Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars
As the New York Jets continue to navigate an unpredictable season, uncertainty looms over their quarterback situation, especially with Aaron Rodgers’ future in question. While Rodgers is set to start this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks, speculation is growing that the future Hall of Famer may not be under center for the Jets much longer.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Rodgers has reportedly expressed his desire to leave New York, and Jets owner Woody Johnson is reportedly open to granting his wish. This development has opened the door to the possibility of a high-profile trade for a new quarterback in the offseason. Russini mentioned that the Jets could potentially make a move for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the talented signal-caller who recently signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Jaguars.
Is Trevor Lawrence on the Move?
Trevor Lawrence’s future with Jacksonville could be in doubt despite his massive contract, which keeps him under team control through 2030. Jacksonville’s season has hit a rough patch, with the team set to pick first overall in next year’s draft if the season ended today. With head coach Doug Pederson’s job reportedly in jeopardy, the Jaguars could be in the midst of a rebuild—one that might not make sense to continue with a quarterback of Lawrence’s caliber and contract on the books.
As a result, the Jets have emerged as a potential suitor for the 25-year-old Lawrence, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the NFL. For the Jets, this presents an enticing opportunity to upgrade the most important position on the field while maintaining the championship-caliber roster they’ve built around it. While the Jets have made strides on both sides of the ball this season, their play at quarterback has left much to be desired, and Lawrence could be the missing piece to get them back into playoff contention.
Jets’ Quarterback Conundrum
It’s no secret that the Jets have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback. From Sam Darnold to Zach Wilson, the team has cycled through several quarterbacks in recent years with little success. Now, with Rodgers in the fold, the Jets believed they finally had a veteran quarterback who could lead them to the promised land. However, if Rodgers’ desire to leave is legitimate, the Jets would be back at square one.
The free-agent quarterback market for next season doesn’t offer much in terms of impact players. Names like Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson are among the most notable options, but both are expected to remain with their current teams, with Wilson likely staying in Pittsburgh and Darnold potentially staying as a backup in Minnesota. That leaves the Jets with few alternatives on the open market, making a trade for Lawrence all the more appealing.
A Trade That Could Make Sense
Trading for Lawrence would be a bold move for the Jets, but it’s one that could pay off in the long run. The 25-year-old quarterback has already shown flashes of brilliance in his career, and his combination of size, arm strength, and mobility makes him a perfect fit for the Jets’ system. Under head coach Robert Saleh, New York has built a stout defense, and with weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, Lawrence would have the tools to thrive.
For the Jaguars, moving on from Lawrence could signal a total rebuild. While it’s hard to imagine them letting go of such a promising talent, their current predicament may force them to reconsider their priorities. The Jets would likely have to offer a significant package, including future draft picks, to pry Lawrence away from Jacksonville, but if the Jags are heading toward a rebuild, a trade might be the best path forward.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason approaches, the Jets will need to address their quarterback situation. Whether that means continuing with Rodgers for another season or exploring the trade market for someone like Trevor Lawrence, it’s clear that the Jets are in a pivotal moment. Their defense and skill players are good enough to contend, but without a top-tier quarterback, their chances of competing for a Super Bowl are slim.
If Rodgers’ time in New York truly is nearing its end, expect the Jets to be aggressive in pursuing Lawrence or another high-profile quarterback to lead them into the future. In a season filled with uncertainty, one thing is for sure: the Jets are ready to make a big move to secure their quarterback of the future.
