Gang Green Nation
Finding a long-term solution is tough. Replacing what Rodgers did is easy.
It sounds like the Jets will be moving forward without Aaron Rodgers. There are a number of reasons this makes sense. The salary cap implications are significant here. The same goes for the symbolism of turning the page from a failed era and giving Aaron Glenn a chance to change the team’s culture.
Still, I hear the same arguments for bringing Rodgers back over and over. “If it’s just about performance, Rodgers is the best option.” “You won’t find a quarterback who will deliver more wins.” “There isn’t anybody out there who will produce at a higher level.”
These statements are striking to me because it’s tough to find the evidence that supports them.
Russell Wilson is about to hit free agency. Many Steelers fans do not want him back after the season he just had. It was by most standards an underwhelming season. Let’s take a look at how he statistically compared with Rodgers in 2024.
Those numbers look pretty similar to me. Again, Wilson will be readily available.
Another quarterback who will be available is Kirk Cousins. Cousins’ performance was so shaky in 2024 that he was benched. The Falcons will almost certainly release him this offseason, even though it means paying him a lot of guaranteed money to go somewhere else.
Let’s compare his output with Rodgers.
Rodgers has Cousins beat on touchdowns and interceptions. Cousins bests Rodgers in the overall efficiency numbers. Their passer ratings and QBRs suggest the two balance each other out. Let’s say these guys are roughly equals. Cousins will be available for the league minimum this offseason because Atlanta will be paying his salary.
Now this is not me saying I want the Jets to sign Russell Wilson or Kirk Cousins. They clearly aren’t great options. But somewhere along the way it got lost that Aaron Rodgers is a similarly underwhelming option and one with a $37.5 million pricetag.
Yes, chemistry comes into play. Yes, the idea of a fresh start is a factor.
There is another reality. Aaron Rodgers just isn’t a high level quarterback at this point. His play is comparable with other declining and underwhelming veterans who will be readily available.
And yes, this is a positive for the 2025 Jets. A lot of analyst have baked into their assumptions that the team will be downgrading at quarterback. The reality is the Jets won’t have a very difficult time finding somebody who can replicate the 2024 Rodgers season. Hopefully they can find somebody who can be better, which isn’t as heavy of a lift as a lot of people would lead you to believe.
