NY Jets aren't in an 'Aaron Rodgers or bust' situation

The NY Jets' interest in Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has probably been the worst-kept secret of the NFL offseason. The Jets haven't exactly been shy about their reported "infatuation" with the 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether or not Rodgers has the same level of interest in joining the Jets. Rodgers has emerged from his darkness retreat and is expected to make an announcement about his future at some point in the near future.

That announcement, however, could be that he is retiring or returning to Green Bay for another season. The Jets may desperately want Rodgers, but there's no guarantee that he will be available.

Fortunately, they have backup plans.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported on Monday that this is "not an Aaron Rodgers or bust situation" for the Jets. They're exploring all of their options and have contingency plans in case they miss out on Rodgers.

The NY Jets have fallback options if they can't land Aaron Rodgers

The first, and most obvious, backup plan for the Jets is Derek Carr. The Jets met with Carr a little over a week ago, and both sides reportedly left the meeting feeling very good about the potential fit.

Carr and Jets head coach Robert Saleh "hit it off" and the Jets came away with the belief that Carr would be an excellent fit in New York. They even pitched to him that he could be a Hall of Famer if he helps the Jets win.

With Carr and the Jets both set to be in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine this week, there's a chance that talks could escalate, especially if his market heats up. It's more likely, however, that both sides wait to see what Rodgers decides.

But what happens if the Jets miss out on both Rodgers and Carr? That would be a far-from-ideal scenario for the organization, but they would likely then pivot to Jimmy Garoppolo or Ryan Tannehill.

It's far from a guarantee that the Tennessee Titans move on from Tannehill this offseason, but Garoppolo is set to be a free agent next month. He will be available if the Jets are interested.

Breer even suggested that the Jets are exploring the possibility of adding Geno Smith or Daniel Jones, although it should be noted that both players are expected to remain with their current teams in 2023. Don't count on them being realistic options.

The Jets may be "all-in" on Rodgers, but they're being smart about their pursuit. They know that Rodgers might not be available, and they have secondary and tertiary plans in the scenario in which that occurs.

The Jets are determined to get this right.