After missing out on Derek Carr, who signed with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, the Jets have now shifted their focus to Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It’s still not a forgone conclusion that Rodgers will play in 2023, or whether it’ll be for New York or Green Bay, for that matter. In any event, there’s another free agent quarterback worth keeping an eye on, reports ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini.
According to Russini, before Carr grew support at One Jets Drive, many were pushing for Jimmy Garoppolo. It’s unknown whether that happened before New York parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who served as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator from 2017-20. Still, head coach Robert Saleh overlapped with Garoppolo during their time in the Bay Area and that support has seemed to reach Florham Park, New Jersey.
Before Derek Carr grew support in the Jets building, there were many who were pushing for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Worth keeping an eye on as we continue to wait for Rodgers to make a decision.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2023
With Carr no longer a free agent, Garoppolo is likely the best-remaining quarterback on the free-agent market. The 39-year-old Rodgers is not a free agent and is still under contract with the Packers. To acquire the 2020 and 2021 NFL MVP, the Jets would likely need to part with significant draft capital and absorb a rather large cap hit, which could be upwards of $60 million.
The oft-injured Garoppolo, who won two Super Bowls during his time with the New England Patriots, played in 11 games for the 49ers last season. Garoppolo compiled a 7-3 record in 10 starts, passing for 2,437 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions before his season was cut short due to a foot injury.
While Garoppolo presents himself as a more than viable option, we’ll have to see what Rodgers ultimately decides and how that impacts New York’s decision-making.
[Dianna Russini on Twitter]
