Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Jets are on the brink of a major cultural overhaul as a tumultuous 2024 season winds down. With Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas already dismissed before Thanksgiving, speculation has begun to swirl about the future of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
While some argue for giving Rodgers another chance, many believe it’s time for a change. Among the options for the Jets, Tyrod Taylor stands out as the best choice to lead the team in 2025. Taylor’s combination of reliability, cost-efficiency, and potential to keep the team competitive makes him the ideal stopgap quarterback.
In 2023, Tyrod Taylor demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level despite playing for a struggling New York Giants team. Over four starts, he completed 64% of his passes, throwing for 1,341 yards, 5 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions.
With a passer rating of 89.1 and 7.5 yards per attempt, Taylor’s efficiency stood out, particularly given the poor support around him. The Giants’ offense was plagued by injuries and a subpar supporting cast, yet Taylor managed to deliver competitive performances.
Taylor led the Giants to a 2-2 record in his starts, which included narrow losses to playoff teams like the Bills and Rams. These games were decided by a combined margin of just six points, underscoring Taylor’s ability to keep his team competitive even against elite opponents. In contrast, the Giants were 4-9 in all other games, suffering an average margin of defeat of 20 points across those losses.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2024 performance failed to live up to expectations. Once hailed as a potential savior for the Jets, Rodgers’ production fell short, leaving fans and analysts questioning his ability to remain effective. Despite his reputation, Rodgers’ numbers in 2024 were not significantly better than Taylor’s 2023 stats, making the case for a transition to Taylor all the more compelling.
Taylor’s production, particularly his efficiency and ball security, surpassed Rodgers in nearly every meaningful metric. At nearly six years younger, Taylor also provides more reliability heading into 2025, as Rodgers is more likely to experience further decline. The Jets can no longer justify the distractions and drama associated with Rodgers when a player like Taylor offers better value and similar, if not better, results.
If the Jets choose to retain Rodgers, they will face a $23.5 million cap hit in 2025. Cutting him with a post-June 1 designation would reduce this to $14 million in dead money for 2025, with an additional $35 million in 2026. While these numbers are not ideal, moving on from Rodgers still offers significant financial relief.
Taylor’s contract represents a bargain, with a modest $6.8 million cap hit in 2025. By sticking with Taylor, the Jets gain $9.5 million in additional cap space, which they can allocate toward strengthening their roster. This financial flexibility is critical as the team rebuilds around a young quarterback in the future.
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The 2025 quarterback free agent market lacks compelling options. Players like Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota, Drew Lock, Jameis Winston, Justin Fields, and Jimmy Garoppolo are unlikely to outperform Taylor. Even Sam Darnold, arguably the best free agent available, presents significant risks and will likely command a hefty price tag, making him an unviable option for the Jets.
The Jets cannot afford another expensive gamble like Rodgers. Signing a veteran quarterback to a lucrative deal while also carrying Taylor’s contract would hinder the team’s ability to rebuild effectively. Taylor’s affordability and proven production make him the logical choice.
Taylor’s consistency and ball security provide the Jets with the stability needed to remain competitive while they develop a young quarterback. His ability to avoid costly turnovers ensures that the Jets’ defense and special teams efforts will not go to waste.
The Jets are poised to draft their quarterback of the future in 2025. By starting Taylor, they allow their rookie signal-caller the time to develop at a natural pace without being thrown into the fire prematurely. This approach sets the stage for long-term success while remaining competitive in the short term.
Rodgers’ presence in 2024 brought unnecessary drama to the Jets. His declining production and divisive leadership style overshadowed the team’s efforts to improve. Moving on from Rodgers eliminates these distractions, allowing the organization to focus on its new direction.
By parting ways with Rodgers, the Jets can fully commit to their cultural overhaul. A fresh start with Taylor at quarterback aligns with the team’s broader strategy of rebuilding its identity and creating a cohesive, drama-free locker room.
Taylor’s history as a reliable quarterback in difficult situations makes him the ideal candidate for the Jets’ 2025 plans. His combination of affordability, ball security, and leadership provides the stability the team needs during this transitional period.
Pursuing alternative stopgap quarterbacks or swinging for a costly trade does not align with the Jets’ current trajectory. Taylor offers a practical, low-risk solution that allows the Jets to maximize their resources for future success.
By choosing Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback, the New York Jets position themselves for a balanced and sustainable rebuild in 2025. His efficiency, affordability, and leadership make him the perfect bridge to the franchise’s next era.