BREAKING:Jets QB Aaron Rodgers might face an unexpected replacement next season…

The New York Jets are expected to part ways with Aaron Rodgers after a two-year experiment that failed to meet expectations. The team’s 2024 season was marred by poor performance and internal struggles, leading many to believe the franchise will move in a new direction. Rodgers, who returned this season after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, had sparked high hopes for the Jets, with many analysts predicting the team would finally break its playoff drought. Instead, the Jets finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, plagued by struggles on both offense and defense, along with significant turmoil behind the scenes. This included the firing of both the head coach and general manager. Following the season’s conclusion with a win over the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers hinted that the Jets would likely move on to a different quarterback in 2025. He acknowledged the likely changes, expressing a sense of resignation about the situation and adding that if he were part of those changes, he would leave with nothing but gratitude for his time in New York. His comments, reported by ESPN, reflected a clear acknowledgment of the reality facing the team.

While the future of the Jets remains uncertain, particularly in terms of their coaching and general management decisions, NFL.com’s Nick Shook suggested that a familiar name might return as the team’s next quarterback. Shook noted that the Jets could be in the market for Sam Darnold, who was drafted by the Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold’s career has been a winding road, with stints at multiple teams before he found his stride with the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a career-best season. Shook highlighted the Jets as one of nine teams potentially in the running to sign Darnold, citing their current quarterback dilemma and their inability to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft, given their position at seventh overall. This situation could lead the Jets to reconsider Darnold, who was once seen as their future but had an up-and-down tenure in New York before being traded. Shook wrote, “As preposterous as this might sound, the Jets are in need of a quarterback,” emphasizing that given their draft position and the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers, everything should be on the table for the Jets—including a potential reunion with Darnold.

While this suggestion might sound far-fetched to some, Darnold’s potential return has been considered by various analysts as a real possibility, especially since the Jets will be looking for a quarterback capable of stabilizing the position. Darnold’s time in New York was marked by inconsistency, with the young quarterback often battling injuries and a lack of supporting talent. However, his performances with the Vikings in 2024, including setting personal bests, have shown he still has the potential to contribute at a high level. His career has been characterized by flashes of talent mixed with moments of uncertainty, and his struggles in high-pressure games, such as a loss to the Detroit Lions in the season finale and a disappointing performance in the wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, might give the Jets pause about making a commitment to him.

Shook also pointed out that the Jets’ interest in Darnold would likely depend on the price, noting that the quarterback market and Darnold’s potential value remain uncertain. With Rodgers potentially departing the team, the Jets would be looking for a relatively affordable option to either compete for the starting job or serve as a bridge quarterback until the franchise can find its long-term solution. The Jets’ search for a new quarterback is complicated by several factors, including the team’s performance under Rodgers and the internal changes already taking place within the organization. These changes include the decision to hire a new head coach and general manager, both of whom will likely have a significant role in shaping the team’s future direction, including its quarterback situation.

If Darnold were to return, it would be a symbolic reunion for a player who was once the face of the Jets’ future but who has since been relegated to a journeyman role. While his time in New York ended on a sour note, his resurgence with the Vikings could make him an intriguing option for the Jets, especially if they fail to secure a top quarterback prospect in the upcoming draft. However, even with Darnold’s improved play, his inconsistencies during critical moments, such as his performance in the playoff loss to the Rams, might prompt the Jets to continue searching for a more reliable option.

In the broader context, Rodgers’ likely departure opens the door for the Jets to reassess their quarterback strategy. Rodgers, who had been viewed as the key to lifting the Jets into playoff contention, was unable to deliver on the team’s high expectations. His departure, coupled with the internal shake-up, sets the stage for a new era in New York. The Jets’ decision on a new quarterback will be a central focus of their offseason, with many eyes on how they will navigate a market that is increasingly competitive and uncertain.

While Darnold’s return is far from a sure thing, it represents a possible path for the Jets, who may be forced to explore unconventional solutions in their ongoing quest for a franchise quarterback. The Jets’ situation remains fluid, and much will depend on the decisions made by the incoming leadership and how they choose to approach the quarterback position moving forward. The 2025 season could mark the end of Rodgers’ brief stint in New York, and the beginning of a new chapter for the Jets as they search for stability under center.