Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not return to the New York Jets in 2025. This decision was reached by new head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey following New York’s 5-12 finish in 2024 and a great deal of drama that included the four-time NFL MVP.

According to multiple reports, Rodgers wanted to return to the Jets, and was even willing to take a pay cut to do so. However, the New York felt that it is in the best interest of the team to move on. Doing so, however, will come at a staggering cost. Rodgers carries a dead cap hit of $49 million, which can be spread out over the course of the next two seasons if they designate him as a post-June 1 cut.

Moving on from Rodgers also creates a serious question at the quarterback position. One Jets writer believes New York could look back to Green Bay for an answer.

The New York Jets Could Trade for Green Bay Packers Backup Quarterback Malik Willis

Of course, the Jets have many options when it comes to filling their starting quarterback job in 2025. However, not many, if any, are really that great. They currently have Tyrod Taylor under contract, but the free agent pool is shallow and devoid of any big-name talent. Additionally, this year’s crop of quarterbacks in the NFL Draft are not exactly inspiring.

Due to these circumstances, Connor Long of Jets X Factor believes that current Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis could be a possible answer:

“While many will immediately dismiss the idea, Willis possesses a lot of upside, and it certainly can’t hurt for the Jets to consider a flier on him as a 2025 bridge option.

“Additionally, he is an extremely cheap option. Willis only has one year left on his rookie deal, which has a cap number of $1.4M in 2025.

“That said, the Jets would need to acquire Willis via trade.

“After being acquired for a seventh-round pick last offseason, a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026, which could become a fifth if Willis plays 60% of the Jets’ offensive snaps in 2025, seems like a fair asking price.”

This notion, of course, is based on how well Willis played in relief of an injured Jordan Love this season. Indeed, the Packers probably would not have made the NFL Playoffs if it had not been for him.

Malik Willis Played Well for the Green Bay Packers in 2024

Green Bay decided to trade for Willis following the 2024 preseason following poor training camps and in-game performances from backup quarterback candidates Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt.

And it is a good thing they did.

When Love missed Weeks Two and Three due to a sprained MCL, Willis stepped in as the starter and led the Packers to two victories. He also led Green Bay to a win in Week Eight when Love had to leave the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars early with a groin injury.

All told, Willis completed 74.1% of his passes for 550 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 124.8 passer rating.

It is easy to see why a team like the Jets would be interested in him as a potential starting quarterback, but last season proved just how important it is for Green Bay to have a capable backup. If all New York is willing to offer is a possible fifth-round pick, Brian Gutekunst is probably going to hang up the phone.

More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics

• Packers Directly Linked to Jim Harbaugh’s Trade Bait (Report)
• Packers-Dolphins Pegged to Pull Off Massive Trade (Report)
• Packers Free Agent Target: Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs
• Packers-Browns Trade Proposal Goes Absolutely Viral (Report)
• Former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Rejected by Possible Contender

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