Set to be released from his Jets contract soon, Aaron Rodgers must wait until March 12 before becoming a free agent. Because the Jets are planning to designate him as a post-June 1 cut, no official release can take place until the start of the 2025 league year. In the meantime, however, the future Hall of Fame quarterback can survey the landscape.
One place that would understandably generate interest: Los Angeles. Rodgers indeed is believed to be eyeing a Rams fit, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard. This is contingent upon the Rams following through with a Matthew Stafford trade. While Stafford and the Rams look to find a solution on his contract, a handful of teams have come up as destinations for the 37-year-old passer.
[RELATED: Reexamining Jets-Packers’ 2023 Rodgers Trade]
Rodgers is now 41 and not in the same form Stafford is. That said, he still played 17 games for the Jets and finished with 28 touchdown passes compared to 11 interceptions (albeit at just 6.7 yards per attempt). The former Packers superstar has not closely reminded fans of his MVP form, but he would be an upgrade for teams in need at the position. While teams like the Steelers, Browns and Raiders would come to mind as potential fits — particularly Pittsburgh and Cleveland due to the AFC North teams’ roster talent — the Rams have presented an optimal fit for quarterbacks since Sean McVay arrived in 2017.
Rodgers led the way to the Jets acquiring several of his ex-Green Bay teammates, with OC Nathaniel Hackett also owing his status in New York to his former Packers pupil. If Rodgers commits to playing a 21st season (a direction he is leaning), Leonard writes he would want to bring Davante Adams with him once again. The Jets gave up a third-round pick for Adams, and while that did not reignite last season’s edition, the former All-Pro did outperform Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins; he just did so for a 5-12 team.
The four-time MVP has a home in Los Angeles, and Adams has been tied to seeking a West Coast fit. The Rams came up as a potential destination, adding some intrigue here. It is not certain the Rams would want Rodgers, who does bring some baggage at this point in his career. A scenario in which the Rams move off Stafford and add Rodgers on the cheap could appeal to the NFC West club, but counting on a 40-something passer who suffered an Achilles tear in September 2023 would not be for everyone. If the Rams do pull the trigger on moving Stafford, though, they would obviously want a path to a starter-caliber quarterback to help sustain their playoff status.
Jets GM Darren Mougey did not indicate which way the team was leaning with Adams, only saying he is still at Jet at this time. But the team will not pay the accomplished wideout a $35.6MM base salary. The Jets are expected to move on soon, and they would not need to wait until June 1 with Adams. Cutting the 32-year-old performer would save the team $29.9MM.
The Rams signing off on the same Rodgers-Adams package the Jets are jettisoning would be interesting, given the team’s status as a perennial (save for an injury-ravaged 2022 season) contender. After all, the team is preparing to move on from its own 30-something receiver — Cooper Kupp. But it would appear Rodgers is closely monitoring the Stafford situation just in case the Rams would be interested in being his third NFL employer.
If the Rams move on from Stafford, I would assume they would want to get younger, not older. Maybe they’re willing to ride out a one year option while they keep feeling out a next quarterback plan, especially if he comes discounted, but when your organization is built around a coach who’s prized for culture and scheme, bringing in a quarterback who’s likely to disrupt culture and be stubborn about scheme seems like a tough sell.
Yep, younger not older. Plus, shockingly, money seems to be at the center of all this folly. Stafford wants to be a part of that 50 mil club. Rams have made it clear they won’t do that. If Stafford does get a 50 mil deal somewhere else, the Rams are not going to bring in a Rodgers type who will be looking to be paid in the 50 mil + range as well.
They would draft a QB and have Rodgers for one win now season
You think mcveigh is gonna stick around for a rebuild? There were rumors about him leaving when the rams were hotter.
I do. He’s spoken frankly about burning out before and getting his head back in. They’ve also already done a lot of the rebuilding. They have one of the best defensive lines in football all with most of their rookie contracts left. Their number one receiver isn’t 24 yet. They fixed their cap situation. There’s still stuff to do, but as long as he’s willing to take on the next quarterback transition, it’s a good place to be. Especially since the NFC is the easier conference these days.
Darnold has more of a chance of landing with the Rams than Rodgers does. Of course, neither will be with the Rams if Stafford comes to terms with them!
Agreed
Nah, theres no reason to assume that. The Rams dont have to choose younger vs older, they can literally go get both. Theres nothing stopping them from getting Rodgers or another veteran QB as a stop gap QB (or a bridge QB) as they prepare a young QB if they were to also acquire one from the draft or trade. Also, if Aaron disrupting the culture means just about every teammate having positive things to say about him from multiple lockerooms then i think McVay can handle that
This is not a new thing for a team to do in the National Football League.
If he takes another vacation without permission when a new coach is trying to install an offense, I’d say that’s disruptive.
this is hilarious
Good luck with that, Rams!
Matthew Stafford for Aaron Rodgers straight up … that would make the New York Sportsball Media explode in complete chaos!
They wouldnt get a used bag of balls for Aaron Rodgers and you think they can get Stafford? lmao
Rams wanna trade 37 yr old & replace him with a 41 yr old ? Why not go 1 step further & bring 48 yr old brady from retirement ?
Rodgers comes with baggage and a circus like atmosphere why would McVay even consider him? But Aaron wants to bring in adams and a few players… give me a break! I wish he would just retire
Rodgers just wants to be in or close to CA. When he was rumored to go to the Jets, he was also pushing for the Raiders (plus they had D. Adams). I don’t blame him for wanting to play near home, but at this point, he seems to only be concerned with his own whims. Watching him every game this year, I don’t care what the final numbers said, dude is way past checked out.
Like the Raiders need more monkeys for their circus…
I think Kurt Warner has a better chance of starting for the Rams than Rodgers.
I’m sorry Rams fans