Breaking: New York Jets Move On from Aaron Rodgers, Land Saints’ Four-Time Pro Bowl QB Derek Carr.
In a stunning twist to the NFL offseason, the New York Jets have officially moved on from their Aaron Rodgers experiment, securing former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr as their new leader under center.
After weeks of speculation surrounding Rodgers’ uncertain future with the franchise, the Jets made it clear they were cutting ties with the four-time NFL MVP. The move comes after Rodgers’ injury-plagued 2023 season, in which he suffered a torn Achilles just four plays into his highly anticipated Jets debut. With uncertainty looming over his return, the Jets opted for a fresh start with a proven veteran in Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler with years of starting experience.
The decision to pivot to Carr signals the Jets’ urgency to stabilize the quarterback position and make a legitimate playoff push in the 2024 season. While Rodgers’ acquisition last offseason was seen as a championship-caliber move, his injury derailed the team’s Super Bowl hopes, leaving the organization scrambling for answers.
Carr, who spent just one season with the Saints after a lengthy tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, now steps into a high-pressure situation in New York. The 32-year-old quarterback was solid in New Orleans, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2023, but the Saints failed to make the postseason. With a strong supporting cast in New York, including star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, Carr will have the opportunity to thrive in an offense that desperately needs stability.
Rodgers’ brief tenure with the Jets will likely go down as one of the most disappointing stints in NFL history. The franchise went all-in on the future Hall of Famer, trading multiple draft picks to Green Bay and restructuring their roster to accommodate him. However, his Achilles injury forced the Jets to rely on backup Zach Wilson, leading to another lost season for the franchise.
Rumors of Rodgers’ dissatisfaction with the Jets’ handling of his rehab and offseason plans swirled in recent weeks, adding more fuel to the fire of a possible separation. New York’s front office ultimately decided that moving forward with Carr would be the best course of action rather than gambling on a 40-year-old quarterback returning from a major injury.
For Carr, this move represents another chance to prove himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback. After spending nine years with the Raiders, Carr’s departure from Las Vegas was filled with controversy, as he was benched late in the 2022 season before ultimately being released. He joined the Saints on a four-year, $150 million deal in 2023, but after just one season, New Orleans opted to part ways with him in favor of a rebuild.
Now, Carr takes over a Jets team with high expectations. Head coach Robert Saleh remains in charge, and with a defense featuring stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, the Jets believe they are a competent quarterback away from playoff contention. Carr’s leadership and durability—something Rodgers lacked in his time with the team—could be the key to unlocking the Jets’ potential.
With the Jets officially moving on, the big question remains: What’s next for Aaron Rodgers? The 40-year-old quarterback has hinted at a possible return to the NFL, but with New York no longer an option, his future remains uncertain. Several quarterback-needy teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and even a potential reunion with the Green Bay Packers, could emerge as landing spots.
Rodgers has also flirted with the idea of retirement, and this latest development might push him closer to walking away from the game entirely. Known for his unpredictable nature, Rodgers’ next move will undoubtedly be one of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason.
Jets fans, who had high hopes for Rodgers in 2023, now find themselves adjusting to yet another quarterback transition. While some may have wanted to see Rodgers get another shot, others believe Carr provides a safer, more reliable option for the team moving forward.
New York’s front office is betting that Carr’s consistency and durability will provide the franchise with the stability they’ve lacked for decades. If he can deliver, the Jets may finally return to playoff contention for the first time since 2010.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, one thing is clear: The Jets are done waiting for Aaron Rodgers. Their future now rests in the hands of Derek Carr.
