Aaron Rodgers will not be the New York Jets quarterback for much longer, even if he returns next season. Dan Orlovsky urges the team’s front office to look toward the future and select a quarterback even if the four-time MVP returns in 2025.
Dan Orlovsky Provides Sound Reasoning For Jets to Draft New Quarterback in 2025
The Jets have many needs across the board, including their offensive line. However, having a viable quarterback with a long-term vision is essential to winning in the modern NFL. With Rodgers slowly regressing and getting older, the Jets must invest some draft capital in an alternative.
Dan Orlovsky believes that the Jets should prioritize picking a ‘project’ quarterback prospect in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft instead of taking one in the latter round.
“Even if Aaron comes back, if there’s a guy in the first round that you like, I would encourage the Jets to take him. You’ve got to because you’re in a division with Josh [Allen], and Josh is obviously a juggernaut. Tua [Tagovailoa] and Mike McDaniel, you know they’re gonna be good if Tua stays healthy. And the third thing is Drake Maye with [Mike] Vrabel.”
“You’re not going to matter unless you get a quarterback. And even if Aaron comes back and plays a year or two max, you really have to find a quarterback early. All these people said draft a guy in the third or fourth round — find a quarterback early that you believe has the talent to be a ‘win-because-of’ guy, and you draft him.”
"Even if Aaron Rodgers comes back if there's a Quarterback that they like in the first round they should take him..
Find a Quarterback early that you believe has the talent to be a win because of guy and you draft him" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive https://t.co/iJE84yzjoJ pic.twitter.com/CDii2nv8YT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 28, 2025
The Jets may legitimately have the fourth-best quarterback in the division, even if Rodgers does play. Tagovailoa had a productive 2023, while Josh Allen is in contention for the best QB in the NFL. Even Maye has shown great composure and promise and is now paired with a proven winner, with Vrabel taking over as the Patriots HC.
The Jets’ offseason will bring plenty of turmoil, but with Rodgers owed a $35 million option bonus just to remain for one more year, it seems unlikely he’ll stay with the team this season.
The question then becomes how he leaves. But whatever happens, it will hurt the Jets. There is $49 million in dead money whether he is released, traded, or retires, so it’s just how New York wants to absorb the cap pain.
