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 will 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 through which video games are routinely determined by eight factors or fewer, Rodgers’ current regression might 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 profitable pedigree, Rodgers might assist speed up the event of a playoff-ready crew if he absolutely buys into this system.”
Rodgers is just too massive a reputation to be a backup, so what groups may 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 decide within the 2024 NFL Draft, however he suffered a season-ending damage 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.
This can be a playoff-ready crew with an impressive head coach (Kevin O’Connell) and a celebrity large receiver (Justin Jefferson). The Vikings meet Brooks’ standards.
Minnesota might transfer on from Darnold, a pending free agent, and usher in Rodgers. In the meantime, McCarthy might 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 under his contract worth and acquired launched.
The Giants went 3-14 final season and began 4 completely 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 might mentor him till that participant is able to begin.
However the Statue of Liberty strolling throughout the Atlantic appears extra possible than Rodgers signing with the Giants, who’re removed from playoff rivalry.
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 by way of, Rodgers might be a stable possibility.
Rodgers would be part of a crew coming off a 10-7 season and a playoff berth. The tandem of HC Mike Tomlin and Rodgers might 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 great passing means (47.4% completion proportion in 2024). Rodgers might be 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 might be a vacation spot for Rodgers, however this looks as if an extended shot. Tennessee, 3-14 in 2024, is not near playoff rivalry.
