This week there has been a lot of discussion about the quarterback position for the New York Jets. Zach Wilson was abysmal against the New England Patriots last week, completing 9-of-22 pass attempts for a measly 77 yards. Could a pursuit for a trade with the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers be in the future?
Wilson has a lot of the tools needed to succeed at this level and is only in his second season, but he has shown virtually no progress from his rookie campaign. It can be argued that he has actually taken a step back this season as he has only one game with more touchdowns than interceptions thrown and three where he has completed 50 percent or fewer of his passes.
Despite the underwhelming quarterback play, the Jets are currently 6-4 and right in the thick of the playoff picture in the AFC. They have found ways to win games behind a very strong defense and opportunistic offensive performances.
But, if the Jets want to truly take that next step, they need to see improvement at quarterback. Wilson’s press conference after the Patriots game and how he carried himself rubbed a lot of people the wrong way as he doesn’t take accountability for his level of play. If that continues, a change could have to be made.
Head coach Robert Saleh has also changed his tune when it comes to Wilson. He is noncommittal on whether or not Wilson will be starting on Sunday against the Chicago Bears or not. The other options on the roster are veteran Joe Flacco and Mike White, who endeared himself to Jets fans with his performance last season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
While they could provide a short-term spark, the Jets likely aren’t contenders with either of them under center, either. If they wanted to really move up the ranks, could a move for Aaron Rodgers be in their future? While making an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, former NFL player Marcus Spears floated out the idea of the Jets trading for Rodgers this offseason.
“Teams will trade for him. … You don’t think [the Jets] with that young guy Zach Wilson would feel that way in New York if Aaron Rodgers became available?”
Rodgers would provide this team with a massive upgrade at the quarterback position. Despite the struggles of the Green Bay Packers this season, Rodgers is still tied for first in the NFC for touchdown passes on the season.
New York has some very intriguing skill position players that Rodgers would likely be open to playing alongside as well. Garrett Wilson looks like the real deal, while Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios round out a good wide receiver depth chart. Michael Carter and James Robinson are handling the backfield in the absence of Breece Hall, who tore his ACL and the tight end position is strong with veterans Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah keeping the seat warm for third-round pick, rookie Jeremy Ruckert.
There is a lot of talent to work with as the Jets’ offensive line is vastly improved, when healthy, as well. They are the exact kind of team that should strongly consider making a push with the Packers for Rodgers as they are battling for a playoff spot despite underwhelming quarterback play; imagine what they would look like with an above-average player such as Rodgers at the helm.
