Joe Douglas has been let go from his position as the general manager of the New York Jets, following the mid-season firing of head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets have experienced a tumultuous season, starting with a disappointing 2-3 record and only managing to secure one win in their last six games under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, which ultimately led owner Woody Johnson to make changes in the organization.
With Douglas now out, attention is turning to the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has not performed at the level expected from a four-time NFL MVP, especially after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. While Rodgers has shown interest in continuing his playing career, the central question remains whether the Jets will retain him. They could opt to utilize his experience to support a rookie quarterback while also pursuing a playoff run, or they might look to rebuild without him entirely.
Rodgers is under contract for 2025, with a substantial $37.5 million salary that is not guaranteed, creating a dead cap hit of $49 million as his cap number rises from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. The Jets have the option to manage this dead money over two years if they release him post-June 1. However, with Rodgers holding a no-trade clause, any potential trade would require his consent.
If Rodgers opts not to retire and the Jets decide to embark on a new chapter, various teams could be interested in acquiring him.
**San Francisco 49ers**: This scenario would likely hinge on the severity of Brock Purdy’s shoulder injury. As a lifelong 49ers fan from northern California, rejoining the team could be enticing for Rodgers. Playing for coach Kyle Shanahan, alongside stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, would create a favorable environment for a quarterback. Nevertheless, with Purdy’s impressive recovery and performance leading the 49ers to a 2023 Super Bowl appearance, any move would depend on Purdy’s future with the team, making this a challenging scenario.
**Minnesota Vikings**: With Sam Darnold proving to be a solid replacement, the Vikings are off to a commendable 8-2 start. However, J.J. McCarthy is seen as the long-term solution. If the Vikings don’t secure a Super Bowl bid and Rodgers showcases his capabilities in the coming weeks, this proposition could become viable. It could allow McCarthy to develop under Rodgers’ mentorship, especially following his recent knee surgeries.
**New York Giants**: Staying in the city, the Giants find themselves in need of a quarterback after benching Daniel Jones. The team may consider selecting a quarterback in the first round and having them learn behind Rodgers for a season. However, the possibility of this depends on their draft spot in what is anticipated to be a less than stellar class for quarterbacks. For now, the Giants have not made any significant administrative changes, which suggests that a year with Rodgers is not out of the question if GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll remain in place.
**Las Vegas Raiders**: Much like the Giants, the Raiders are seeking a reliable quarterback. If Brock Bowers is on their radar, pairing him with Rodgers could be a game-changer. With aspirations for a favorable draft pick to secure a quarterback, the new minority owner, Tom Brady, supports the idea of having a veteran like Rodgers mentor a young talent.
**Tennessee Titans**: If Will Levis fails to establish himself as a number one quarterback during the remaining games, the Titans will be in the market for a signal-caller and likely possess a high draft pick. This scenario could again present an opportunity for Rodgers to fill a transitional role for a season.
As the situation with the Jets unfolds, Rodgers’ future and the potential teams interested in him remain a focal point for fans and analysts alike.