Aaron Rodgers finds himself an ally in the form of former NFL MVP Cam Newton. He weighed in on the New York Jets’ quarterback conundrum, and his advice is clear: don’t trade up for Colorado Buffaloes sensation Shedeur Sanders. The Jets suffered a disastrous season, firing head coach Robert Saleh mid-season amid Rodgers’ inconsistency on the field.
Cam Newton Confident in Aaron Rodgers’ Ability To Lead Jets to Success
Newton believes Rodgers still has what it takes to lead the team if they play their cards right. Speaking on “First Take,” Newton stated the risk of pursuing a rookie QB like Sanders.
“Success won’t be guaranteed,” he warned, noting the steep price New York would pay in NFL Draft capital to move into a position to select the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last season.
Newton said, “There are no can’t-miss quarterbacks in this draft outside of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. They’re not gonna be there when you draft. That puts the onus on now what do we do. Do we trade our picks to trade up? I don’t think either one of those quarterbacks warrant that attention. Now you build on what you already have.”
Shedeur is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many franchises are looking to secure his services to solve their respective QB issues. However, Newton argued that the Jets would be better off sticking with Rodgers and using their assets to strengthen other areas, particularly on defense.
“I think Aaron Rodgers still has MVP-caliber football in him,” Newton said. “Why? Because every single MVP quarterback has this one thing that they get from the opposing sector: opportunity from their defense. You give any quarterback enough opportunities, and they’re going to put up points.”
"I think Aaron Rodgers still has MVP-caliber football in him." 👀
—@CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/PgiMSx4DF7
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 23, 2025
Rodgers’ numbers in 2023 were far from MVP-level, though. He ranked 27th in EPA per dropback and 29th in third-down conversions. However, Newton sees potential for a resurgence under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Aaron Glenn, who has been credited with transforming the Detroit Lions’ defense.
“The only time the Jets had a postseason run was with Rex Ryan, and Glenn can bring that same grit back,” Newton stated.
Sanders, meanwhile, is a tantalizing prospect for the Jets. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders had a 74.0% completion rate and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. Scouts rave about his ability to deliver strikes into tight windows and his natural pocket composure. However, Newton is not big on banking on a rookie QB in a franchise desperately seeking stability.
The Jets’ offseason is already shaping up to be dramatic, with Rodgers’ massive $49 million dead cap hit complicating their options. As far as Newton is concerned, trading up for Sanders might excite fans, but it could come at a cost the team isn’t ready to bear.
