“I’ve made it clear that my intention was to play and my intention was to play for the New York Jets,” Rodgers said. 

The rumors have been swirling for weeks now, but it seems like it may actually happen: Aaron Rodgers is leaving the Green Bay Packers for the New York Jets. As a longtime NFL analyst, I can say without hesitation that this would be a game-changing move for both Rodgers and the Jets. 

First, let’s address why Rodgers would even consider leaving the Packers in the first place.

According to reports, it all comes down to a lack of support from the organization. Despite his MVP-caliber performances on the field, Rodgers feels like he hasn’t been given the tools he needs to succeed. He’s been vocal about his frustration with the team’s front office, and it seems like things have reached a breaking point. 

Now, let’s talk about why the Jets would be a great fit for Rodgers.

First and foremost, they have plenty of cap space to work with. This means they can afford to sign the type of high-caliber players that Rodgers needs to compete at the highest level. Additionally, the Jets have a promising young head coach in Robert Saleh. Saleh has already made a name for himself as one of the league’s brightest defensive minds, and he would undoubtedly be able to build an offense around Rodgers that could put up points in bunches. 

But what about the counterpoints? Why would Rodgers want to leave a team that has been so successful in recent years? And why would the Jets take a chance on a quarterback who is already in his late 30s? 

Let’s start by addressing the claim that the Packers have been successful with Rodgers at the helm.

While it’s true that they’ve been a perennial playoff contender, it’s also true that they haven’t been able to win a Super Bowl since 2010. Rodgers is one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history, and he deserves to be on a team that can compete for a championship every year. The 39-year-old Rodgers spent his entire 18-year career in Green Bay, compiling over 5,000 completions for more than 59,000 passing yards during that time. He threw 475 touchdown passes and just 105 interceptions. To put this in perspective, consider that Rogers has had 10 seasons with 4,000 or more passing yards. The Jets have only had one similar: Namath in 1967. 

As for the argument that Rodgers is already past his prime, there’s no denying that he’s getting up there in age. But if Tom Brady has taught us anything, it’s that age is just a number. Rodgers is still playing at an incredibly high level, and there’s no reason to believe he can’t continue to do so for several more years. 

So why the Jets? Why take a chance on a quarterback who may only have a few more years left in the tank?

For starters, the Jets have been in rebuilding mode for years now. They’ve accumulated a wealth of draft picks and have a young, talented roster that is just waiting for the right quarterback to take them to the next level. Rodgers could be that quarterback.

Additionally, the Jets have a history of taking chances on veteran quarterbacks. Just last year, they signed 37-year-old Joe Flacco to a one-year deal. While Flacco didn’t exactly light it up on the field, he did provide valuable leadership and experience in the locker room. Rodgers could do the same, while also giving the Jets a legitimate shot at winning games. 

While it’s still unclear whether or not Rodgers will actually end up leaving the Packers for the Jets, there’s no denying that it would be a bold move for both parties.

Rodgers would get the support he deserves, while the Jets would get a quarterback who could help them turn the corner and become a legitimate playoff contender. It’s a risk, but sometimes, as they say, no risk, no reward.