Jets Eyeing Modest Free Agent QB Addition?
Aaron Rodgers is no longer in the Jets’ plans, and the timing of his release will likely come at the start of the new league year. By the time the first wave of free agency is underway, more clarity will no doubt be in place regarding the team’s intentions under center. 
As expected, the team’s new decision-makers (GM Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn) informed Rodgers they will move in a different direction for 2025. That leaves the door open to another veteran being signed to compete for the starting gig. A draft investment is of course still on the table, with a trade up to the No. 1 slot being something to watch. More realistically, though, a modest signing on the free agent market looks to be in the team’s plans.
Both SNY’s Connor Hughes and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic (subscription required) write New York can be expected to pursue a middle-class option amongst the veteran quarterbacks set to be available in 2025. Former Jet Sam Darnold is the top name to watch at the position, but in terms of short-term investment options a number of other passers will be available. Pairing one of those with incumbent Tyrod Taylor would provide the Jets with a relatively stable floor in terms of QB play for next season.
Hughes and Rosenblatt both name Justin Fields and Carson Wentz as names to watch as it pertains to the Jets. The Steelers started Fields for the first six games of the 2024 campaign before benching him in favor of Russell Wilson. In spite of that decision, Pittsburgh is believed to prefer keeping the younger of the two signal-callers moving forward. If a reversal of that stance is to take place, the Jets will be one of the teams prepared to make Fields a strong offer on the open market.
Wentz’s last run as a starter came in 2022 with the Commanders. Since then, he has taken one-year backup deals with the Rams and Chiefs, making just five combined appearances in that span. The 32-year-old may welcome the chance to earn the staring gig on a pact with the Jets, but other destinations in a similar position will likely be available to him as well.
Hughes lists Marcus Mariota (who has been with four different teams in the past four years) as another potential target, while Rosenblatt adds that Kirk Cousins – should he be released by the Falcons – as a name to monitor. The latter could remain in place as Atlanta’s backup for 2025, something which would eliminate a notable option on the QB market. Taylor, meanwhile, has one year remaining on his pact and could boost his 2026 stock if he were to get the nod next season.
Adding a rookie at some point in April’s draft is something which is firmly receiving consideration by the Jets, per both reports. A move up to add Cam Ward would be quite pricey, but using Day 2 or 3 to add a developmental passer (not dissimilar to 2024 fifth-rounder Jordan Travis) would give the team another option for the future. With respect to the 2025 campaign, however, a major splash in free agency would come as a surprise at this point.
Giants, Jets Interested In Acquiring No. 1 Overall Pick
A report from last month pegged the Giants and Jets as teams that could be interested in swinging a deal with the Titans for the No. 1 overall pick. Several few weeks later, the buzz has not died down, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) reiterates the Giants are a team to watch when it comes to a deal for the top overall selection, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano (subscription required) confirms both the Giants and Jets have shown interest in a trade-up with Tennessee.
The Giants, of course, would have an easier time of making such a move, as they presently hold the No. 3 pick whereas their New Jersey-based brothers have the No. 7 pick. Big Blue is reportedly eyeing both a veteran QB and a rookie, and if the team is able to land both, the veteran passer would serve as a bridge to the younger signal-caller.
Recent reporting on the matter suggests Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders could be the Giants’ collegiate QB of choice, although Miami’s Cam Ward is said to be the consensus top option in an oft-maligned quarterback class. If GM Joe Schoen wants to assure himself of the opportunity to land the prospect of his choosing, then he would obviously need to make a deal with the Titans.
In the wake of Schoen’s failed pursuit of a Matthew Stafford trade, his club was linked to soon-to-be former Jets QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, however, is not viewed as the Giants’ preferred option among the veteran contingent of passers, and Graziano is skeptical that the team would actually go that route. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold would appear to be likelier choices in the event those players do not re-up with their current clubs before the start of the new league year.
Kirk Cousins profiles as a fit for both the Giants and Jets if he is released by the Falcons. Atlanta continues to insist it will keep Cousins as the most expensive backup quarterback in league history, but Graziano nonetheless believes the club will release him at some point soon. Still, Graziano’s ESPN colleague, Jeremy Fowler, says not every team official is convinced a release will happen. If the Falcons believe there is a chance a trade market will form, they will be willing to pay out the $10MM roster bonus Cousins is due on March 17 and continue to explore a trade.
Cousins would of course be much more appealing to other teams if he becomes a free agent, at which point he would likely sign for the veteran minimum while Atlanta pays out his $27.5MM salary for 2025. One would imagine the Jets and Giants would only be interested in Cousins as a free agent and not as a trade target.
Per Fowler, the Jets (like the Giants) would also have interest in Fields if he becomes available, though the Steelers seem as if they are pushing hard to keep their 2024 trade acquisition in the fold and reinstall him atop the depth chart. Regardless of where the Jets’ pursuit of an experienced QB takes them, a move from No. 7 to No. 1 to select a rookie passer or (in theory) a top non-QB talent like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter would certainly qualify as a bold strike for the rookie GM/HC combo of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn.
Jets Receiving Calls On Davante Adams
Davante Adams‘ time with the Jets is set to come to an end. Like any number of players set to depart their current teams in the near future, the All-Pro wideout faces the prospect of being released shortly.
Of course, a trade could also be worked out to avoid such a scenario. To little surprise, interest on that front is picking up as the start of free agency approaches. The Jets are receiving calls about Adams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
As part of their effort to make the Aaron Rodgers addition pay off, the Jets traded for the six-time Pro Bowler ahead of the 2024 deadline. That move allowed the former Packers teammates to reunite, and statistical success was found. Adams racked up 854 yards and seven touchdowns in just 11 games with New York, allowing him to top 1,000 yards overall for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.
As a result of his contract status, though, Adams was seen upon arrival as a rental. Two years remain on his pact, but none of his scheduled salaries are guaranteed. A release would thus lead to nearly $30MM in cap savings for the Jets with only $8.36MM in dead money being accrued. The Jets’ new decision-makers (general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn) are not the ones which acquired Adams, a factor which helps explain why a parting of ways is expected.
Rapoport confirms a release will take place if no trade partner is found. Adams is currently on track to carry a cap hit of $38.25MM in 2025, so a new arrangement will need to be worked out with an acquiring team if a swap is to take place. A Packers reunion has been floated as something the 32-year-old would welcome, and he has been connected to again playing with Rodgers as a member of the latter’s next team. The Jets are prepared to make Rodgers a post-June 1 cut, meaning he will not be a free agent until March 12. Adams could know his future before that point.
Especially if the Bengals use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, the free agent market at the receiver position will not feature many attractive options. The 2025 draft class, meanwhile, is not held in high regard compared to those of recent years. That could steer teams toward a trade in the hopes of upgrading their 2025 pass-catching corps. A deal on that front has already been arranged; the 49ers and Commanders agreed to a Deebo Samuel swap yesterday.
The Rams have informed Cooper Kupp they intend to trade him, so he represents another high-profile veteran teams could target this offseason. Adams faced concerns related to declining production before the deal which sent him from the Raiders to the Jets, but a market could still exist based on a lack of younger alternatives with as strong of a track record. Knowing a release is coming otherwise, it will be interesting to see if suitors prepare an offer of note for Adams.
The Jets are expected to release Allen Lazard as they move on from the Rodgers era. Adams will likewise be on the move soon, but a strong trade market could allow New York to recoup some draft capital for 2025.
Mutual Interest In Extension For Jets LB Jamien Sherwood
The Jets were expected to have a strong couple of linebackers with C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams leading the group in 2024 before Mosley got knocked out for most of the year as he dealt with a herniated disk in his neck. With Mosley out for an extended period, New York got a surprise strong contribution from fourth-year linebacker Jamien Sherwood, whose performance in a contract-year could pay big dividends, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. 
Despite signing an extension almost a year ago, Mosley is now expected to be released by the Jets sometime this offseason. Mosley’s extended absence in 2024 was the third time he had missed most of a season in New York since signing with the Jets in 2019. If the team moves on from Mosley, as expected, Sherwood’s career-year could have been a successful audition to replace Mosley for good.
Sherwood’s first three years in the league were relatively quiet. A torn Achilles tendon cut the fifth-round pick’s rookie season short after he started four of the first six games that year. Despite showing that starting potential, Sherwood didn’t make a single start in any of the 17 games he appeared in the following year. He returned to the starting lineup three times in 2023.
After entering the year slotted as a backup to Mosley once again, Sherwood ended up starting 16 of the team’s 17 games. While notching career highs in most statistics, Sherwood recorded an impressive 10 tackles for loss while leading the league in solo tackles (98) and tying for third in the league in total tackles (158).
The analytics were impressed with the 25-year-old, as well. After his first full season as a starter, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Sherwood as the league’s 18th-best linebacker. He’d had favorable analytics in 2022 and 2023, as well, but he didn’t log enough playing time to rank among the linebackers who did in those years.
With Sherwood’s rookie contract expiring, he’s bound for free agency, and after a career year, he’s well-positioned for a strong second contract. Rosenblatt said as much on the Flight Plan Podcast, claiming that Sherwood should expect “a pretty big contract for a linebacker.” Rosenblatt later added that he was hearing about interest from both sides in reaching a new deal with the Jets.
After only one strong season, it’s hard to imagine Sherwood coming out and making Roquan Smith, Fred Warner, or Tremaine Edmunds money. We’ve seen a few of the league’s more frequent tacklers (Zaire Franklin, Bobby Okereke, Foyesade Oluokun) all sign contracts around $10MM per year in recent years, so there’s a chance he lands in that range. The Jets know that he works in their system and have need with Mosley expected to be gone, so they may just be willing to make a new deal like that work for Sherwood.
Assessing Where QB Market Stands
This year’s veteran quarterback market consists of at least one Hall of Famer, possibly two. Although Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are no longer in their primes, each is expected to play in 2025. Kirk Cousins is also lingering as a potential option.
Sam Darnold, however, headlines this free agent class — one that features four of the five QBs chosen in the 2021 first round. Only Justin Fields qualifies as a starter-level option from that quintet, as Mac Jones, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance will not garner attention on that level this year. Daniel Jones also hovers as an interesting option, despite his rough 2023 and ’24 showings.
The trade market, which technically includes Cousins, also has introduced a big name. The Rams continue to dangle Matthew Stafford. Even if this is merely to pinpoint his value as the sides haggle over a new contract, a handful of teams — chiefly the Raiders and Giants — have entered the fray for the former Super Bowl winner. Here is where these markets stand at the Combine:
Making sense of Stafford saga
It has now been five days since it became known the Rams were letting Matthew Stafford speak with other teams. Rather than seeking another reworking, Stafford is gunning for a new contract — and to become the oldest member of the $50MM-AAV club since Rodgers, who was there for a season. No one tied to a long-term deal averaging north of $50MM is older than 31; Stafford will play an age-37 season in 2025.
He is partially at fault for this value discrepancy. After all, Stafford had left money on the table during his initial Rams negotiations in an effort to help the team around him. That led to Stafford signing for four years and $160MM; that matched the Dak Prescott terms — though with less player-friendly language — at the time. It now sits 15th at the position..
The Browns and Steelers were loosely tied to Stafford, but the Giants and Raiders have stepped to the forefront. It would make more sense, were Stafford angling to jump to a roster that could form a contender, for him to consider the AFC North teams. But it is not known if they made serious pushes. As it stands, Giants and Raiders teams respectively coming off 3-14 and 4-13 seasons are in pursuit. The Giants have met with Stafford’s camp and asked about the QB before last year’s deadline, as their Jones plan was imploding. But the Silver and Black have done far more to indicate they are serious.
No matter how it happened, Stafford and new Raiders power broker Tom Brady met in Montana to discuss a potential fit. The Raiders have since come close on contract parameters, though it is not believed trade terms are worked out. Neither the Giants nor Raiders are open to meeting the Rams’ first-rounder asking price, as the teams hold Nos. 3 and 6. A high second-rounder headlining the package, or a potential future first, would make more sense.
Like the 49ers did with Brandon Aiyuk, the Rams still have the final say. They can opt to pay Stafford his modest roster bonus ($4MM) and work out a deal to ensure continuity for a team that has mounted stiff playoff challenges over the past two years. (As of now, however, L.A. is balking at a $50MM-per-year number.) Otherwise, the Rams risk falling backward without a quarterback plan.
Rodgers-Rams link emerges; who else makes sense for 20-year vet?
If the Rams truly go to the edge with Stafford, a report has emerged depicting Rodgers as an interested observer. Rodgers has been tied to wanting to join the Rams and to take Davante Adams with him once again. Adams was mentioned as a potential Rams target before Rodgers was thrown into the mix. It would be interesting to see the Rams try a formula that did not work for the Jets, but Rodgers — albeit at 41 — would be a capable option for far less than Stafford.
Our late-December poll about Rodgers fits did not place the Steelers as a realistic destination. Ditto the Browns. Both teams would benefit from a high-profile placeholder, though the four-time MVP’s current form may not be worth the baggage that also now comes with him.
While the Jets may not have issued an ultimatum regarding Rodgers’ Pat McAfee Show appearances, they are believed to have discussed the matter — as Gang Green’s new regime quickly decided to move on. A Jets team that lacks a surefire route to acquiring a more talented QB in 2025 announcing it would move on from Rodgers so soon is rather telling.
The Giants have not been tied to Rodgers, despite their Stafford pursuit and the team having no QBs contracted presently. If the Titans were to trade down from No. 1 overall, a veteran bridge would be logical as well. Thus far, however, Rodgers connections beyond the Rams have not surfaced.
Steelers to make internal call?
Thus far, the Steelers have been tied to a Wilson-or-Fields decision. The team has entered talks with both players, as the longstanding organizational policy prevents in-season negotiations. Early rumors pointed to Fields having a better chance to come back than Wilson, and the fifth-year veteran is interested in staying — should he receive a legitimate chance to start. Considering the raise the Steelers would need to authorize to either keep Fields off the open market or outbid other curious teams, it would stand to reason any arrangement in which Fields stays in Pittsburgh would come with a good chance to start.
Fields has long believed to have support in the Steelers’ building, dating back to when he closed the gap on Wilson — long positioned as the favorite for the job during the 2024 offseason — leading to a late Mike Tomlin decision. Although Fields did not show much improvement from his Bears form as a passer while filling in for Wilson, the Tomlin call to give the veteran the job back was not unanimous.
After Wilson struggled down the stretch (albeit with a limited receiving corps), suddenly he has not been as closely linked to the Steelers (though, he has repeatedly stated he wants to stay). Wilson, 36, would be competing with Rodgers (and perhaps Cousins) as a high-profile stopgap were the Steelers to work out something with Fields.
The Giants have been loosely tied to Wilson, whom they hosted on a short visit last year. That could be a team to monitor if this Steelers situation breaks Fields’ way, but a Pete Carroll reunion in Vegas — if Stafford and/or the Rams balk about a divorce — has been floated as a possibility.
Will Falcons really keep Cousins as backup?
Terry Fontenot has twice indicated the Falcons are fine keeping Cousins as a backup. He would be the most expensive backup in NFL history, being on a four-year deal worth $180MM. That contract came with $90MM at signing, covering Cousins’ 2025 salary. The Falcons would also owe him $10MM more, in the form of a 2026 roster bonus that vests a year out, if he is still on the roster on Day 5 of the 2025 league year.
The team paying Cousins that bonus would be interesting, but this situation does differ a bit from the Broncos’ decision to cut Wilson, as they the AFC West club was protecting itself against his 2025 base salary becoming guaranteed. The Falcons already have to eat a $27.5MM base, regardless of how they proceed with the 14th-year vet, but they would have a faint hope of trading the Cousins contract. That makes Atlanta’s route interesting, as Fontenot is now 0-for-4 in playoff berths or .500 seasons as a GM. Michael Penix Jr. emerging as a solid starter would minimize the damage from the Cousins miss, but time would seem to be running out on a struggling decision-maker.
The Browns have been linked to Cousins, who played under Kevin Stefanski for two seasons in Minnesota. Considering the Browns’ Deshaun Watson mess extends through 2026, Cousins on a vet-minimum deal — what he would almost certainly be tied to due were the Falcons to cut him, due to offset language in his current contract — would seem rather enticing for Cleveland. Cleveland also has a direct path to either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, however. Cousins may be leery of finding himself in the same situation as 2024, but after a down season, the soon-to-be 37-year-old’s options will be limited.
The Vikings’ decision
In a more commanding position with Darnold than they were with Cousins in 2024, the Vikings could send the best free agent option to the market or hang onto him as either high-priced J.J. McCarthy insurance (via the franchise tag) or a trade asset (in a tag-and-trade move). Either way, this is a much better spot for Minnesota compared to last year, when its starter left and stuck the team with a $28.5MM dead money bill.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been cagey about his choice, but less than a week remains until the Vikings must decide on a tag. No tag by 3pm CT on March 4 would effectively send Darnold to free agency. This would be a better financial path for the rejuvenated passer, who played for $4.5MM in 2023 and $10MM in 2024. A host of QB-needy teams would pursue Darnold, ensuring plenty of guaranteed money will be available beyond Year 1. The Raiders were connected early, and other teams would be ready to enter the mix. Back in December, the Browns were mentioned as a party monitoring this situation
We have heard the Vikings being a bit leery of applying the tag, at more than $40MM, which could open the door to the team letting Darnold walk and huddling back up with Jones as a much cheaper McCarthy insurance option. Kevin O’Connell has spoken highly of Jones, who could be a Darnold-, Baker Mayfield– or Geno Smith-like rejuvenation candidate under the reigning Coach of the Year. Jones would be far less costly than Darnold. The six-year Giant would be a bridge candidate elsewhere, on a one-year deal, but he would naturally be interested in seeing how the Vikings handle the Darnold matter.
A rumor about McCarthy needing plenty of work included a GM predicting the Vikings tag Darnold to protect themselves; more Darnold tag rumors also surfaced before his struggles in Week 18 and in Round 1. Despite his late-season faceplant, the former No. 3 overall pick belatedly delivered on his USC hype under O’Connell. After Mayfield and Smith proved their resurgences were far from fluky, Darnold will be the unquestioned prize on this year’s market. The Vikings will, then, have the most important say in this year’s free agency.
Jets Talk Of Cutting Aaron Rodgers Preceded HC-GM Hires; Team Likely To Add Veteran QB
Aaron Glenn has done his best to distance himself from the previous regime’s Aaron Rodgers experiment, making it known he would not cater to the former MVP like the Joe Douglas–Robert Saleh duo did. Shortly after Glenn’s hire, the Jets announced Rodgers would be jettisoned.
This had been the expected course of action, though a report had circulated indicating the new Jets HC and Rodgers were potentially OK working together for another season. On that note, Bovada’s Josina Anderson notes internal talk about the team wanting to end the Rodgers partnership had started at least a week before the hires of Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. This comes after a host of reports of Johnson meddling and after the owner said he would leave the decision to Glenn and Mougey.
[RELATED: Reexamining Jets-Packers 2023 Rodgers Trade]
Such a push would point to ownership driving that point, and it would not be a surprise if Woody Johnson indeed made that clear. Reports of Johnson and Rodgers not getting along had surfaced months ago. They involved Nathaniel Hackett‘s position and bled into the 2024 season, when Johnson was believed to have called for Rodgers’ benching on multiple occasions. After a failed experiment, the Jets will be done with the declining (but still capable) veteran and moving into uncertain territory at quarterback.
As it became clear Glenn and Mougey would start fresh at quarterback, a report indicated the team discussed Rodgers’ appearances on the Pat McAfee Show. Those weekly segments generated regular headlines, some of which Jets brass had to address. In what turned out to be a Rodgers exit meeting, Mougey said (via ESPN’s Kimberley Martin) no ultimatum was issued to the polarizing quarterback regarding his off-field schedule. Rodgers also took heat for skipping Jets mandatory minicamp, forcing Saleh to declare it an unexcused absence, but Anderson adds Jets players largely did not care that he missed the June workouts. Nevertheless, Rodgers is gone after a 5-12 season. He is tentatively expected to play in 2025.
With Rodgers destined to become a post-June 1 cut — which means he be will off the roster on March 12, when the 2025 league year begins — the Jets still have Tyrod Taylor on the roster. Mougey praised Taylor, but it does not sound like the nomadic QB’s roster spot is secure, as the new front office boss pegged it at too early to determine that component. The Jets have Taylor tied to a $6MM 2025 base salary. Due to void years being on Taylor’s deal, the team would be tagged with $5.7MM in dead money if it releases him. Still, the Jets should be expected to add a veteran soon, per ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini.
A report earlier this month indicated the Jets could pair a veteran passer with a rookie. Holding the No. 7 pick in a draft that both features a few QB-needy teams above them and a short supply of QB prospects, the Jets are not in a great place to add an heir apparent.
Barring an unlikely Sam Darnold return, the team also is moving on from probably the most talented option in Rodgers. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, depending on how the Steelers proceed before March 10, could be in play. Ditto Kirk Cousins, whom the team aggressive pursued during his 2018 free agency. Bridge types like Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Garoppolo, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston will be available as well.
It would seem likely the Jets will have a less talented quarterback than Rodgers leading their depth chart in 2025. While the organization may need a multiyear plan here, it will be interesting to see how the Glenn-Mougey regime picks up the pieces ahead of this coming season.
Aaron Rodgers Eyeing Rams, Aiming To Continue Playing With Davante Adams?
Set to be released from his Jets contract soon, Aaron Rodgers must wait until March 12 before becoming a free agent. Because the Jets are planning to designate him as a post-June 1 cut, no official release can take place until the start of the 2025 league year. In the meantime, however, the future Hall of Fame quarterback can survey the landscape.
One place that would understandably generate interest: Los Angeles. Rodgers indeed is believed to be eyeing a Rams fit, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard. This is contingent upon the Rams following through with a Matthew Stafford trade. While Stafford and the Rams look to find a solution on his contract, a handful of teams have come up as destinations for the 37-year-old passer.
[RELATED: Reexamining Jets-Packers’ 2023 Rodgers Trade]
Rodgers is now 41 and not in the same form Stafford is. That said, he still played 17 games for the Jets and finished with 28 touchdown passes compared to 11 interceptions (albeit at just 6.7 yards per attempt). The former Packers superstar has not closely reminded fans of his MVP form, but he would be an upgrade for teams in need at the position. While teams like the Steelers, Browns and Raiders would come to mind as potential fits — particularly Pittsburgh and Cleveland due to the AFC North teams’ roster talent — the Rams have presented an optimal fit for quarterbacks since Sean McVay arrived in 2017.
Rodgers led the way to the Jets acquiring several of his ex-Green Bay teammates, with OC Nathaniel Hackett also owing his status in New York to his former Packers pupil. If Rodgers commits to playing a 21st season (a direction he is leaning), Leonard writes he would want to bring Davante Adams with him once again. The Jets gave up a third-round pick for Adams, and while that did not reignite last season’s edition, the former All-Pro did outperform Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins; he just did so for a 5-12 team.
The four-time MVP has a home in Los Angeles, and Adams has been tied to seeking a West Coast fit. The Rams came up as a potential destination, adding some intrigue here. It is not certain the Rams would want Rodgers, who does bring some baggage at this point in his career. A scenario in which the Rams move off Stafford and add Rodgers on the cheap could appeal to the NFC West club, but counting on a 40-something passer who suffered an Achilles tear in September 2023 would not be for everyone. If the Rams do pull the trigger on moving Stafford, though, they would obviously want a path to a starter-caliber quarterback to help sustain their playoff status.
Jets GM Darren Mougey did not indicate which way the team was leaning with Adams, only saying he is still at Jet at this time. But the team will not pay the accomplished wideout a $35.6MM base salary. The Jets are expected to move on soon, and they would not need to wait until June 1 with Adams. Cutting the 32-year-old performer would save the team $29.9MM.
The Rams signing off on the same Rodgers-Adams package the Jets are jettisoning would be interesting, given the team’s status as a perennial (save for an injury-ravaged 2022 season) contender. After all, the team is preparing to move on from its own 30-something receiver — Cooper Kupp. But it would appear Rodgers is closely monitoring the Stafford situation just in case the Rams would be interested in being his third NFL employer.
Re-Examining Jets’ Aaron Rodgers Addition
When the Jets traded for Aaron Rodgers, the move was known to be a short-term acquisition. Still, the future Hall of Famer’s abbreviated tenure in New York took a form neither he nor the team anticipated and both sides are now moving on. 
In the spring of 2023, the Jets faced the task of once again attempting to find a feasible solution at the quarterback spot. The Sam Darnold selection (third overall, 2018) did not work out as planned, and the decision to trade him to the Panthers after three seasons as a starter signaled another reset at the position. Zach Wilson (second overall, 2021) underwhelmed during his first two years atop the depth chart and was ultimately traded away like three of the other passers taken on Day 1 from his draft class.
After inheriting Darnold, general manager Joe Douglas was tasked with moving on and finding a suitable replacement. The Wilson selection did not meet that goal, and in 2023 adding an established signal-caller represented an obvious priority. A roster featuring former Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year (Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner) on their initial contracts offered intriguing potential with stable quarterback play. With a Rodgers-Packers separation on the table, the possibility of a trade increased.
Rodgers made public his desire to continue his decorated career with the Jets, and a swap was ultimately worked out in April. Two of his four career MVP awards came in the 2020s, so expectations were high upon arrival in New York for a stretch atop the depth chart with Wilson serving as an understudy. That plan was of course altered right away as a result of Rodgers’ Achilles tear four snaps into his Jets debut. Wilson and Co. struggled on offense en route to a 7-10 record.
By the time Rodgers was back on the field, Wilson had been dealt to the Broncos while Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett remained in place after receiving a mulligan from ownership. Issues on offense persisted early in 2024, however, and in the midst of what became a five-game losing streak Saleh was fired. That move was accompanied by Hackett (who worked with Rodgers in Green Bay and was added to the staff not long before the trade was made) being demoted, something Saleh contemplated during the offseason.
While Rodgers managed to remain in the lineup for all 17 games, the staff changes and even the trade acquisition of longtime Packers teammate Davante Adams did not produce the desired results. After dismissing Douglas midway through the campaign, signs pointed to the Jets moving in a new direction once again this offseason. The new regime led by Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn will now take on the renewed task of finding a short- and long-term solution under center.
As that process unfolds, a look back on the price paid to add Rodgers reveals the extent of the commitment the Jets made in acquiring him. Here is the final breakdown of the trade with Green Bay which resulted in his New York arrival:
Jets received:
- Rodgers
- No. 15 pick in 2023 draft (used on DE Will McDonald)
- No. 170 pick in 2023 (subsequently traded for the selections used on S Jarrick Bernard-Converse and TE Zack Kuntz)
Packers received:
- No. 13 pick in 2023 draft (used on OLB Lukas Van Ness)
- No. 42 pick in 2023 (used on TE Luke Musgrave)
- No. 207 pick in 2023 (used on K Anders Carlson)
- No. 41 pick in 2024 (subsequently traded for the selection used on LB Edgerrin Cooper along with a collection of other Day 3 picks)
McDonald certainly enjoyed a much more productive Year 2 than Van Ness, but Cooper’s potential shown late in his rookie campaign in particular has him on track to operate as a key Packers defender for the foreseeable future. From Green Bay’s perspective, of course, the Rodgers swap also allowed the team to move out the remainder of his contract and marked the beginning of the full-fledged commitment to Jordan Love at quarterback.
Rodgers accepted a considerable pay cut upon arrival with the Jets, agreeing to a new pact which took into account his intention of playing at least two years for his new team. Even with that move, he would up collecting $75.05MM for his pair of campaigns in New York. The Jets’ decision to move forward with a release will likely take the form of a post-June 1 cut, something which will generate a dead cap charge of $49MM spread across 2025 and ’26.
Of course, the Rodgers experiment also brought with it the acquisition cost for several of his former Packers teammates. That included the free agent signings of Allen Lazard (four years, $44MM) and Randall Cobb (one year, $3MM) in 2023. The latter retired after his one-and-done Jets campaign, while the former did not produce as expected even when Rodgers was healthy. A Lazard release is expected in the near future, and if the move does not carry a post-June 1 designation New York’s $6.63M in savings will essentially be balanced out by the dead money charge of $6.55MM.
As for Adams, the trade which brought him from the Raiders to the Jets cost a third-round pick (since the conditions required to upgrade it to a second-rounder were not met). The six-time Pro Bowler averaged over 77 receiving yards per contest and scored seven touchdowns in 11 games with New York, but with Rodgers on the way out he is likely to be cut. Moving on from Adams will create considerable savings for the Jets, but doing so before the start of the new league year will nevertheless generate $8.36MM in dead money.
While it is true the Jets would have made other additions at the receiver spot without Rodgers in place over the past two years, the team’s 2023 and ‘24 aggressiveness proved to be quite costly. Counting the Day 1 and 3 selections used in his trade as a wash while adding in the money and cap commitments also made to the Cobb-Lazard-Adams trio (plus the pick used to acquire the latter), the final tally stands at two second-rounders, one third-round selection, roughly $111MM in cash and nearly $64MM in dead money across the next two years. In all, the Jets went 12-22 in the Rodgers era.
In the wake of his split with the team’s new regime, it has been learned Rodgers still has the door open to continuing his career in 2025. Regardless of what happens on that front, it is clear Mougey and Glenn will hope to have better success at the quarterback spot than their predecessors.
Aaron Rodgers Has “Tentative Intention” Of Playing In 2025
The Jets unofficially ended their brief Aaron Rodgers era last week, with the team (and new leadership) announcing they’d go in a different direction at the position in 2025. Even before the Jets publicly announced the divorce, there were some questions surrounding the future Hall of Famer’s playing status. For what it’s worth, the Jets were left with the impression that Rodgers intends to play next season.
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Rodgers told general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn that “it was his tentative intention” to continue playing in 2025. Jets leadership was also left with the impression that Rodgers wanted to handle some “unfinished business.”
There were high hopes in New York as Rodgers returned from his Achilles injury from 2024. We’re all plenty familiar with what happened next. Robert Saleh was the first scapegoat in a season that eventually ended with a 5-12 record, but the veteran QB was also plenty to blame, as Rodgers finished the year with one of the worst completion percentages (63.0) and passing success rates (43.9) of his career.
For what it’s worth, Breer notes that Rodgers showed plenty of self-awareness during his postseason meeting with Jets leadership, with the veteran understanding that the organization may want to go in a different direction at the position. On the flip side, the Jets still believe that Rodgers has something left in the tank, and the team’s decision to move on was more about differing timelines than a lack of confidence in the player.
While Rodgers will likely be a post-June 1 cut, the Jets are expected to allow the quarterback and his representation to speak to interested teams before he officially hits free agency. Considering his age, underwhelming 2024 production, and the circus that would inevitably surround his acquisition, it’s uncertain if Rodgers will have a long list of suitors waiting for him. The veteran will also surely be looking for a team that wants to win now, so it will certainly take a unique pairing.
Assuming Rodgers does end up playing, he’ll have an opportunity to continue climbing the all-time leader boards. Rodgers sits seventh in passing yards but could easily jump to fifth (ahead of Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers) with a healthy 2025 campaign. Rodgers could also easily pass Brett Favre for fourth on the all-time touchdowns list, and a return to his old form could have him approaching Peyton Manning‘s third-place spot.
Before Rodgers’ can focus on the all-time lists, he’ll need to find a new home. Considering his long track record, there will surely be at least one team that’s willing to take a chance on the former MVP.
Jets Likely To Release Allen Lazard; Garrett Wilson’s Future Less In Doubt?
The Jets are officially set to part ways with Aaron Rodgers. To little surprise, that decision is expected to also include the departure of wideout Davante Adams after his brief Rodgers reunion at the end of the 2024 campaign. 
Acquiring Adams was one of many moves the Jets made aimed at providing Rodgers with former Packers teammates; one of the others was the free agent addition of Allen Lazard. That four-year, $44MM investment did not pay of as expected, and the decision to release Rodgers could very well see Lazard cut as well. ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes Lazard (along with Adams) will “probably” be released in the near future.
Such a move from the new regime of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn would not come as a surprise. Lazard came to New York with high expectations after his final Packers campaign saw him post career-highs in receptions (60) and yards (788). In 2023, though, the 29-year-old’s production saw a steep decline. A full season from Rodgers this past year brought about a return to an extent of Lazard’s impact (including six receiving touchdowns), but on the whole his tenure has not gone as planned.
Lazard is owed a non-guaranteed base salary of $11MM in 2025 and ’26; releasing him before June 1 would essentially create an even split between cap savings and dead money. Taking the post-June 1 route – as the team will likely do in Rodgers’ case -would give the Jets $11MM in savings against a small dead cap charge, but those funds would not be freed up until June 2. Parting ways with Adams and Lazard would leave receiver as a position of focus this offseason, but Garrett Wilson‘s future with the organization may become less of a talking point moving forward.
The latter was connected to a potential trade request late in the season, with perceived tension with Rodgers and competition for targets from Adams seen as key reasons. With Wilson set to no longer have Rodgers as a teammate or (presumably) Adams vying for the top spot on the WR depth chart, though, Cimini notes that Wilson is likely to be more amenable to making a long-term Jets commitment. The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason, and his production given the level of quarterback play New York has had over his three-year career could put him line for a major raise.
Wilson, 24, has topped 1,000 yards in each of his Jets campaigns. He will be expected to remain a focal point of New York’s passing attack through at least 2026, since the team will no doubt exercise his $16.63MM fifth-year option this spring provided no trade request emerges over the coming weeks. A long-term accord would check in at a much higher price tag given the upward trend in the receiver market over the past few years. Questions about the Ohio State product’s willingness to remain with the Jets will no doubt linger until such a pact is worked out, but if the new decision-makers start over on offense Wilson will remain a central figure for the unit.