Welcome to the Super Bowl bye week, folks.
We officially have one game remaining in the NFL season, which is likely making many football fans sad.
However, despite what some fans might say, the Eagles and Chiefs Super Bowl rematch in New Orleans should make for an exciting game. With no football game this week, future prospects hope to improve their stock during the three Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala., with the game to be held on Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Jets also held an introductory press conference on Monday with new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
As we enter February and inch closer to the NFL Scouting Combine, it’s time to answer a few fan questions in this week’s mailbag.
In your opinion does it make more sense to part ways with Rodgers or keep him and go for it next year? — @Gustoon
Before I answer that, people have to understand that the decision to keep Aaron Rodgers has both a football and business aspect.
Most Jet fans only consider the football aspect of keeping Rodgers for another season. Sure, Rodgers can still be a starting quarterback for a few teams. In 2024, Rodgers passed for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
But with a new coach in Glenn and a general manager in Mougey, do they want to begin their tenure with a player like Rodgers, who comes with a lot of baggage?
After the 2023 season, Rodgers told reporters, “Anything in this building that we’re doing that has nothing to do with winning needs to be assessed,” but he is part of that. Going on “The Pat McAfee Show” every week during the season, throwing a teammate under the bus publicly and releasing a Netflix documentary during the season are things that have nothing to do with winning or football.
So, no, I would not bring back Rodgers. He would cost the Jets $63 million in 2026, and he would count against the salary cap for 2027 through 2029. The Jets would also owe Rodgers a $21 million bonus for 2027.
Rodgers did tell reporters he would consider taking a pay cut, but the Jets don’t want to end up in salary cap hell, much like the Saints currently are. Gang Green tried the Rodgers experiment for two seasons, and it didn’t work. It’s time to move on.
Are there any free agents with ties to Mougey and/or Glenn you expect the Jets to covet in free agency? — @connor_long15
According to Over The Cap, the Jets will have around $21 million to spend on free agents and to sign their draft class. More money will be freed if the Jets release C.J. Mosley and Allen Lazard.
To answer your question, a guy like Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones could be on the Jets’ radar. They need another defensive tackle opposite Quinnen Williams, and Jones would be a solid fit.
Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport is another player the Jets could pick up. Although he has not lived up to expectations, Davenport is a player Glenn is familiar with, and the Jets could use some defensive line depth.
In your estimation, who’s getting re-signed, restructured and released with this new Jets regime? — @MrEd315
I won’t discuss all 28 free agents in this article — I will do that in a future article. However, I wouldn’t expect D.J. Reed or Tyler Conklin to re-sign.
The writing was on the wall for Reed after Michael Carter II was given a three-year, $31 million contract extension in September. Now, Reed will test free agency, and I’m sure he will be a hot commodity.
I believe Conklin will want to go to a franchise that is close to contending and could use some help at the tight end.
Morgan Moses could go either way. The Jets should find a way to re-sign him while also trying to find a long-term replacement at right tackle in the draft.
Do you think the team will re-sign Jamien Sherwood? — @TripleBoogie
Since we are talking about free agents, it is good to answer this question.
In Mosley’s absence due to toe and neck injuries, Sherwood had a career year after finishing with 158 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in his first full season as a starter. After last season, Sherwood certainly is in line for a raise.
I’m sure the Jets would like to keep him, but I imagine teams like the 49ers and Falcons may also be interested. Ex-Jets coach Robert Saleh is back in San Francisco as the team’s defensive coordinator. Jeff Ulbrich, who was the Jets’ defensive coordinator and later their interim coach, is the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator.
If I had to guess, Sherwood would be elsewhere in 2025, but this is a toss-up.