Who will replace Aaron Rodgers as the Jets quarterback? Here are 4 choices for Gang Green
The Jets currently have three quarterbacks on their roster; Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor and rookie Jordan Travis. Rodgers won’t be around forever, though, so someone — maybe someone already on the Jets roster — will be his heir-apparent.
New York’s quest to find a franchise quarterback seems to be a never-ending cycle. First, it was Sam Darnold in 2018. More recently, it was Zach Wilson in 2021. Even picks like Mark Sanchez in 2009 and Geno Smith in 2013 didn’t pan out. The Jets seem to be always in the market for a new quarterback and will be so again soon despite trading for Rodgers in 2022. He’ll be 41 in December and is coming off an Achilles tear. His best days are behind him and retirement will always be looming.
Rodgers said he was hopeful he could play for two to four more years back in March on “Look Into It” podcast with Eddie Bravo and told “The Pat McAfee Show” in December that he wanted to play at least two more seasons. Rodgers signed a new deal with New York in 2023 that would keep him on the Jets through 2025 (with a few void years tacked on), but it’s unclear what the plan is after his contract ends unless he and the Jets agree on a new deal.
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So, when Rodgers does eventually retire, what happens to the Jets quarterback room? Here are few possible options for New York when Rodgers steps away from football.
Who will replace Aaron Rodgers as the Jets quarterback?
There are several candidates for the next Jets starting quarterback after Rodgers. This could happen as soon as the 2025 season after Rodgers’ contract is up following the 2025 season. New York could also bring Rodgers back if he wants to continue playing and the Jets still want him under center.
Tyrod Taylor
The Jets added a solid veteran quarterback in Tyrod Taylor during the 2024 offseason on a two-year deal worth $12 million. Taylor has been around the league for 13 seasons and will be a good fit for this offense. However, he’ll be 35 in August by the nature of his experience and would be 37 for the 2026 season. And if Jets fans see a lot of Taylor in 2024, it means Rodgers got hurt again. He likely isn’t a long-term post-Rodgers option.
Jordan Travis
The Jets drafted Jordan Travis in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after a sensational career at Florida State. His senior year was cut short due to a brutal ankle injury, ending a potential Heisman Trophy and national championship campaign. Joe Douglas is a big fan of Travis who said they “didn’t want to miss out on him.” Travis can sit behind Rodgers and Taylor for the two years and develop into a great quarterback the same way Jordan Love did in Green Bay.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield, the former 2018 No. 1 overall pick could be a potential replacement for Rodgers. He proved to have staying power in the NFL after he won a playoff game with the Buccaneers in 2023 and his personality would mesh well with New York and this fanbase. Mayfield signed a three-year deal with Tampa Bay this offseason, but the team can move on from him after 2025.
Geno Smith
Yes, the Jets could go back to the well with Geno Smith, who will also be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when Rodgers contract and playing time could be up. Smith has evolved into a competent starter in the NFL — something he wasn’t in New York early in his career.