Aaron Rodgers may well return for a 21st NFL season in 2025. He just won’t be playing for the New York Jets, the team announced on Thursday, with the quarterback set to be released ahead of free agency. It’s debatable, of course, how much Rodgers has left at age 41, coming off two underwhelming seasons in New York, but provided he does return, which clubs could come calling?
Here are some pros and cons of potential Rodgers destinations:
Pros: The Colts probably aren’t ready to fully give up on Anthony Richardson, so renting Rodgers would enable the former first-rounder, who’s still just 22, to learn behind a proven veteran. With a solid line, perhaps Rodgers could also get them back in the playoff conversation in an iffy division. Oh, and Pat McAfee would almost certainly have nicer things to say about the team!
Cons: Richardson may not be reliable at this stage of his career, but adding Rodgers would delay his on-field opportunities for growth. And would it really improve the Colts as a whole? This team hasn’t made the playoffs in five years, and even if Rodgers was decent, he’d be a short-term Band-Aid at best.
Pros: The Raiders need someone — anyone — under center, and they’ve got loads of cap space to spend on potential upgrades up front and out wide. New coach Pete Carroll insisted Las Vegas is focused on winning immediately, and that makes sense, considering he’s 73. Rodgers, whose sheer volume of experience could attract new minority owner Tom Brady, could make for a perfect short-term partner.
Cons: Even if it required a trade up, the Raiders are decently positioned to address quarterback in the draft, owning the No. 6 overall pick. And while they’ve got money to spend, young tight end Brock Bowers is one of their few Grade-A building blocks on offense. Is this the right time to go all in on an aging passer?
Pros: They seem prepared to let Sam Darnold test the market after…
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