Aaron Rodgers Is Out, But Here Are Five Black QBs Who Could Replace Him
Four plays.
It took just four plays for the New York Jets hopes of ending their 54-year Super Bowl drought to go up in smoke. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon before he could complete a pass for the green and white. He’s out for the season, and likely the beginning of next – leaving speculation that he may have stepped onto the football field for the last time.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh says he’s confident in backup QB Zach Wilson now taking the keys to the offense. But Rodgers decided not to retire after his last season with the Green Bay Packers and opted to come to New York, and Wilson has an 8-14 career record as a starter, thus it’s clear the Jets need help at the quarterback position.
So who can replace him? Well there are several Black QBs that could easily step onto the gridiron and perhaps salvage the Jets’ season. One of them you probably know very well.
Jameis Winston
Perhaps the best option for the Jets is the New Orleans Saints’ Jameis Winston. The former first pick in the 2015 draft lost his job last year to Andy Dalton as he was injured early in the season. But he’s a seasoned passer who threw for 5,000 yards in Tampa Bay in 2019. The only downside is the turnovers. In the three games he played last season, he threw four touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s healthy again though, and ready. Since he is, it’s not clear that the Saints would want to part with him.
Tyler Huntley
Another intriguing option for the Jets is Tyler Huntley, who somehow made the Pro Bowl last season. The Baltimore Ravens backup played in six games last season and threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions. In the last four games with Lamar Jackson injured, Huntley guided the Ravens to a 2-2 record and a playoff berth. In the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals, he threw for 226 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed for 54 yards in the loss. If the Jets want someone who is young and has playoff experience, Huntley is their man.
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett isn’t the flashiest pick, but he’s good enough to get you to the playoffs. Honestly, that’s all you can ask for if you’re a Jets fan. Brissett, is now with his fifth team as the backup with the Washington Commanders. He has plenty of experience starting in 48 games with a 18-30 record. With the Cleveland Browns last season, he threw 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Cam Newton
Is there any life left in the right arm of the Heisman Trophy winner? We’re fixin’ to find out. Cam Newton hasn’t played in a game since 2021 and hasn’t won a game since 2020 with the New England Patriots. Newton’s best years may be in the rear-view mirror, but the MVP has enough experience to not only guide the Jets, but to also help Zach Wilson if he remains as the starter.
Colin Kapernick
In a post on X (formerly twitter) The Atlantic contributor Jemele Hill made it clear that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who played his last game in 2016, should get a shot at replacing Rodgers. Is she on to something? Maybe. Just ask the Las Vegas Raiders who brought him in for a workout last year as a potential backup for Derek Carr. It’s no secret why Colin Kapernick’s football career was “allegedly” cut short, but could the Super Bowl XLVII starting quarterback return in New York? Perhaps, but according to CBS Sports, the Jets are not interested.
Justin Adams is an Emmy nominated News and Sports Anchor/Reporter for CBS News Colorado in Denver. He is also a Play by Play Announcer for the Pac-12 Network and Mountain West Network and has appeared on FOX Sports Radio.
