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The New York Jets have made their interest in Aaron Rodgers clear. They have all but announced the end of the Zach Wilson era and many players have already begun recruiting the Green Bay Packers legend to New York.
Given that he'll likely be the most desired quarterback on the market this offseason, Rodgers may not make it to the Jets. What do they do in that case?
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Jimmy Garoppolo would be their next option:
"If the New York Jets can’t or don’t want to get Rodgers, I’d bet they’re much more willing to go after Jimmy G or Tannehill than they are Carr."
Garoppolo was guiding the San Francisco 49ers to the playoffs before going down with injury. Despite how well Brock Purdy played, a healthy Garoppolo might have taken the 49ers to the Super Bowl once again.
Orlovsky believes Garoppolo or even Ryan Tannehill, depending on what the Tennessee Titans do, would make sense for the Jets if they can't get Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers' salary and cap hit for 2023 vs Jimmy Garoppolo's contract situation
Talent aside, it may make a lot more sense for the Jets to go after Jimmy Garoppolo than Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is far more expensive and is still under contract with the Packers.
Rodgers has almost $60 million guaranteed if he plays in 2023. His cap hit would be over $31 million, making him one of the most expensive players in NFL history.
Factor that in with the assets the Jets would have to give Green Bay to get the quarterback and the price for Rodgers is suddenly very steep. He's talented, but at 39 years old, it may not be the best move for the young Jets.
Garoppolo, on the other hand, is a free agent. He's not contracted anywhere, which means the Jets or any other team don't have to give up assets.
Garoppolo's contract will be sizeable, but it won't be $60 million a year. In fact, it'll likely be half of that. The Jets can also count on Garoppolo to play for more than a couple of seasons if that.
Rodgers has considered retirement, so he could leave his 2023 team without a plan after next season if he decides to walk away. That's not as prevalent for Garoppolo.
