Aaron Rodgers looked like his old self as he masterminded a New York Jets victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 40-year-old finished with 16 completions for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
Coming off the devastating Achilles injury he suffered in Week 1 last year, Rodgers has hit a streak of form with his arm and even led the team in rushing with 45 yards.
He was brought in to be the missing piece on a supposed Super Bowl contender but for much of the campaign has looked to be part of the problem.
Now, with old friend Davante Adams also kicking into gear, the Jets have a decision to make.
Speaking before the Week 14 defeat to the Miami Dolphins, NFL insider Ian Rapoport claimed that Gang Green bosses were already looking to the future.
“My understanding is the Jets could, and likely will, still draft a young quarterback whether or not Aaron Rodgers is on the roster,” he said.
“If they draft a young quarterback, they need a bridge starter—essentially, that’s what Rodgers is now.”
Rodgers’ offense is averaging 26.5 points over the last four games and the former Green Bay Packers signal-caller is on course to become the Jets’ all-time leader in passing yards in a single season.
He has 3,285 and needs to average 240 per game for the final three weeks to go top.
With 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, if the Jets’ defense can get back to its 2023 form, the team looks like a potential contender again.
Ironically every win between now and the end of the season could make replacing Rodgers more difficult – and expensive.
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A high draft pick is on its way to New York and how to use it will be a big call for a team on the longest playoff drought in American sports.
The team could decide to go all-in on another year with Rodgers – returning to the original plan when they lured him from Green Bay.
Picking a backup with high draft stock is a risky move – just ask the Atlanta Falcons about their Kirk Cousins vs Michael Penix Jr. problem.
One man who would probably like to see his team roll the dice with a rookie is third-year wideout Garrett Wilson.
Rodgers was supposed to be the man to unlock the superstar pass-catcher’s potential but it has just not clicked.
The duo got into a heated argument in preseason and their relationship has appeared strained since – and ever more so since the midseason arrival of Rodgers buddy Davante Adams..
During the win over Jacksonville, Wilson was seen screaming at coaches on the sideline after his quarterback took a sack.
“If it’s one-one-one, throw the fade,” he appeared to shout.
Wilson did end up with a touchdown on Sunday – taking three catches for 56 yards.
Adams, meanwhile, exploded for 198 yards and two scores from nine catches.
It is clear who Rodgers’ favorite is and come the offseason, it may be a case of ‘It’s me or him’ for Wilson, who is rumored to be considering an offseason trade request.
If the veteran QB continues to look like his former self, it is an argument the gifted receiver may end up losing.
Adams is due $35million next year, meaning the Jets are highly likely to cut him rather than pay over the odds, while Wilson is eligible for a new contract in 2025 as his rookie deal will enter it’s fourth year.
If Rodgers stays, the former Packers standout could well be tempted to accept a much smaller package as he chases an elusive Super Bowl ring.
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