Jets Eye Long-Term QB Solution: Shedeur Sanders Predicted as Potential Successor to Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers currently holds the position of QB1 for the New York Jets, although at 40 years old, his long-term tenure is uncertain.

In a recent way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, the Jets are projected to secure a potential long-term solution at quarterback with the 22nd overall pick. Brugler predicts that Shedeur Sanders from Colorado will join the team, citing Sanders’ talent and the need for consistency in decision-making to solidify his first-round status.

Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, began his collegiate career at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado. At 22 years old and standing 6-foot-2, Sanders showcased promising stats in his recent season, completing over 69% of passes for 3,230 yards and boasting a 27:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, along with 394 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

With Rodgers hinting at playing multiple seasons for the Jets, the team could benefit from developing Sanders without immediate pressure to start him. However, the addition of Jordan Travis, selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, also adds depth to the quarterback position. While some analysts view Travis as a potential backup due to physical limitations, the Jets aim to build a strong quarterback pipeline under General Manager Joe Douglas’ vision of a “quarterback factory.”