The New York Jets are poised to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason, signaling the need for a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season. With the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets have a prime opportunity to target a young quarterback who could be the cornerstone of their future. However, the quarterback class for the 2025 draft is expected to be thin, with only two quarterbacks projected to be worthy of a first-round pick. This reality raises the possibility that both of these top-tier prospects could be off the board by the time the Jets are on the clock. If this happens, the Jets may find themselves in a position similar to the Las Vegas Raiders last year, where they were forced to start the season with a combination of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.
As the Jets begin to prepare for life without Aaron Rodgers, there’s already speculation regarding who might take over as the team’s starting quarterback in 2025. While Jets fans may not be thrilled with the prospect, one name is already emerging as a favorite to lead the team in Week 1. Ideally, the Jets would like to secure an upgrade over Rodgers, but given that the four-time NFL MVP couldn’t deliver a Pro Bowl-caliber performance with the team, it’s fair to question whether any other veteran could succeed where Rodgers fell short.
Despite this, the Jets are likely to explore all available options in their search for a new starting quarterback. According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, one option already gaining traction is a quarterback who is currently on the team’s roster. That player is Tyrod Taylor, who is under contract for 2025 at a relatively affordable $6.8 million cap hit. Taylor, now 35 years old, may not be the most thrilling option for the Jets, particularly given his past injury struggles, but he brings valuable experience to the table, with 58 career starts to his name. While Taylor may not be as electrifying as other potential options, he is considered more than capable of managing an offense and offering stability in the quarterback position. Unlike Rodgers, Taylor is more inclined to take risks down the field, though this has sometimes worked against him in the past.
Importantly, Taylor is well-liked in the Jets’ locker room, with key players such as Garrett Wilson expressing admiration for him. This camaraderie could be beneficial in fostering a positive team dynamic as the Jets move forward in their quest for a quarterback solution. Taylor, as it stands, appears to be the leading candidate to start for the Jets in 2025, but it’s important to note that the team will continue to evaluate all available options. As Rosenblatt mentions, it’s possible that Taylor will face competition in training camp, either from a rookie quarterback or another veteran option, for the starting job in Week 1.
Ultimately, even if Taylor emerges as the starting quarterback, it’s likely that his role will be temporary. If he earns the spot atop the depth chart, it could simply be as a placeholder until a rookie or another long-term solution is ready to take over. For the Jets, the goal is to find a quarterback who can lead the team for years to come, and if that means relying on a veteran like Taylor in the short term, so be it. As the offseason unfolds, expect the Jets to explore all avenues in their search for a quarterback who can finally bring stability and success to the franchise.
