The 2025 NFL offseason is heating up, and teams are already making bold moves to reshape their rosters. As we approach the next phase, specifically the NFL Draft, the New York Jets are making headlines with significant changes that are bound to influence their future. With Aaron Glenn stepping in as the new head coach, expectations are high for an improved performance on the field, especially after a lackluster 2024 season.
In a pivotal move, the Jets have officially decided to part ways with Aaron Rodgers, making way for a new direction at the quarterback position. They’ve opted to bring in Justin Fields on a short-term deal, opening the door to numerous possibilities as they look to revamp their offense.
Now, the pressing question surrounding Rodgers is whether he will consider retirement or continue his pursuit of another season in the NFL.
As we navigate this offseason, several teams have emerged as potential landing spots for the veteran quarterback. Notable suitors rumored to be in the mix include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants, with Pittsburgh currently looking like the frontrunner.
However, don’t count out the Cleveland Browns as a potential dark horse in this chase. With their need for a capable quarterback, they could be the perfect fit for Rodgers’s skill set.
What Led to the Jets’ Decision on Rodgers?
While Rodgers finished the previous season on a slightly stronger note than he began it, the signs of age were evident. His average of 6.7 yards per attempt, totaling 3,897 yards, along with 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, highlighted a significant decline in his typical performance. Known for his pocket awareness and clutch ability, at times, it seemed as if he was trapped in a haze on the field, resulting in a Jets offense that struggled to find its rhythm.
However, it wasn’t all gloom and doom. In the closing stretch of the season, Rodgers began to find his footing, showing flashes of the mobility and decision-making that made him a perennial star. He not only surpassed 200 yards in four of his last five games but also demonstrated a renewed ability to evade pressure. Though at 41, he faces challenges, a fitting system and coaching staff could still enable him to lead an offense effectively.
Cleveland Browns Eyeing Aaron Rodgers
The Browns find themselves in a precarious position, with Deshaun Watson facing an uphill battle to return after suffering an Achilles injury that required surgery—not just once, but twice. Barring a miraculous recovery, Cleveland is in urgent need of a quarterback to guide the team through the upcoming season.
Acquiring Rodgers could come down to some creative cap management, as the Browns currently sit with $19.4 million in cap space. However, the opportunity to secure a seasoned quarterback without sacrificing draft assets is undeniably attractive.
In Kevin Stefanski’s offensive framework, Rodgers could thrive, adding depth and experience without solely relying on the ground game. It would also set the stage for the Browns to draft a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft without the immediate pressure of rushing a rookie into action. Instead, this budding talent could benefit tremendously from learning at the feet of a future Hall of Famer—an optimal situation for a franchise looking to find its path forward.
As we move through this offseason, all eyes will be on both the Jets and the Browns, as each franchise’s decisions will certainly shape the landscape of the upcoming season.
