Who needs Aaron Rodgers?
Throughout his weekly look on “The Pat McAfee Present” on Monday, Rodgers joked about his unsure future with the Jets.
“Being launched could be a primary,” Rodgers mentioned. “Being launched by a youngster, that may even be a primary.” (h/t ESPN)
Final week, The Athletic NFL insiders reported about group proprietor Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, influencing the group’s decision-making.
If he’s launched, Rodgers might need a tepid market. With the 2025 NFL Draft order coming into focus, two quarterback-needy groups might be out of the image.
Within the way-too-early draft course of, there is a important drop-off from Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward to the second-tier quarterback prospects.
Per Tankathon, the Giants (2-13) have the No. 1 general choose, placing them in place to draft a quarterback.
The Patriots (3-12) and Jaguars (3-12) are in line to obtain the No. 2 and No. 3 general picks however have already got quarterbacks, which might give the Titans (3-12), who at the moment maintain the fourth general choose, an opportunity to draft the QB2.
Groups just like the Browns, Raiders and Steelers might be available in the market for a quarterback, however Rodgers is likely to be low on the totem pole.
He ought to fall behind Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson on the free-agent pecking order, and with Kirk Cousins and Derek Carr — if the Saints launch him — as youthful choices who might be out there, Rodgers, 41, is likely to be no higher than the fifth-most-attractive QB on the open market.
Here is a have a look at 4 groups who may want a quarterback this offseason, plus a greater possibility than Rodgers for every.
Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Higher possibility: Kirk Cousins
On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the Falcons are anticipated to chop Cousins earlier than he is owed a $10M roster bonus in March. Ought to Cleveland retain head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has a 40-42 document and two playoff appearances in 5 seasons, the Browns make arguably essentially the most sense as Cousins’ subsequent NFL dwelling.
Stefanski was his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the Vikings, so he would not have the identical studying curve as Rodgers, making Cousins a extra seamless match.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-12)
Higher possibility: Sam Darnold
Our top destination for Rodgers last month, the Raiders could be higher off pursuing the Vikings’ breakout quarterback.
Las Vegas performed itself out of the No. 1 choose (for now) with its 19-14 win over the Jaguars, however that would flip right into a blessing if it lands the possible high free-agent quarterback.
New Orleans Saints (5-9)
Higher possibility: Spencer Rattler
If New Orleans releases Carr, it could be beginning a rebuild and could be higher suited with 2024 fifth-round choose Spencer Rattler or one other unproven younger quarterback beginning.
Going after Rodgers when the aim ought to be to enhance the group’s 2026 draft place could be the incorrect transfer.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
Higher possibility: Russell Wilson
Why repair what is not damaged? Pittsburgh landed a steal in Wilson, who signed in March for the veteran’s minimal whereas the Broncos pay him $39M.
The Steelers will not have the identical monetary luxurious on a Wilson extension. Nevertheless, contemplating he is led them to a 10-5 document, they do not have a lot incentive to kick Wilson to the curb, particularly if Rodgers is the following best choice.
