The Jets’ Quarterback Woes: A Season of Speculations
If you’re a former New York Jets quarterback, the odds are high that you’ve been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation this NFL offseason. Take Aaron Rodgers, Geno Smith, and Sam Darnold, for example. All three have been labeled as "busts" to varying degrees during their stints with the Jets, and their current situations are a testament to the tumultuous nature of the team’s quarterbacking history. Rodgers, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, has become one of the most talked-about players in the entire offseason rumor mill after the Jets agreed to release him. The team’s decision to let Rodgers go has sparked a flurry of discussions and potential trades, with numerous teams expressing interest in the veteran quarterback.
Geno Smith: From Bust to Star
Geno Smith’s journey from the Jets to the Seattle Seahawks and now to the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of redemption and revival. Drafted with the 39th overall pick in 2013 from West Virginia, Smith started all 16 games as a rookie with the Jets. His tenure in New York lasted for parts of four seasons, during which he compiled a 12-18 record. However, his last season with the Jets was marred by controversy and injuries, leading the team to part ways with him after the 2016 season. In Seattle, Smith initially found a new beginning but was eventually traded to the Raiders on Friday night. This move is widely considered a significant upgrade for Las Vegas, while Seattle’s future at quarterback remains uncertain. The Seahawks, now looking for a logical replacement, have already been linked to another former Jets quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Sam Darnold: A Logical Replacement
Sam Darnold, a name often mentioned in NFL trade conversations, has a solid chance of becoming the Seahawks’ next quarterback. Drafted by the Jets with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold started 38 games over three seasons, posting a 13-25 record. The Jets’ decision to trade him to the Carolina Panthers was a clear sign of their dissatisfaction with his performance. Darnold’s tenure in Carolina did not last long, and he was eventually released. Now, he stands as a potential solution for the Seahawks, who are in need of stability and leadership at the quarterback position. The cycle of quarterback speculation and movement is a recurring theme in the Jets’ recent history, and Darnold’s potential return to the Pacific Northwest exemplifies this pattern.
The Jets’ Struggles Since 2015
The New York Jets have not had a winning record since 2015, when Ryan Fitzpatrick started 15 games at quarterback. This prolonged period of futility has led the team to make bold moves in search of a franchise quarterback. One of the most significant was the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers before the 2023 season. Rodgers, known for his brilliance with the Green Bay Packers, was brought in with high hopes of turning the Jets’ fortunes around. However, his time with the team was short-lived and largely disappointing. Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into the season opener, and even when he returned, he struggled. The Jets finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, despite the acquisition of Davante Adams, who has now been released from the team.
The Quest for Redemption
Rodgers’ best hope now lies in finding a new team that can offer him a fresh start and an opportunity for redemption. Both Geno Smith and Sam Darnold have already found their renaissances in subsequent destinations. Smith, after his tumultuous time with the Jets, started games elsewhere before finding his groove with the Seahawks. He proved to be a reliable and effective quarterback, earning respect and admiration from fans and analysts alike. Similarly, Darnold, after his release from the Jets, had a stint with the Carolina Panthers before emerging as a key figure in the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive strategy. These success stories highlight the potential for a quarterback to thrive when given a new environment and the right support system.
A New Cycle: 2024-2025 and Beyond
As the 2024-2025 season approaches, all three quarterbacks—Rodgers, Smith, and Darnold—will have new homes and new opportunities. The Jets’ consistent struggle to find a competent quarterback has ripple effects across the league, influencing team strategies and trades. If not for the Jets’ stunning stretch of quarterback incompetence, this NFL offseason might look very different. The team’s quest for a franchise quarterback continues, and it remains to be seen whether their next move will finally break the cycle of busts and bring stability and success to their offense. In the meantime, the rest of the league watches, waits, and speculates, as the Jets remain a focal point in the ongoing quarterback saga.
