The talk surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets is growing urgent, but neither the team nor the four-time MVP have made their decision. The quarterback was meant to be the savior of the Jets when they signed him on a $112.5 million deal in 2023, but he has failed to impress so far.
Rodgers has been unable to capture his past form with New York, and on the wrong side of 40, many NFL analysts are suggesting the Jets replace him with a young quarterback.
NFL Analysts Suggest Jets Choose Sam Darnold Over Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers signed a three-year contract with the Jets in 2023. Just one year short of turning 40, he brought hope to the fans when he vowed to win a Super Bowl.
But the truth is that New York has been equally dismal after his arrival, and the playoff drought continues. After replacing their head coach and general manager, the Jets are now pondering over Rodgers’ future. NFL analyst Kimberly Martin believes they should cut him and sign Sam Darnold instead.
Martin was speaking on a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up” and suggested New York’s new head coach, Aaron Glenn, pivot to Darnold in an attempt to rebuild the team’s culture.
“Football-wise, Sam Darnold actually makes more sense than Aaron Rodgers because if you are Aaron Glenn you are talking about we’re in full evaluation mode, we’re trying to rebuild the culture. I think it’s very difficult to restart something with Aaron Rodgers, an older quarterback, who does not want to learn a new offense,” Martin said.
“Aaron is not going to come in here saying how can I be of service to whatever it is that the vision you have, it’s about him.”
Former wide Receiver Andrew Hawkins also agreed with Martin and said he would prefer Darnold over an aging quarterback.
“I think they bring a Jets quarterback back and I think it’s Sam Darnold. I would rather Sam Darnold be there than Aaron Rodgers in that position,” he noted
Darnold spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Jets before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and was on a one-year contract worth $10 million with the Minnesota Vikings this season.
The 27-year-old impressed with the Vikings and finished inside the top 10 in passing yards per game (254.1) with 35 passing touchdowns. He ranked 12th in the PFN’s QB+ metric while Rodgers fared worse (21st).
While replacing him with Darnold might seem like the best option for the Jets, the financial aspect of the decision only complicates it. Darnold’s market value currently is projected to be $160 million over four years by Spotrac, and the Jets have to pay $49 million in dead money to Rodgers irrespective of whether he is traded or released.