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USA Today
13-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jets QB options 2025: Free agency, draft and trade options to replace Aaron Rodgers
Jets QB options 2025: Free agency, draft and trade options to replace Aaron Rodgers Show Caption Hide Caption 'Retire': What should Aaron Rodgers do this offseason? NFL players past, present, and future give their thoughts on what Aaron Rodgers future holds. Sports Seriously Death, taxes and the New York Jets not having a capable quarterback. Few things in life are more guaranteed than that. Since hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 3, a dark cloud has hung over the franchise, resembling something that can only be explained as a higher power with some vested interest in the Jets' continued mediocrity. Whether it's the curse of the Joe Namath guarantee or remarkable ineptitude is up for debate, but "Gang Green" is back in the market for another new signal caller. AARON RODGERS CONTRACT DETAILS: How releasing or trading QB would impact Jets Trading for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers didn't work. Drafting a quarterback hasn't worked. In the last decade, the Jets have tried different versions of team building only to finish in the same spot. They drafted a quarterback second overall, Zach Wilson, and hired the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, to be their head coach with a rookie offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur. While it blew up in the Jets' faces, that same method worked beautifully for the Houston Texans, who have been to the playoffs each of the last two seasons with C.J. Stroud. New York also tried to bring in the veteran, ring-chasing option in Rodgers. It worked for the Los Angeles Rams with Matthew Stafford and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady, as both franchises won Super Bowls. It couldn't have gone worse for the Jets. Now that the team is moving on from Rodgers, they're back in a familiar market. Except this time, there is no great option for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey to right the ship. One thing's for certain though. The old one with Rodgers was sinking and the new regime would rather be in a lifeboat than at the bottom of the ocean. With that in mind, here's a look at who the Jets' quarterback could be in 2025 as they start over. Again. RODGERS NEXT TEAM ODDS: Steelers, Raiders favored to land Jets QB Jets QB options 2025 With a vacancy at the quarterback spot, the Jets will need someone to fill that position in 2025. They can do it with some options on the roster, explore free agency or draft a replacement. Here's a look at the options for each path. On the roster Taylor profiles as the likeliest answer to the Jets' quarterback question in 2025, considering he's already on the roster. Brought in to be a capable backup to Rodgers, Taylor has been an NFL starter before but not full-time since 2017. He comes with a fair share of injury concerns but serves as a bridge to whatever awaits the organization in 2026 and beyond. Barring something unforeseen, Travis won't be starting for the Jets in 2025. Regardless, his presence on the roster makes him an option. The fifth-round pick missed all of 2024 with a serious leg injury but has no ties to the current regime. While he likely makes it to training camp, the quarterback could be on the chopping block depending on how the offseason shakes out. Still, he is a lottery ticket and the winning number has yet to be announced. The door will remain open for the man with two first names until proven otherwise. Free agency or trade Arguably the leader in the clubhouse from the not-on-the-team options, Fields also comes with arguably the highest upside. He can be viewed in a similar light to Sam Darnold and Geno Smith, who both made strides with a change of scenery. While we wouldn't bet on it, Fields did have Russell Wilson lurking in the shadows last season and never stood a chance with the Bears. He's one of the younger options that likely becomes available and is better than the veteran who will likely be one-and-done. With great mobility, Fields is a quick fix that gives the Jets a different dimension than they had with Rodgers, who was closer to becoming a statue after the Achilles injury. At the very least, he could help spark some life into the running game. There is also the added element that the team's previous decision-makers passed on Fields to select Wilson No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Fields dropped to No. 11 despite being considered by many as the second-best quarterback in that class. Maybe they catch lightning in a bottle, but Fields remains the most inspiring, realistic option not named Tyrod Taylor. From one former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback to another, Wilson could be the one that shakes loose out of the Steel City. Wilson's been around the NFL block a few times and has a history of success. Of course, none of that has been recent though. The 36-year-old hasn't won as much in his three seasons away from Seattle. Despite a decent year in Pittsburgh, regression came for the quarterback quickly, relegating him to a game-manager role at best. Wilson has won plenty over the years but does come with some funky quirks. Whether it was warming up on a plane or demands of an office and parking spot upon his arrival in Denver, the Jets would be better off exploring other avenues. Considering Mr. Unlimited likely comes with just a one-year commitment, it can't be ruled out. DAVANTE ADAMS LANDING SPOTS: Chargers, 49ers among best fits if Jets trade WR Cousins looks like he's on the outs in Atlanta. He looked completely cooked during his one-year stay in the Peach State, but maybe someone else can enjoy the fruits of his labor. Anyone with eyes likely isn't inspired by Cousins' 2024 season. However, he would come cheap and be another year removed from an Achilles injury of his own. Yes, the Jets just went through this experiment with Rodgers. This one could be done at a fraction of the cost without a commitment beyond 2025, unlike the hefty cap hit brought by Rodgers. It's unlikely the Jets will travel down this road if they plan to draft a quarterback after Cousins' was unhappy with the Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr. last year. There is also the added history between player and organization. Cousins famously used the Jets as leverage for his move to the Vikings. While New York has a new regime, those feelings can sometimes carry over. If there's one thing working in favor of this potential move, it's that the Jets hired former Vikings' GM Rick Spielman as a senior football advisor. He was on the other side of the Cousins' drama and that link could play a significant role. How about this for a story? Darnold came into the NFL as a top prospect only to fall short during his first few seasons. He was forced to find himself, traveling the country to learn and grow before finally making serious strides in Minnesota. Now, he has the chance to return to the Jets as a changed man and make things right. That storybook script sounds like a cheesy Hallmark movie without the romance. More importantly, it's almost certainly not going to happen. Darnold will be available, but with other suitors and his end-of-season meltdown, the quarterback will probably play elsewhere next season. Until the ink dries, though, anything is possible. Winston is far and away the most entertaining option on the board. The legend of "Famous Jameis" only continued to grow during Super Bowl week for his work behind the microphone in the lead-up to the game. Aside from the speeches and personality, he also enjoys slinging the rock all over the yard – to anyone willing to catch it on his team or not. The Jets have been consistently bad, but a predictable bad. Winston adds a level of excitement that would have the New York media's heads spinning each and every day. While fun, he feels like an outside contender only if things go south with other options. NFL DRAFT ORDER 2025: First round list of picks finalized after Super Bowl Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders It would likely take some draft maneuvering to secure the services of either quarterback. While the class is considered weak, that doesn't mean a star student can't emerge. Depending on how the Jets' new brain trust views the top two signal callers, they could move up or strike in the event of an unlikely draft slide. Every indication says to avoid reaching for a quarterback this year. Someone will do it. Whether the Jets are that team remains to be seen. Jalen Milroe Unlike Ward and Sanders, these next two options don't come with the need to mortgage the future. Milroe is a prospect with a wide range of outcomes. Given the tools, he is probably the one many will suggest could be the best in the class. Milroe's mobility was on full display at Alabama, where he routinely carved through defenses with his legs. The quarterback position, at least for now, is built on throwing ability though. Milroe will need to improve as a passer, but he certainly possesses the arm strength and has shown enough flashes to suggest that's a possibility. Regardless, this is not a player the Jets should draft and throw into the fire right away. Jaxson Dart Some have the rising prospect catapulting into the first round, but Dart is probably more of a day-two pick. If some team falls in love with the player, they can sneak into the back of Round 1 to secure the coveted fifth-year option. That seems unlikely at this stage, but he is more of a project than a day-one starter. Coming off a big year at Ole Miss, Dart showed that he has a capable arm and solid mobility, and his rise up the boards only continued at the Senior Bowl. The Jets can take a shot and allow Dart to sit behind a veteran before learning if they hit the bullseye.
Fox Sports
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Vince Lombardi's Packers say don't call Chiefs' quest for three-peat a first
The story line heading into the Super Bowl revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs' quest to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles. Just don't call it the NFL's first three-peat. While all eight teams that won back-to-back Super Bowls before Kansas City did it the past two seasons lost before making it back for a third, the NFL has had two runs of three straight championships — both by Green Bay. Curly Lambeau's Packers won the NFL titles from 1929-31 before there was even a postseason and Vince Lombardi's crew in the 1960s also did it. Green Bay won the NFL title in 1965 — the year before the AFL and NFL champs first played in what is now known as the Super Bowl — and then the Packers won the first two Super Bowls against the AFL champions for an NFL three-peat that the players still take pride in having achieved. "If Kansas City wins, I don't want to hear about the only three-time champions," Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson said. "That's BS." Robinson's Packers won the 1965 championship with a 23-12 win over Cleveland, holding Jim Brown to just 50 yards rushing in his final NFL game. The Bills won the title in the upstart AFL that season, beating the Chargers 23-0. "There was no doubt in anybody's mind, AFL guy or NFL guy, that the Green Bay Packers were the best team in pro football at that point," Robinson said. "It wasn't close." A few months later, the league agreed to merge. They played separate regular-season schedules in 1966-69 before the merger became fully operational in 1970, but the champions of both leagues played for the ultimate prize in pro football in what later became known as the Super Bowl. The Packers easily beat the AFL's best, topping Kansas City in the first Super Bowl, 35-10, and then beating Oakland 33-14 the following year. Lombardi retired as Packers coach after that game and the dynasty ended with Green Bay missing the playoffs in 1968 and the AFL's New York Jets upsetting Baltimore in Super Bowl 3. "If he stuck around one more year, we would have won three straight Super Bowls," Robinson said. "No one thought the Super Bowl would be as big as it was because the NFL was a landslide over the AFL those years. We would have beaten the Jets. They were a fine team, but we would have beaten them." Robinson, who grew up cheering for the New York Giants, is backing the Eagles on Sunday, but more for his attachment to fellow Penn State alum Saquon Barkley than any deep-seated hatred of the Chiefs. While the Packers do feel slighted, they also respect what the Chiefs have accomplished these last few years with coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. [Related: Hall of Fame meter: 10 Chiefs, Eagles with legacies on the line in SB LIX] "First of all, yes, it does bother me," Hall of Fame guard Jerry Kramer said in a phone interview. "I'm aware of it. I'm not crying. I'm not hysterical. I'm not having a fit. But there's a little resentment there. But when I look at the Kansas City Chiefs and I see the quality of play and I know the coach from Green Bay and I watch Mahomes and Kelce, they're doing everything well. They are a great football team. I understand that, and I appreciate that, and I know how difficult that is." Even if the Chiefs do win Sunday for their third straight championship and fourth in six years, the Packers still hold something over them. Green Bay also won NFL titles in 1961-62 and is the only team with five championships in a seven-year span. "We'll have to start talking about five out of seven," Kramer said. "They still have a little hill to climb. I've gone from three in a row to five out of seven. I hope they do it, really. My life has been complete. I've had a wonderful ride." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League Kansas City Chiefs Green Bay Packers recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Associated Press
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Vince Lombardi's Packers say don't call Chiefs' quest for 3 straight titles a first
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The story line headed into the Super Bowl revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs' quest to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles. Just don't call it the NFL's first three-peat. While all eight teams that won back-to-back Super Bowls before Kansas City did it the past two seasons lost before making it back for a third, the NFL has had two runs of three straight championships — both by Green Bay. Curly Lambeau's Packers won the NFL titles from 1929-31 before there was even a postseason and Vince Lombardi's crew in the 1960s also did it. Green Bay won the NFL title in 1965 — the year before the AFL and NFL champs first played in what is now known as the Super Bowl — and then the Packers won the first two Super Bowls against the AFL champions for an NFL three-peat that the players still take pride in having achieved. 'If Kansas city wins, I don't want to hear about the only three-time champions,' Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson said. 'That's BS.' Robinson's Packers won the 1965 championship with a 23-12 win over Cleveland, holding Jim Brown to just 50 yards rushing in his final NFL game. The Bills won the title in the upstart AFL that season, beating the Chargers 23-0. 'There was no doubt in anybody's mind, AFL guy or NFL guy, that the Green Bay Packers were the best team in pro football at that point,' Robinson said. 'It wasn't close.' A few months later, the league agreed to merge. They played separate regular-season schedules in 1966-69 before the merger became fully operational in 1970 but the champions of both leagues played for the ultimate prize in pro football in what later became known as the Super Bowl. The Packers easily beat the AFL's best, topping Kansas City 35-10 in the first Super Bowl and then beating Oakland 33-14 the following year. Lombardi retired as Packers coach after that game and the dynasty ended with Green Bay missing the playoffs in 1968 and the AFL's New York Jets upsetting Baltimore in Super Bowl 3. 'If he stuck around one more year, we would have won three straight Super Bowls,' Robinson said. 'No one thought the Super Bowl would be as big as it was because the NFL was a landslide over the AFL those years. We would have beaten the Jets. They were a fine team but we would have beaten them.' Robinson, who grew up cheering for the New York Giants, is backing the Eagles on Sunday but more for his attachment to fellow Penn State alum Saquon Barkley than any deep-seated hatred of the Chiefs. While the Packers do feel slighted, they also respect what the Chiefs have accomplished these last few years with coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. 'First of all, yes, it does bother me,' Hall of Fame guard Jerry Kramer said in a phone interview. 'I'm aware of it. I'm not crying. I'm not hysterical. I'm not having a fit. But there's a little resentment there. But when I look at the Kansas City Chiefs and I see the quality of play and I know the coach from Green Bay and I watch Mahomes and Kelce, they're doing everything well. They are a great football team. I understand that and I appreciate that and I know how difficult that is.' Even if the Chiefs do win Sunday for their third straight championship and fourth in six years, the Packers still hold something over them. Green Bay also won NFL titles in 1961-62 and is the only team with five championships in a seven-year span. 'We'll have to start talking about five out of seven,' Kramer said. 'They still have a little hill to climb. I've gone from three in a row to five out of seven. I hope they do it, really. My life has been complete. I've had a wonderful ride.'
NBC News
06-02-2025
- Sport
- NBC News
Chiefs seek first Super Bowl three-peat, but don't forget the 1960s Green Bay Packers
The first Super Bowl, played Jan. 15, 1967, in Los Angeles, pitted the NFL champion Packers against the Chiefs, then champs of the upstart AFL. Up until then, the NFL — which came into being in 1920 and was originally named the American Professional Football Association — had its champion before the AFL was born in 1960. The new league crowned six of its own pre-Super Bowl champs. It wasn't until that first Super Bowl that pro football had a unified champion. Before it won the first two Super Bowls, Green Bay won the last pre-Super Bowl NFL title, defeating Jim Brown and the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 2, 1966. Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson, who played for those Green Bay title teams, said there's no question his Packers were undisputed world champs in pro football for three consecutive years. The AFL was considered the inferior league, and lopsided wins by the Packers in the first two Super Bowls probably proved that point. The perception of NFL superiority is what made the Super Bowl 3 win by the New York Jets and quarterback Joe Namath 's "guarantee" so memorable. "I'll have a little bit of disappointed [if the Chiefs win], but in my mind, though, they wouldn't say they broke any record," said Robinson, 83, who made his post-football living in beer wholesale. "They'd just tie [our] record. You can't really be upset if someone just ties your record." Eight surviving Packers played on all three of those Green Bay title teams: Kramer, Robinson, split end Boyd Dowler, wide receiver Carroll Dale, tight end Marv Fleming, defensive back Tom Brown, wide receiver Bob Long and offensive lineman Steve Wright. Fleming, 83, insists his Packers teams should be considered greater than the current Chiefs, based on the concentration of talent. Eleven mid- ' 60s Packers players and coach Vince Lombardi are enshrined in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 'We had a top-of-the-line players at every position,' said Fleming, who went into real estate after football. 'Today, have one or two, three on a team, and it's all watered down. We had, on every team and at almost every position, there was a guy who belonged there, OK?' Dale said he'd cut slack to any football fans who don't mention his Packers in the same breath as modern juggernauts like the Chiefs. "I figure that there are not many people alive that remember seeing that game [the last pre-Super Bowl NFL championship game] 60 years ago," said Dale, who went on to become the athletic director at the University of Virginia at Wise. "So they tend to forget. I forgive them for that." Long was far less forgiving when it came to football fans whose history books don't extend further than the first Super Bowl. "They're [possibly going to be] the first team ever to win three Super Bowls [in a row], the Kansas City Chiefs. But in my mind, we already did that," said Long, 83. "They just forget it for some reason. I've never heard that [Super Bowl 2 was] the third [championship] in a row for the Packers in the media." The failure to mention the Packers as a three-peat champion, Long said, is akin to wiping out a generation of football greats. "There were some pretty good players in the league," in the 1960s, said Long, who made his post-football living as an early Pizza Hut franchisee. "They're trying to tell me that Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus weren't very good? Or Jim Brown or John Unitas? Unfortunately, in my mind, they keep forgetting those players." Even if those mid-'60s Packers won't get mentioned alongside today's Chiefs, Dowler, 87, said he has enough self-satisfaction to let any potential slight slide. "The fact is we won three straight world titles. I don't care whether you call it a Super Bowl, the world title, the NFC, the NFL, whatever," said Dowler, who was a longtime NFL assistant coach after he hauled in 7,270 receiving yards during a run-dominated era of football. "It all becomes very wordy. I don't [argue], because we won what was put in front of us, right? Nothing that anybody says or does can take that away from us." Wright couldn't be reached for comment this week, while Brown is in "the ninth year of his Alzheimer's journey," daughter Jessie Brown said. In his assisted living facility, Brown, 84, is surrounded by senior citizens who vividly remember the 1967 NFL championship game, known as the Ice Bowl, and remind their housemate that he played in one of pro football's most important games. "He doesn't really talk anymore, but they like to talk to him [about the Ice Bowl ] and he'll smile," Jessie Brown said of her father, who worked in youth sports after his playing days. "It's not really definitive enough to say, 'Oh, yeah, he [remembers the Ice Bowl], but that doesn't stop people from talking to him about it, which I love."
