The New York Jets lost the four-time MVP on Monday Night Football, as it seems his Achilles is likely torn, which will keep him out for the entire 2023 NFL season.
Aaron Rodgers was carted off after just four snaps and it snuffed the feeling in MetLife Stadium. The defense and offensive pieces not named Zach Wilson showed up against the Buffalo Bills, which is giving the team hope that they can still compete without the future Hall of Famer.
Just last season the Jets had a top-five defense in terms of points and yards allowed. It was no surprise to see Rob Saleh's defense produce four turnovers against Josh Allen and the Bills.
Is Zach Wilson the guy the Jets want under center headed into Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys? After destroying the other New York team on Sunday night, they will be looking to do the same in week two.
New York still has pieces to compete for a playoff spot, and when and if Rodgers returns the team would probably want to be in a position to reach the postseason. Rolling out the former second overall pick as the interim starter, just wouldn't help this team get to where they can be.
Tim Boyle is another option the Jets can look toward too, but it would make more sense to make a move to help this team stay on track. They don't need to grab a star QB, they just need someone who can run the show for an extended period of time.
Who better to go after than San Francisco 49ers backup QB Sam Darnold? Why not? After all, he was drafted with the third overall pick back in 2018 by the Jets, so he knows what it feels like to play in the Big Apple.
Here are the reasons to go for it...
No. 3 reason to bring back Sam Darnold: Jets defense is ready to win now
Zach Wilson is just not a reliable starting quarterback. Simple as that. The Jets wouldn't have traded for Rodgers if they entrusted the 24-year-old as the starter. That's why they need to make a move before it's too late, as this defense is too good to go to waste.
They have a stacked defensive line led by All-Pro Quinnen Williams, along with a loaded secondary led by DROY Sauce Gardner. We saw last year that same defense hold opposing teams to under 20 or fewer points 11 times.
Having an offense that could score over 20 points would keep this team in playoff contention, but Wilson is not the guy for that. Darnold on the other hand, could be the perfect fit. Last season as Carolina's starter he was 4-2, with seven touchdowns and a passer rating of 92.6.
With Brock Purdy looking like he hasn't missed a beat, the Niners might be inclined to move Darnold off for the right package. If the Jets can make that package, taking a shot at Darnold could be the right move to keep this team on track.
No. 2 reason to bring back Sam Darnold: Jets have talent all around on offense
When the Jets did attain Darnold, the biggest knock on them was the weapons they didn't provide him with. We saw what the former Jets QB could do with an improved receiving core, now imagine he went back to this version of New York.
Breece Hall looks like he's one of the best young weapons in football, and now being paired with Dalvin Cook makes him even more of a threat. In week one, he rushed for over 100 yards in his return from a torn ACL.
Garrett Wilson arguably saved the Jets in week one, as he bailed out Zach Wilson by making one of the greatest catches in recent memory for a touchdown.
The former Ohio State product would be the best receiver Darnold would ever play with instantly. With the weapons they have, they need a quarterback that can get them the ball. The 26-year-old QB could thrive in Nathaniel Hackett's offense, as he has one of the more underrated arms in football.
If New York plans on rolling out Wilson as the QB1 this season, it could hurt all the offensive weapons they have. They had big plans before Rodgers went down, but those plans shouldn't change considering the other pieces they added.
Why not take a gamble, as the current option already proved he isn't the guy who will take this high-profile offense over the top? Darnold though, he could potentially be that guy if he got another shot.
No. 3 reason to bring back Sam Darnold: Ex-Jets QB has unfinished business in New York
Nothing would fire up New York's fanbase more if the Jets were to actually make this move for Darnold. Connor Hughes of SNY recently reported that the team is indeed ready to strike a move. All options are on the table, and it would for sure be ironic to see a reunion.
As I mentioned before, New York didn't gift Darnold any reliable targets to throw to or even hand the ball off to. He was thrown into the fire at 21 years old and given the keys to the city with sky-high expectations.
Once Joe Douglas took over, it was clear he wanted to draft his own guy which meant Darnold had to go. Bringing him back would show the locker room the team is still committed to winning, as a lot of members in the locker room favored Mike White over Wilson in 2022.
In 38 games as New York's starter, Darnold was sacked 98 times. He wasn't protected or given any help around him. If he were to come to this team, he would have everything that he was supposed to be given when he was drafted there.
Coaches around the league have always praised the former USC quarterback, but he's never gotten his fair shot. If he were to come here he would be given a chance at gaining redemption and an opportunity to prove he can be a great QB in the NFL.
With Rodgers being out for the rest of the season, it's clear they won't find someone to fill his shoes. Taking a chance on the 26-year-old might be the best option on the table. The cost wouldn't be too high, and he has all the tools to flourish in this offense.
These next few days are going to be tough for Jets General Manager Joe Douglas. Now with the superstar QB out for the year, he might be forced to make a move to prevent this team from going off the rails.
