Better fit for Aaron Rodgers in 2023: Raiders or Jets?
Why the Jets make sense for Rodgers
With that being said, the Jets are on the other side of this conversation. New York went 7-10, missing out on the playoffs, but with competent quarterback play, would have been a surefire playoff team. However, Zach Wilson was one of, if not the worst quarterback in the league in 2022. It is obvious that the Jets are done with the Wilson experiment, and are ready to become a legit, competitive football team.
Despite being the laughingstock of the NFL for over a decade or so, it does appear the Jets are turning a corner in its franchise’s history. New York has solidified a top-tier defense with young, ascending talent in Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson, D.J. Reed, and Sauce Gardner, who stepped in on day one as a rookie as a top-three cornerback in the league. The talent on the offensive side of the ball isn’t too shabby with the likes of Garrett Wilson, Elijah Moore, and Breece Hall as some of the best young weapons in the league. Rodgers would be entering a similar situation as in Green Bay with young talent on the outside. Because the Jets have so much young talent, they are not paying players at all yet, having more than enough room to fit Rodgers under the cap.
Familiarity is another factor in this whole thing. I was not a huge fan of the hire, but the Jets brought in Nathaniel Hackett as the offensive coordinator. Whether you like it or not, the main reason for this hire was to entice Rodgers to join the Jets. While I think Hackett is a terrible offensive mind, Rodgers did win back-to-back MVPs with him as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay.
Another component of this is the fact that the AFC East is not as good as we think. The Bills went all in for this season and failed. Josh Allen regressed this season without Brian Daboll, and the Bills offense is heavily reliant on Allen. Not to mention that Buffalo has a number of players who will be entering free agency, such as, Jordan Poyer, Rodger Saffold, Tremaine Edmunds, Devin Singletary, and Dane Jackson, among others that will leave the Bills with many needs heading into the offseason. Von Miller will also be coming off an ACL injury, while Allen and Stefon Diggs’ contract extensions will be kicking in next season. Both players will account for $60 million combined. Buffalo does not have the luxury of building around a quarterback on a rookie deal anymore.
The Dolphins are in a tricky situation with Tua Tagovailoa. The 24-year-old quarterback suffered multiple concussions this past season, and when healthy, has shown his limitations with athletic ability and arm talent. Miami was a streaky team last season, starting the season with three straight wins, then losing three straight, then winning five straight, then losing five straight heading into the season finale needing a win to make the playoffs. The Dolphins are clearly a talented team, but it is a team that could be held back by quarterback play.
Then, there are the Patriots who should not concern anyone in the slightest.
The New York media is another factor in all of this. It will eat young quarterbacks alive, but Rodgers would be able to step in and handle all the criticism and scrutiny. He has been doing that for the last few years.
If the Jets were to land Rodgers, I would expect New York to win the AFC East and host at least one playoff game.