The New York Jets’ 2024 season has been a tale of high hopes and huge disappointments, with the team initially poised to be a Super Bowl contender following the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers. However, after a devastating Achilles injury in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills in 2023, Rodgers’ immediate future with the Jets was thrown into doubt. Now healthy in 2024, Rodgers sadly only managed to lead the once thought-stacked roster, while they also acquired former teammate and friend in star WR Davante Adams, the Jets have managed only a 4-10 record despite Rodgers putting up some of the best numbers seen by the Jets.
Yet, despite the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ record and performance, it’s clear that the Jets should bring him back—both for the team’s short-term prospects and long-term stability. Here’s why reuniting with the four-time MVP is not only beneficial but essential for the Jets’ future.
Even though Rodgers will be 41 years old, it is clear that he will be the best option to lead the team next season, as the QB market available isn’t very good at all. The only options the Jets can really have besides Rodgers is to draft a QB who isn’t in the top 2 in the draft such as Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Dillon Gabriel or another player who isn’t on the level of a franchise QB, re sign former QB Sam Darnold, assuming he’d want to go back, or trade for Kirk Cousins, who has looked more washed than Rodgers
It is clear while Rodgers isn’t the most perfect player this season, the Jets problems seem to be way more rooted in bad coaching, and an underperforming defense that hasn’t lived up near to any expectations. Bringing Rodgers back next year, and getting the defensive hire right, it can be possible for the Jets to compete in a weak division, and make the playoffs with the right improvements. This is why I think it would be foolish to get rid of a QB who had one of the best seasons in franchise history, with 23 TDs and 8 ints, because he would give you a way better chance to win than anyone on the open market.
It’s clear that the Jets have pieces to easily improve the team next year, and have a lot of talent, and even though he’s 41, having a sustained success at QB like Rodgers makes all the sense instead of chasing a what if. The New York Jets have spent years searching for the right quarterback, and bringing back Aaron Rodgers is their best chance at finally finding long-term success. His experience, leadership, and ability to elevate the play of those around him make him the perfect fit for a team on the cusp of championship contention. By reuniting with Rodgers, the Jets not only solidify their immediate future but also set themselves up for sustained success. While the uncertainty of his injury and future is a factor, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. For a team like the Jets, whose defense is already championship-caliber, bringing back Aaron Rodgers could be the missing piece to finally end their Super Bowl drought and make them a perennial contender if they get a coaching hire right.
