3 quarterbacks the Jets could target after Aaron Rodgers’ departure
Here are the three potential quarterbacks that the New York Jets should pursue to replace Aaron Rodgers.
Follow Us
Aaron Rodgers' time in New York is done (Image via Imago)
The New York Jets have stepped up and took a bold call to move on from four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. This comes after he played just one season with the team and led them to a 5-12 record despite having a talented defense and offense. Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was troublesome as friction occurred between him and the upper management.
Earlier today, the team made his exit official by posting a ‘Thank You’ message to the quarterback with his picture on their social media feed. With Aaron Rodgers‘ exit official, the question is who will be the next quarterback of the New York Jets?
The team has the 7th overall pick in the 2025 draft, a class that does not feature great options at quarterback. The NFL’s free agency QB market is no prize either with limited options. However, New York can land potentially game-changing quarterbacks who can put them in a better position than Aaron Rodgers did.
3. Matthew Stafford
The Los Angeles Rams are cleaning the house, including potentially trading quarterback Matthew Stafford. For new Jets HC Aaron Glenn, Stafford would be a great cultural fit as he talks less, focuses on getting the job done, and has a winner’s mentality.
Stafford would be a reliable option for the Jets to start at quarterback immediately. However, coming up with a trade deal good enough would be a challenge. It is unclear how badly the Rams want to get rid of Stafford, will they be content with a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, a player, and a future third-rounder or will they attempt to ask for more?
If the Jets get some interest in Stafford, they will go to any lengths to bring him on board. The team is looking for a breath of fresh air at quarterback and if they can land a veteran such as Matt Stafford, there is a good chance that they keep their offensive core, including Davante Adams, together.
2. Sam Darnold
New York treated him wrongly once, but this time, things can be different between Sam Darnold and the Jets. The quarterback is coming off a career-best 4,319 and 35-touchdown season playing for Minnesota. Darnold did this on a team with one star wide receiver. Now imagine how well he would fare on a stacked roster such as the Jets.
The Vikings are not rushing to sign him, which means that the team is considering their options and relying on rookie JJ McCarthy to come back and start. For Sam Darnold, the last thing he should do after such a good year is to go back to being the second option.
While his last tenure with the Jets was no smooth ride, this time things are different. A new head coach who is interested in changing the culture and a roster that has the talent but is missing a competent quarterback are reasons compelling enough for him to get on board.
1. Kirk Cousins
When Kirk Cousins signed his long-term extension with the Atlanta Falcons, nobody thought his being one-and-done was a possibility. The quarterback is itching for an opportunity to redeem himself and while his time with the Falcons was shortlived, he did have some moments.
Put Cousins in a better offensive situation with reliable wide receivers and watch him go to work. The Jets would be a good way for him to redeem himself and the team benefits because they get a quarterback who was a potential MVP candidate two seasons ago for a bargain.
However, if New York wants any of these quarterbacks to work out, they need to fix their offensive line. Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins are not going to overcome an average O-line. The team is likely to improve on through the draft. The Jets do not have a lot of options to pick their next quarterback, but the candidates that are out there are all underdogs who are eager to get an opportunity.
Stay Updated!
Sumedh Joshi
(2318 Articles Published)