New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently signed through the 2025 season, but there’s uncertainty about whether he’ll continue playing beyond this season.
At 40 years old, Rodgers was brought in to elevate the Jets to Super Bowl contender status. However, the team is off to a disappointing 2-3 start, and their future remains uncertain following the recent firing of head coach Robert Saleh.
Jets owner Woody Johnson appears determined to make a playoff push with Rodgers while he’s still on the roster, but it would be wise for him to start preparing for a future without the four-time NFL MVP. This is why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested a trade idea that could bring former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young to the Jets.
Knox noted, “A strong offer may change the Panthers’ plans [to build around Young], of course, and getting a jump on the 2025 market would make sense for teams in need of a long-term QB plan. That may include the New York Jets, who could pursue Young as a potential successor to the 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers.”
The Carolina Panthers are unlikely to recoup the full value of what they invested in Young (which included two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and wide receiver D.J. Moore), but getting a second- or third-round pick in the 2025 draft could be a reasonable outcome.
Young was benched early in the 2024 season after struggling in his first 19 career games. During that time, he completed 59.3% of his passes for 3,180 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also endured 69 sacks, resulting in a passer rating of 71.
If Rodgers decides to retire after this season, the Jets would be left with limited options at quarterback: Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis (currently on injured reserve), and Adrian Martinez (on the practice squad). Acquiring Young for a mid-to-late round pick could provide the Jets with a promising young quarterback to develop while allowing them to use their potential top-10 first-round pick on another offensive weapon.
