 final season and began 4 totally different QBs. In consequence, New York has the No. 3 choose within the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Giants choose a QB within the first spherical, as anticipated, Rodgers may mentor him till that participant is able to begin.
However the Statue of Liberty strolling throughout the Atlantic appears extra seemingly than Rodgers signing with the Giants, who’re removed from playoff competition.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Probably
As of now, the Steelers should resolve between Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at beginning QB. Proprietor Artwork Rooney II prefers signing one of many two pending free-agent QBs within the offseason, per ESPN, but when that plan falls via, Rodgers could possibly be a stable choice.
Rodgers would be a part of a crew coming off a 10-7 season and a playoff berth. The tandem of HC Mike Tomlin and Rodgers may make noise in a aggressive AFC North, however ESPN Steelers beat author Brooke Pryor downplays this concept.
Rodgers is “a horrible presence within the locker room,” she said recently. “Each single time he talks, it is a sub-tweet at somebody.”
Indianapolis Colts | Unlikely
The Colts nonetheless have not crammed the void left by QB Andrew Luck since he retired abruptly in 2019. Since then, the Colts have trotted out QBs far previous their prime (Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers).
Indianapolis drafted Florida QB Anthony Richardson in 2023, however he hasn’t proven “face of the franchise” qualities or large passing means (47.4% completion share in 2024). Rodgers may be a part of the Colts, however would that hinder a possible Richardson leap in his third NFL season? And is Indianapolis (8-9 final season) playoff-ready?
Tennessee Titans | Unlikely
The Titans have the No.1 choose within the NFL Draft and desperately want a QB following one other disappointing season on the place from Will Levis, a second-round choose in 2023.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes recently said Tennessee could possibly be a vacation spot for Rodgers, however this looks like a protracted shot. Tennessee, 3-14 in 2024, is not near playoff competition.
