Aaron Rodgers is about to finish another disastrous season with the New York Jets. After suffering a crushing 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, dropping to 4-12 on the season, the 41-year-old quarterback’s future is becoming a hot topic of debate.
Mike Tannenbaum Has Perfect Aaron Rodgers Replacement in Mind
Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum (2006-2012) has suggested that the franchise look beyond the aging Rodgers in the offseason, pointing towards Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Tannenbaum proposed, “In 2009, Rex Ryan came in, inherited a former Green Bay Packer legend, and moved on from Brett Favre. … In 2025, move on from Aaron Rodgers. Go get J.J. McCarthy. … He would’ve been the first player picked in this year’s draft, and with six of the top 10 teams needing a quarterback, go out and get your quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy.”
Rodgers has had a rough couple of campaigns since leaving the Green Bay Packers. While an Achilles injury marred his first season in the Big Apple, Rodgers has amassed 3,623 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 16 games this year.
Those stats are not terrible on paper, but his performances haven’t translated into wins. In Week 17 against Sean McDermott’s team, the veteran quarterback struggled, having been sacked four times and throwing two interceptions. The Jets QB even set an unwanted record for career sacks, surpassing Tom Brady with 568.
Questions about whether Rodgers, under contract for one more year, should remain in New York or not are making the rounds on the internet. Tannenbaum’s recommendation, McCarthy, represents the type of young-generation quarterback the Jets desperately need.
McCarthy was drafted 10th overall by the Vikings in 2024 after leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship. However, the Vikings couldn’t cash in on McCarthy’s services for his rookie season due to a torn meniscus suffered in the preseason.
Still, McCarthy’s potential remains sky-high and could be a franchise-altering acquisition for Gang Green. The Jets’ NFL playoff drought now spans 14 years, demanding a complete overhaul.
Rumors are already circulating that Rodgers and wide receiver Davante Adams could be on their way out as part of a franchise reset. Rodgers’ strained relationship with owner Woody Johnson also signals uncertainty about his future in New York.
For McCarthy, stepping into the Jets’ quarterback role could be both a challenge and an opportunity to revitalize a team desperate for success. However, prying him away from Minnesota won’t come cheap, and the Jets must decide if the price is worth the promise.