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5 Aaron Rodgers landing spots if the Jets actually cut him this season

cory woodroof
·4 min read
Nov 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881019 ORIG FILE ID: 20241110_aa9_jca_034.JPG
Nov 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-881019 ORIG FILE ID: 20241110_aa9_jca_034.JPG

Could the New York Jets be the next major franchise to cut their quarterback?

According to a bombshell report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, there is some league speculation that the Jets could actually cut quarterback Aaron Rodgers before the season is over.

The end is reportedly nigh for Rodgers and New York, per Russini, with the former apparently wanting to extend his NFL career into 2025 with another franchise since his relationship with the Jets has reportedly withered on the vine. It sure sounds like New York is done with him.

"I’m told no decisions have been made yet, but it appears increasingly likely that the four-time MVP, who is banged up, could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks, signaling the end of his disastrous time with the Jets," Russini wrote. "Some around the league say they won’t be surprised if Rodgers is cut in-season."

Obviously, Rodgers becoming a free agent before the season ends would be one of the biggest NFL stories of the year. He would have plenty of suitors. If this actually came to pass (which is no lock), here are five teams we think would at least consider the opportunity to add the future Hall of Famer for the rest of 2024 and 2025.

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans Head Coach Brian Callahan talks with quarterback Will Levis (8) on the field after their 24-17 loss against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
Tennessee Titans Head Coach Brian Callahan talks with quarterback Will Levis (8) on the field after their 24-17 loss against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.

The Titans really are one of Rodgers' best spots to continue his NFL career. Tennessee has real talent on both sides of the ball, but inconsistent quarterback play has held the team back. While the offensive line still needs more work, Rodgers going ahead and joining the Titans for the rest of the season might be a boost to both sides. The Titans could give him a deal through 2025 and see if they could contend in a very malleable AFC South. If not, Tennessee could find his heir apparent in the seemingly loaded 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class. We like this a lot for both sides, honestly.

New York Giants

Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll stands on the sideline in the second half against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll stands on the sideline in the second half against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images

Could the Giants do the funniest thing in the world and sign Rodgers? Well, don't rule it out. New York will probably draft a quarterback next spring, but it's possible the team could want to sit that player for a season before starting him in 2026. If Rodgers was comfortable being a bridge quarterback for a year and a mentor to the rookie, he could finish out his 2024 in the same town where he started it and have a job secured for next fall. This might also give coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen a bit of cushion for returning next season.

Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts talks to an official during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts talks to an official during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Colts really need to see what they have in Anthony Richardson before next year. However, there is no guarantee that the franchise actually wants to do that. It's not hard seeing owner Jim Irsay feeling like his franchise could be Rodgers' perfect spot for rejuvenation with a good offensive line and supporting cast. This might make more sense for 2025, but perhaps Rodgers wants to go ahead and figure out his future now in this hypothetical scenario? Consider Indy a possible spot.

San Francisco 49ers

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches the action against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches the action against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

For San Francisco to sign Rodgers, it would essentially bail on the Brock Purdy experience and ride a veteran for one last Super Bowl push next season before probably sparking a 2026 revamp. If the team has any reservations about giving Purdy a major contract extension, it's not hard imagining Kyle Shanahan maximizing the twilight of Rodgers' career to the benefit of both.

Cleveland Browns

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Humor us for just a second. The Browns' season is effectively over. Deshaun Watson's disastrous tenure with the team will most likely end with the largest dead cap hit in NFL history. Cleveland may want a stopgap veteran for next season to transition to the post-Watson era. There is enough talent on this team to meaningfully contend, however, just judging by last season's playoff run. What if Rodgers signed a cheap deal with the Browns to just see what happens? Amazingly, Cleveland has plenty of good parts in place on both sides of the ball to contend with a solid quarterback under center. If the Browns want to give coach Kevin Stefanski the kind of veteran he needs to keep this team afloat for the rest of 2024 and in 2025 ... Rodgers might not be the worst bet. If the team can win games, it might keep the more annoying parts of Rodgers' personality in check. Just a thought!

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 Aaron Rodgers landing spots if the Jets actually cut him this season