Jets Eyeing Draft for Potential Successor to Rodgers
One of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season has been the New York Jets. Entering the season with tremendous hype, some considered them legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Now, sitting at 3-10 through 13 weeks, the Jets are far from being anywhere close to contention. Adding to the turbulence, head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were fired mid-season, setting the stage for an offseason of dramatic change for the franchise. Among the many issues to address, the quarterback position is expected to be a focal point, according to recent reports. Rumors have circulated for some time that Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in New York may be coming to an end after this season, whether through retirement or other means.
The bigger question is where the Jets will find his replacement. With multiple veteran bridge quarterbacks expected to hit the market, speculation has grown about which options might suit the boys in green next season. Names like Jameis Winston and Daniel Jones have been widely discussed, along with the possibility of another run with Rodgers. However, recent reports suggest the franchise may be looking to draft a quarterback in this year’s draft, potentially signaling the end of the Rodgers era.
While drafting a quarterback appears sound on paper, there are challenges to this approach. This year’s draft class is widely regarded as weaker overall, with limited depth at the quarterback position. Despite only having three wins on the season, the Jets currently hold the seventh overall pick in the draft. Teams like the Raiders, Giants, and Titans are ahead of them in the draft order and are almost certain to target quarterbacks with their selections.
As it stands, the Jets may be left with prospects like Carson Beck, Jalen Milroe, or Quinn Ewers. Top quarterbacks such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are almost unanimously expected to be the first two quarterbacks taken. While the draft order could still shift in the coming weeks, the Jets’ current position complicates their chances of landing a top-tier prospect.
Ultimately, one truth is hard to escape: the Aaron Rodgers experiment has been a complete failure. It’s disheartening to reflect on the promise that surrounded the team entering this season, with Rodgers leading the charge in the season opener. In the blink of an eye, optimism turned into crushing disappointment when Rodgers suffered his injury. While no one is directly to blame, the shadow of that moment has loomed large over the franchise ever since.
The months following this season will be critical. How Jets ownership navigates the quarterback dilemma and broader organizational issues will shape the next generation of Jets football—for better or worse.