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 might 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’ current regression may make quarterback-needy groups hesitate so as to add the veteran (and his most well-liked 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 absolutely buys into this system.”
Rodgers is simply too massive a reputation to be a backup, so what groups may be sooner or later Corridor of Famer as a starter?
Listed here are QB-needy groups that could be within the New York Jets castoff:
Minnesota Vikings | Possible
Minnesota chosen Michigan QB J.J McCarthy with the tenth decide within the 2024 NFL Draft, however he suffered a season-ending harm through the offseason. QB Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a stellar regular-season file (14-3) and postseason berth, however he underwhelmed in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff loss.
It is a playoff-ready crew with an excellent head coach (Kevin O’Connell) and a celebrity large receiver (Justin Jefferson). The Vikings meet Brooks’ standards.
Minnesota may transfer on from Darnold, a pending free agent, and herald 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 largely inconsistent. In 2024, he performed far beneath his contract worth and obtained launched.
The Giants went 3-14 final season and began 4 totally different QBs. Consequently, New York has the No. 3 decide 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 doubtless than Rodgers signing with the Giants, who’re removed from playoff competition.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Possible
As of now, the Steelers should determine 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 by way of, Rodgers could possibly be a stable possibility.
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 the thought of Pittsburgh signing Rodgers.
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 passing skill (47.4% completion proportion 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 decide within the NFL Draft and desperately want a QB following one other disappointing season on the place from Will Levis, a second-round decide in 2023.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes recently said Tennessee could possibly be a vacation spot for Rodgers, however this looks like an extended shot. Tennessee, 3-14 in 2024, is not near playoff competition.
