The NY Jets have made their intentions known that they plan to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The Jets will move forward with a new QB to pair with their new regime in 2025, leaving Rodgers to ponder his future.
There's been some speculation over the last couple of months that Rodgers could consider retirement, but recent indications are that the four-time MVP intends to play football next season. The only question is where?
In a weak quarterback market, Rodgers stands out as one of the better options available for QB-needy teams. It might not be that simple, however. Rodgers isn't just going to suit up for any team — he's looking for the perfect situation.
Now, we know where that perfect situation might be. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported on Tuesday that Rodgers would prefer to play for the Los Angeles Rams and would intend to bring star wide receiver Davante Adams along with him.
Would the Rams actually want Aaron Rodgers?
A Rodgers-Rams union hinges on the outcome of the Matthew Stafford situation. The Rams are reportedly hoping to restructure Stafford's contract ahead of the 2025 season, but the two sides have yet to agree on a price point.
Los Angeles has given Stafford permission to speak to other teams while the organization plans to meet with the Pro Bowl quarterback at the NFL Combine this week. If Stafford and the Rams are unable to work out a deal, Rodgers could make some sense.
It's easy to see why the Rams would be an attractive destination for Rodgers. They boast one of the NFL's top offensive systems and coaching staffs, a roster that's won 10 or more games in four of the last five seasons, and the allure of playing in Los Angeles.
Rodgers is originally from California and is said to welcome a return to his home state. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer even speculated this week that the future Hall of Fame quarterback would be willing to take a discount to play in Los Angeles.
The better question is would the Rams want Rodgers?
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Despite his struggles in 2024, Rodgers is still a starting-caliber quarterback when healthy. His health issues are a concern, but Rodgers should be one of the best quarterback options on the market this offseason.
The problem is that Rodgers is more than just your average quarterback. He comes with baggage that not every team is willing to sign up for. It's less about his controversial personality and so-called "ego" and more about what he might request from his new team.
Rodgers is going to want autonomy. He's going to want to have significant influence over the offensive scheme he runs. He's going to want to have the freedom to frequently change plays at the line of scrimmage.
If Rodgers wants to miss a couple of days of minicamp to take a vacation to Egypt, he wants the privilege to be able to. The Jets were willing to give in to Rodgers' demands because they believed they were acquiring one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Now that it's clear Rodgers is no longer that player, it's hard to imagine many teams would be willing to afford him that same autonomy. The Rams might feel the same way.
Rodgers knows what he wants, but is the interest mutual? That remains to be seen.