The New York Jets will be looking for a quarterback as they prepare to part ways with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
It was a tumultuous two seasons for Rodgers and the Jets. After being labeled the franchise’s savior going into the 2023 season, Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into the opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, missing the rest of the year.
The Jets had high hopes once again going into 2024 with Rodgers recovered from his injury, but the season turned into a nightmare. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were fired as the Jets finished 5-12. In two seasons with Gang Green, Rodgers went 6-12 in 18 starts, throwing for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while being sacked 41 times.
The Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s unlikely quarterback prospects Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders will fall to them. While they will likely need to use a bridge quarterback, one NFL insider has a startling projection.
NFL insider believes Super Bowl-winning QB will be available for New York Jets
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Jets should be on the lookout for a bridge quarterback for 2025, and that could be current Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
“I think it’s a bridge quarterback for now. I think there are a lot of teams that are unconvinced that there’s anybody in this year’s draft who can be a long-term answer at quarterback,” Breer said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “Who is that bridge? Does Matthew Stafford become available?”
Breer believes Stafford will become available this offseason because of his contract. The NFL insider noted that negotiations between Stafford and the Rams got “contentious at times” last year.
“If you’re Matthew Stafford, do you look at it and say, ‘There are nine quarterbacks scheduled to make over $50 million next year, and I’m making less than half of that in 2025,'” Breer stated.
Stafford would be an upgrade at the QB position for the Jets. He posted a 10-6 record as the Rams’ starting quarterback in 2024, leading them to a surprising postseason appearance. In 16 games, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The 37-year-old is scheduled to make $23 million in 2025, which is non-guaranteed. The Rams owe him a $4 million roster bonus next month.
Related: 6 New York Jets QB options to replace Aaron Rodgers in 2025, including Shedeur Sanders
