Could a disappointing 2024 season see NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers playing for an AFC rival?
For the NY Jets and Aaron Rodgers, the 2024 season has a lot on the line. Missing the playoffs this year could spell disaster for Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh – and potentially Rodgers, too. It’s something that Rodgers has alluded to this offseason, and that owner Woody Johnson has echoed.
The type of honesty that the public doesn’t always get from politicians: pic.twitter.com/eGFhplnzAx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2024
Yet if the Jets were to disappoint in 2024, could fans see Rodgers play for their AFC East rival? Similar to his former predecessor and Jets QB Brett Favre, Rodgers could seek newer pastures after his Jets tenure. Speaking on NFL on NBC on Friday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes there’s a chance that Rodgers could find himself playing for a team like the Miami Dolphins.
“There’s a reason Kyle Shanahan wanted Kirk Cousins every year,” started Florio. “Mike McDaniel came from that offense. Maybe Cousins would be better, maybe Dak … Hey, if the Jets stink and Aaron Rodgers gets washed out along with everybody else, he’s technically going to be available.”
On the surface, this seems unlikely. Rodgers has been contemplating retirement for multiple seasons. However, he has since found newfound ambition for playing football. In fact, this offseason Rodgers mentioned that he intends on playing up to four more years in the league.
You were to destroy the Dolphins, not join them!
On the other hand, there’s a scenario where a situation like that could happen.
In July of 2023, the Jets and Rodgers agreed to a two-year contract restructure. That would make Rodgers a free agent at the end of this season. If the Jets were to fail to make the playoffs (or advance out of the wildcard round), there’s a chance that the team opts to move on from the 40-year old signal caller. This would allow an opportunity for Rodgers to potentially play for the Jets’ AFC East rival.
The Miami Dolphins current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Dolphins GM Chris Grier expressed his desire to sign Tagovailoa to a long-term contract, but the possibility of signing a quarterback like Rodgers might be too good to pass up.
“The goal is to have him long term here playing at a high level,” Dolphins GM Chris Grier on extending Tua Tagovailoa. pic.twitter.com/nbp6ccbZvd
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) January 15, 2024
As of now, there’s no indication that a new contract will be signed this offseason.
For Aaron Rodgers, playing for a team like the Dolphins could make sense, too. Currently, the Dolphins possess an electrifying offense. The receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is one of the best in the league. The duo finished first and fourth respectively in receiving grade last season per PFF, and combined for 2,813 yards. Miami has already re-signed Waddle to a three-year, $84.75 million contract this offseason, and Hill still has three years currently remaining on his contract (with an out after 2024).
Miami also has a stable of talented running backs and are led by an innovative, offensive-minded head coach in Mike McDaniel. Working with a creative mind in McDaniel could be appealing to Rodgers, especially if he’s given extra reign on the offense at the line. On top of the offensive positives, Miami also boasts one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Last season, Miami was ranked fourth overall in team defense by PFF with a 88.7 grade. They graded first in run defense, fifth in pass rush, and 14th in coverage in the NFL.
So while it would break the hearts of NY Jets fans – and firmly put Rodgers in an Anakin Skywalker type of storyline – there is a potential scenario where we not only see Rodgers fail to fulfill his end of the bargain for New York, but see him succeed with a division rival.
