Aaron Rodgers, former Green Bay Packers quarterback, will not return to the New York Jets in 2025. This decision was made by new head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey following New York’s 5-12 record in 2024 and a lot of turmoil, including the four-time NFL MVP.
According to various accounts, Rodgers wanted to return to the Jets and was willing to accept a wage cut to do so. However, New York believed that it was in the best interests of the franchise to move on. However, doing so will be quite expensive. Rodgers has a $49 million dead cap cost, which can be amortized over the next two seasons if he is designated as a post-June 1 cut.
Moving on from Rodgers also raises fundamental questions about the quarterback situation. One Jets writer says New York should look to Green Bay for an answer.
The New York Jets could trade for the Green Bay Packers’ backup quarterback, Malik Willis.
Of course, the Jets have several possibilities for filling their starting quarterback position in 2025. However, few, if any, are truly exceptional. They presently have Tyrod Taylor under contract, but the free agent pool is small and devoid of high-profile players. Furthermore, this year’s crop of quarterbacks in the NFL Draft is not particularly inspiring.
Given these circumstances, Connor Long of Jets X Factor believes that current Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis could be a viable option:
“While many will quickly dismiss the concept, Willis has a lot of potential, and it can’t hurt for the Jets to take a chance on him as a 2025 bridge option.
“Additionally, he is an exceedingly inexpensive choice. Willis has only one year remaining on his rookie contract, which has a maximum of $1.4 million in 2025.
“That said, the Jets would have to acquire Willis through a trade.
“After being acquired for a seventh-round pick last offseason, a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026, which could become a fifth if Willis plays 60% of the Jets’ offensive snaps in 2025, seems like a fair asking price.”
This concept, of course, is predicated on Willis’ performance in relief of an injured Jordan Love this season. Indeed, without him, the Packers would most likely have missed out on the NFL Playoffs.
Malik Willis In 2024, the Green Bay Packers traded for Willis after backup quarterback choices Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt performed poorly in training camps and games.
That is a good thing they did.
When Love missed Weeks Two and Three due to a damaged MCL, Willis took over as starter and guided the Packers to two victory. He also guided Green Bay to victory in Week Eight when Love was forced to leave the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early due to a groin ailment.
Overall, Willis completed 74.1% of his throws for 550 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 124.8.
It’s understandable that a team like the Jets would be interested in him as a possible starting quarterback, but last season shown how crucial it is for Green Bay to have a good backup. If all New York has to give is a probable fifth-round selection, Brian Gutekunst will most likely hang up the phone.
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