The best way for the Jets to take advantage of their window of contention is to add a star quarterback this offseason.
Sure, they have work to do at multiple positions. The offensive line must be addressed, certain key defenders could depart in free agency and New York's young core will need to continue to develop.
Adding a stellar signal-caller would foster more success on the offensive side of the ball next fall, though. This team was held back in 2022 by the production at the quarterback position. Factor that in with the Jets' elite defense and Robert Saleh's squad has a clear path to a playoff spot.
New York has a few options to choose from at quarterback, but Aaron Rodgers is the best of the bunch. It won't be cheap—both in draft capital and in dollars—but this is a splash that general manager Joe Douglas must be considering.
What could a possible trade with Green Bay for the Hall of Fame quarterback look like? Here's one proposal, from Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings:
Trade: Jets receive Aaron Rodgers, No. 116 pick, Packers receive No. 13 pick, 2024 second-rounder, 2024 third-rounder
That’s right. Aaron Rodgers is on the move to New York. The Jets look to maximize a 1-2 year window with their current roster, while the Packers add a first-rounder and change in the process. — Cummings
This isn't the first Rodgers-to-the-Jets proposal that we've seen this offseason. Pro Football Focus drafted a hypothetical trade including four draft picks from New York last month. The question is whether Green Bay will want more for their star QB. PFF included multiple first-rounders in their proposed package, one for each of the next two drafts. PFN has the No. 13 overall selection from this year's draft going to the Packers, along with two high picks from next year's draft.
It's a steep price to pay, especially for a team that needs all the talent they can get. Still, sacrificing a first-round pick (or two) is worth the price of admission when you're able to acquire an all-time great. Even as Rodgers prepares to enter his age-40 season, he'll make the Jets a clear contender so long as he stays healthy (working with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who already has a close relationship with Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay).
Let's not forget that New York would need to clear a significant amount of cap space in order to add a player as expensive as Rodgers. If Douglas is able to work some roster magic, placing an emphasis on weapons and protection for the quarterback, a good fit for Rodgers will get even better.
Bleacher Report recently published another Rodgers trade proposal involving the Jets, a deal that includes three future picks (two first-rounders).
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