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Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers was shocked when the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love as his inheritor obvious in 2020. He will not be stunned if the New York Jets do the identical this spring.
In truth, Rodgers stated he would embrace it — if he is nonetheless enjoying.
While he reiterated Wednesday that he is undecided on his future, Rodgers indicated his determination will not be influenced by the Jets’ plans. He stated he isn’t against the concept of serving to develop a extremely drafted quarterback.
“When they drafted Jordan, I felt like I used to be one dangerous stretch from being benched — and I received MVP a few years, in order that’s the way in which the league is,” Rodgers stated after follow. “You need to show you’ll be able to play each single week and thru stretches.
“So if [the Jets] requested me again and so they drafted a man, I’d mentor the hell out of him if I used to be enjoying and I’d attempt to play in addition to I may to maintain him on the bench.”
Rodgers was 36 when the Packers drafted Love within the first spherical, and the longer term Hall of Famer went on to win his third and fourth MVPs in 2020 and 2021. He was changed by Love in 2023.
This time, the circumstances are a bit completely different. Rodgers is 41, having a down 12 months by his requirements. His future is cloaked with uncertainty. The Jets are going by a regime change and Rodgers stated he will not rush into something.
“I’m going to take a while after the 12 months — until I get launched immediately — however I’ll nonetheless take a while whether or not or not I need to play,” he stated. “But I’ll take a while to get away from it, both manner.”
The Jets (4-10), who face the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at MetLife Stadium, may have two top-40 draft picks and is perhaps in place so as to add a quarterback. Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor (35) and rookie Jordan Travis (non-football harm checklist) are below contract for 2025, however none is taken into account a long-term reply.
If Rodgers decides to maintain enjoying, he stated the Jets could be his first choice.
“I imply, there are a variety of explanation why this may be an awesome alternative, however I’m going to see what occurs,” Rodgers stated. “There are a variety of issues but to occur. You have to rent a GM, have to rent a head coach, after which whether or not or not I’m a part of dialog or whether or not or not they transfer on. Whatever occurs, I’ll be taking my time and desirous about my future.”
Rodgers’ 2025 cap cost is not outrageous ($23.5 million), however he has a $35 million choice bonus due in 2025. He stated he isn’t against taking a pay reduce for a second time; he took a voluntary reduce ($34 million) in 2023.
“Yeah, I’m open to the whole lot,” he stated.
If the Jets launch or commerce Rodgers, they may incur a $49 million cap hit in 2025 — until they unfold it over two years by designating him a June 1 reduce. If he returns subsequent season below his current contract, the useless cap cost in 2026 balloons to $63 million.
The sense across the group is that Rodgers will not be again, however his current play may make it a harder determination for the incoming regime. In the previous two video games, he handed for 628 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions with a 76.8 Total QBR — sixth within the league.
“It’s undoubtedly nearer to the Aaron Rodgers that everyone knows and count on him to be, however I nonetheless assume he has a methods to go to get again to the MVP Rodgers that I do know,” vast receiver Allen Lazard stated. “He’s been phenomenal these previous two video games, however I do know he could be ever higher.”
