The Big Lead

Aaron Rodgers must come to terms with the evolution of the player he has become

The former New York Jets quarterback is looking for a new home. But has he come to terms with what that will look like?

By Tyler Reed

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws his 500th career touchdown pass in the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. / Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The conversation of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game in this era cannot happen without mentioning Aaron Rodgers.

For 14 seasons, Rodgers was considered one of the best ever to play the game, and he has a Super Bowl ring to prove it.

RELATED: Social media wonders what Aaron Rodgers is thinking in somber beach photo

However, the last few years of his career have taken the headlines. A toxic battle with the Green Bay Packers' front office and an unfortunate injury in his New York Jets debut have, without question, changed the trajectory of his career.

While Rodgers was seen contemplating life's most difficult questions on a beach wrapped in a throw, his options of where to play next season have dwindled.

The Minnesota Vikings seem to be putting their eggs in the basket of J.J. McCarthy, ending the dream that Rodgers would go full Brett Favre.

The only two real options to be QB 1 are with the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, are those teams willing to bring in a quarterback that is no longer on the top of the food chain?

Aaron Rodger
Only five players have won back back-to-back NFL MVP awards. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the last to do it in 2020-2021. / Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sure, Rodgers could pull a Rick Vaughn and shove this whole take up my where the sun doesn't shine area. However, becoming his old self after an Achilles injury may be impossible. Just ask Kirk Cousins.

It's never easy for an athlete to know when it is time to hang up the cleats. It is a decision that can only be made by that athlete. However, it seems that teams are letting Rodgers know that the time is sooner rather than later.

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