Four touchdowns and 274 yards at 41 years old?
How could you ask for a better game than that to close out your career? Aaron Rodgers completed his first full season with the New York Jets, leading them to a 32-20 win against the Miami Dolphins.
Despite optimism for the season, the Jets finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, falling short of Vegas Insider’s projected win total of 9.5.
The Rodgers-led offense finished the year ranked 24th in the league. Unlike previous years in Green Bay, which had poor defenses, the Jets had a top-three defense but ranked 27th in offensive time of possession.
After recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Rodgers had his worst offensive production since 2015. As teams vie for the Super Bowl LIX title, Rodgers will watch from home for the 14th time since Super Bowl XLV, contemplating his future.
Return to the Jets
Rodgers is on the books with New York for 2025, and it appears they could retain most of their receiving room. However, Ian Rapoport has reported that Garrett Wilson could request a trade if Rodgers wants to return.
Wilson had close to half of Rodgers’ targets this season prior to the arrival of Davante Adams. Adams would then out-target Wilson for the remainder of the season by a margin of 47.
If Rodgers returns to New York, the Jets must prioritize offensive weapons in the draft or free agency. However, the future Hall of Fame QB, only led the team to five wins this season and seems to prefer throwing to the player from his former team.
What would happen if they drafted a top WR prospect in the University of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan? Would he throw to him?
The general manager and head coaching vacancies are another issue facing a return to the Jets. Signing players like Stefon Diggs or Tee Higgins in free agency seems unlikely. Additionally, Rodgers has (had) his pick for coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett, but what GM and head coach duo will retain Hackett and his resume?
Despite some holes, the Jets’ offensive roster still offers plenty for Aaron Rodgers to work with.
Who Else Would Want Aaron Rodgers?
The right decision for Rodgers would be to retire and ride off into the sunset.
The New York Jets trading for him in the first place was a complete gamble, but sometimes life is about taking a gamble. Should any team take a one-year flier, three stand out.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers face key offseason decisions with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hitting free agency.
Adding Rodgers could bring success, given Mike Tomlin’s undefeated streak of winning seasons. However, Rodgers would inherit an offense with a top receiver, George Pickens, who recently said “Nah” about offensive improvement after a loss to Baltimore. The Steelers would have a lot of work to do to land A-Rod, but Davante Adams would follow him anywhere!
Tennessee Titans
The AFC South, as it stands, is one of the softest divisions in the league. Jacksonville has a head coaching vacancy and another disappointing season. Indianapolis is bouncing between Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco as QB1. Will Levis and his arm are creating some of the funniest bloopers ever.
Rodgers joining a weak division might be his best opportunity to reach the postseason. The Titans, with Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, and the first overall pick, isn’t as farfetched of a landing spot as you might think. After all, the Titans have a knack for these signings. It would all be fitting as he would join the likes of other greats who joined the Tennessee roster at the very end of their careers, such as Randy Moss, Deandre Hopkins, Julio Jones, etc. We know how that went for them.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa has suffered a total of four concussions since 2019, with his last one leaving a gruesome scene on the field. Tua would return and play a chunk of this season but miss the playoffs. If the Dolphins want a bright future, taking a vet minimum on Rodgers wouldn’t be a terrible idea. It’s crazy, but…
Tua is on his rookie extension until 2028. He could take a year to basically give his head a “break” and learn from Rodgers. The future HOFer could help retain Tyreek Hill, and Rodgers would likely embrace targeting him.
With pass catchers Jaylen Waddle, Jonnu Smith and Mike McDaniel calling plays, Rodgers could thrive in Miami. The Fins ended the regular season with a top-five defense, but they will have to retain some of their players to compete at that level next season. Though Rodgers joining is unlikely, it offers his best offensive setup for winning.
In The End
It’s hard to imagine Rodgers in a third uniform, especially with how things progressed with the Jets.
It’s also difficult to understand his expectations should he take a shot at season No. 21. Is it just getting another year under the belt?
Is it playoffs? Super Bowl? Whatever it may be, according to Aaron Rodgers, it won’t be long before we know.
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