Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets, while brief, has already sparked plenty of conversation about his legacy, his future, and whether the decision to join the Jets will impact how he’s remembered. The future Hall of Famer, who made headlines with his high-profile move from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets in 2023, had high expectations surrounding him—hoping to lead a talented team to a Super Bowl and cement his place as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. But after a tumultuous season, including an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the majority of the year, many are left wondering: Did his time in New York affect his legacy, and where is the best landing spot for him moving forward?

Rodgers’ Jets Journey: A Rollercoaster Ride

Rodgers’ move to New York was a headline-grabbing one. Coming off his historic career with the Packers—where he won four MVPs and a Super Bowl title—the expectation was that Rodgers would immediately elevate the Jets’ offense and take them deep into the postseason. The Jets’ defense was already considered one of the best in the NFL, and with young stars like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the addition of Rodgers seemed like the missing piece.

However, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned. While Rodgers’ experience and leadership were invaluable for the Jets, his performance was inconsistent, and the offense struggled to find rhythm. Then, the unthinkable happened: Rodgers tore his Achilles in a game early in the season, effectively ending his year and leaving the Jets’ championship hopes in limbo.

Rodgers’ injury undoubtedly shifted the team’s focus and left fans and analysts questioning whether the move to New York, at this stage of his career, was the right one. Despite his talent and experience, the Jets weren’t able to capitalize on the potential of having a quarterback of his caliber, and now, with an uncertain future, his legacy in New York is a topic of debate.

How Did This Affect Rodgers’ Legacy?

Rodgers’ time in New York, though short-lived, has undoubtedly impacted how his legacy is viewed. For a player who spent the majority of his career in Green Bay, the change of scenery was a major shift. The hope was that Rodgers would take the Jets to the promised land, but the reality has been far different. Injuries and inconsistency raised questions about whether Rodgers could still compete at the level that made him one of the greatest to ever play.

The biggest factor in his legacy, however, is whether he’s able to recover and lead a team to another Super Bowl. His time with the Jets didn’t add any significant accomplishments to his storied career, but it didn’t necessarily tarnish it either. The reality is, Rodgers’ legacy is already solidified in the NFL due to his record-setting performances, MVPs, and Super Bowl win. However, a successful second act with another team could reinforce his standing as one of the best quarterbacks in the game.

Rodgers’ current situation could end up being a “what could have been” chapter in his legacy. The Jets’ inability to maximize his potential could leave the narrative unfinished, especially if Rodgers doesn’t make a successful return from injury. On the other hand, if he manages to stay healthy and contribute to a team’s success in the coming years, it could be the perfect redemption arc for his legacy.

Where is the Best Landing Spot for Rodgers Moving Forward?

With Rodgers’ future uncertain, the big question is: where should he go next? There are several teams that could be in the market for a quarterback and that could be ideal landing spots for the veteran QB. Here are a few that stand out:

Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback after moving on from Derek Carr. With an offense that features elite playmakers like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, the Raiders are only a quarterback away from serious contention. Rodgers’ ability to elevate his receivers could make this a perfect fit. With the right leadership, the Raiders could be a strong playoff contender again.

Tennessee Titans
The Titans have a solid foundation with Derrick Henry leading the offense, but Ryan Tannehill’s inconsistency has kept them from making a deeper playoff push. Rodgers’ experience could help them make a run in the postseason and provide the Titans with a short-term solution at quarterback while developing a younger QB for the future.

Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC, but the injury issues with Tua Tagovailoa have raised doubts about their long-term stability at quarterback. Adding a healthy Rodgers to a team that already boasts an explosive offense led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle could make the Dolphins a serious Super Bowl contender in the coming years.

San Francisco 49ers
Though the 49ers are already in a strong position with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, Rodgers could step in as a high-profile veteran to mentor the young quarterbacks and provide leadership. The 49ers’ championship-ready roster would greatly benefit from Rodgers’ experience and ability to perform in big games. If the 49ers decide they need an upgrade at quarterback, Rodgers could be the final piece they need to secure a Super Bowl title.

New York Jets (If He Returns)
Despite the challenges during his brief time with the Jets, the possibility of Rodgers returning to New York is still on the table. If he recovers from his Achilles injury and is ready to play, he could give the Jets another shot at greatness. With the Jets’ defense still one of the best in the NFL, and a young group of skill players ready to break out, Rodgers could be the difference-maker they need to make a Super Bowl run in the near future.

The Final Verdict: A Legacy at a Crossroads

Aaron Rodgers’ time with the Jets was a short-lived experiment that didn’t lead to the success many expected. However, his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks remains intact, and the door is still open for him to add to it with the right opportunity. Whether it’s a team like the Raiders, Titans, or Dolphins, Rodgers still has the potential to lead a franchise to success. The biggest factor will be whether he can recover from his Achilles injury and perform at a high level again. If he can, his legacy could be further solidified with a strong finish to his career. If not, his time in New York could ultimately be a footnote in an otherwise legendary career.