The Aaron Rodgers era with the New York Jets has been a disappointment, leaving the team once again grappling with the future of the quarterback position. Despite early struggles in the season, owner Woody Johnson pushed for a quarterback change, suggesting a move to backup Tyrod Taylor when the Jets were 2-2. However, head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas resisted this decision and ultimately lost their jobs. Rodgers, now nearing 41, has one year left on his contract, but with the Jets’ playoff hopes all but dashed, it seems more likely he will be traded or released ahead of next season, rather than returning in 2025.
Looking ahead, the Jets face a difficult quarterback market. Free agency doesn’t offer much promise, with former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, now with the Minnesota Vikings, likely to be one of the top available options alongside Pittsburgh Steelers backup Justin Fields. Trading for a proven starter is also challenging, as the Jets learned the hard way with their failed trade attempt for Rodgers just two years ago. That leaves the 2025 NFL Draft as New York’s most viable option, but even that path is fraught with uncertainty.
If the draft were held today, the Jets would pick sixth overall, but they aren’t alone in their quest for a quarterback. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans are also expected to target a QB, making it harder for the Jets to secure a top prospect. The biggest prize could be Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who is widely considered a top talent for the 2025 class. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold the No. 1 pick and are unlikely to trade it unless they receive a compelling offer. To land Sanders, the Jets would likely need to offer their No. 6 pick and additional assets, potentially including a 2026 first-round pick.
There is a potential twist in this scenario: Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father and head coach at Colorado, could be a package deal. The Jets, who are currently operating with interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, might look to replace him with Deion Sanders, aligning the father-son duo as part of their rebuilding effort. While other teams will undoubtedly be interested in Shedeur Sanders, the Jets could make a bold move to secure the top pick and reshape their future, turning their roster into a Super Bowl contender in the years to come.
