The New York Jets entered the 2024 season as one of the NFL’s most hyped teams. They went all in to end the league’s longest active playoff drought, with Aaron Rodgers returning from a torn Achilles and former teammate Davante Adams joining via an early-season trade.
But after a 5-12 collapse that featured inconsistent offensive production, the Rodgers era is over for the Jets. Where could the four-time MVP land next?
Aaron Rodgers’ 2024 Season
Rodgers finished 21st in PFSN’s QB+ metric with a 72.2 (C-) grade. He posted a -0.02 EPA per dropback (27th), ranked 36th from a clean pocket (0.07 EPA per dropback), and converted just 33.5% of third downs (29th). His 6.2 net yards per attempt ranked 30th, despite benefiting from 5.8 yards after catch per completion, which ranked ninth last season.
These numbers were actually an improvement over his last full season in 2022 with the Green Bay Packers, where he graded out at 68.0 (D+).
Beyond the QB+ numbers, Rodgers had a 2.5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his third-worst figure in 16 seasons as a starter — behind only the 2022 and 2008 seasons. His 4.8% touchdown rate was also his third-lowest as a starter.
Rodgers averaged just 0.07 EPA per dropback from clean pockets, ranking 35th out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks, ahead of only Will Levis. Part of the issue was Rodgers’ hesitancy to hold the ball, as he posted the sixth-fastest average time to throw in 2024 (2.59 seconds).
Despite these struggles, the Super Bowl champion still finished the season with 3,897 passing yards (eighth in the league), 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
4 Landing Spots for Rodgers
Before diving into potential suitors, Rodgers’ contract situation must be considered. Here are the financial implications of a release or trade:
- $23.5 million cap hit for 2025 as currently scheduled.
- If cut or traded before his option bonus is paid, he’ll count for $49 million in dead money on the Jets’ cap.
- The acquiring team would inherit a $9.5 million cap number this year but pay $37.5 million in cash. The contract would void in 2026, leaving $28 million in dead money.
With those numbers in mind, where could Rodgers land this offseason?
New York Giants
The New York Giants have a clear quarterback need but hold the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft. If Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are selected by the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, New York could be left without a top-tier rookie option.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen could be motivated to swing for a veteran instead of waiting for a young quarterback to develop. Owner John Mara made it clear after the season that both are on thin ice, meaning they might opt for a win-now move.
Even if the Giants land a rookie, Rodgers could serve as a bridge quarterback for one season before handing over the reins.
The Giants have been heavily linked to Rodgers and have reportedly held discussions with the 41-year-old veteran.
Minnesota Vikings
Could Rodgers follow in Brett Favre’s footsteps? Favre spent over a decade with the Packers, won a Super Bowl, then played one season with the Jets before finishing his career with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have yet to decide on Sam Darnold, but speculation suggests they won’t re-sign him. Meanwhile, former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is expected to return to practice this spring after suffering a meniscus tear last preseason. Rodgers could serve as a mentor while helping Minnesota push for the playoffs.
There’s precedent for an aging veteran thriving in Minnesota after struggling in New York. Favre had an All-Pro season, leading the Vikings to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Would the Vikings’ front office take the same approach? If they prefer to let McCarthy sit another year, Rodgers’ experience mentoring Jordan Love in Green Bay could be an added benefit.
Seattle Seahawks
Less than 72 hours before the start of free agency, the Seattle Seahawks shook up the quarterback market by trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick, creating an opening under center.
Seattle currently has Sam Howell and Jaren Hall in the quarterback room, but neither is expected to start. With the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, their chances of landing a top quarterback are slim.
That could pave the way for Rodgers. Working with an offensive mind like Klint Kubiak might help him return to form. Rodgers would also be an affordable option and arguably the best quarterback available in free agency.
Tennessee Titans
With only Will Levis under contract for 2025, the Tennessee Titans are in desperate need of a starting quarterback. They hold the No. 1 pick in the draft and have $60.3 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.
Most analysts expect Tennessee to use the top pick on either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but neither is considered an immediate franchise quarterback. If they draft one, Rodgers could serve as a short-term bridge while the rookie develops.
Additionally, Tennessee has needs across the roster after ranking 27th in Offense+ and 22nd in Defense+. Instead of drafting a quarterback first overall, they could target a top-tier defensive prospect like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, then find a lower-ranked quarterback later in the draft.