2023 Jets: Hello Darkness Retreat, My Old Friend

[Van Everyman]

So to @SMU_Sox 's point, who are the starting QBs whose contracts a club might be looking to get out from under? I see the point on Cousins even if I probably don't agree on him. Here's the current list (possible gets in red), salary cap be damned:

• Baltimore Ravens
  Lamar Jackson
• Buffalo Bills
  Josh Allen
• Cincinnati Bengals
  Joe Burrow
• Cleveland Browns
  Deshaun Watson
• Denver Broncos
  Russell Wilson
• Houston Texans
  C.J. Stroud
• Indianapolis Colts
  Anthony Richardson
• Jacksonville Jaguars
  Trevor Lawrence
• Kansas City Chiefs
  Patrick Mahomes
• Las Vegas Raiders
  Jimmy Garoppolo
• Los Angeles Chargers
  Justin Herbert
• Miami Dolphins
  Tua Tagovailoa
• New England Patriots
  Mac Jones
• New York Jets
  Zach Wilson
  (Aaron Rodgers Injured)
• Pittsburgh Steelers
  Kenny Pickett
• Tennessee Titans
  Ryan Tannehill
• Atlanta Falcons
  Desmond Ridder
• Arizona Cardinals
  Joshua Dobbs
  (Kyler Murray on PUP to start the season)
• Carolina Panthers
  Bryce Young
• Chicago Bears
  Justin Fields
• Dallas Cowboys
  Dak Prescott
• Detroit Lions
  Jared Goff
• Green Bay Packers
  Jordan Love
• Los Angeles Rams
  Matthew Stafford
• Minnesota Vikings
  Kirk Cousins
• New Orleans Saints
  Derek Carr
• New York Giants
  Daniel Jones
• Philadelphia Eagles
  Jalen Hurts
• San Francisco 49ers
  Brock Purdy
• Seattle Seahawks
  Geno Smith
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  Baker Mayfield
• Washington Commanders
  Sam Howell

 

[Devizier]

The Jets were 7th in super bowl odds (+1600), basically a punchers chance, and large chunk of that is based on the idea that Rodgers could provide them with pro-bowl level QB play.

I think the possibility of a Rodgers injury was priced into those odds. It would be irresponsible not to given age and recent history.

 

[AlNipper49]

If there is a god he's planting seeds of discords into Sauce that he's worth way more than he's making.

 

[Steve Dillard]

Schefter confirms torn achilles
https://x.com/adamschefter/status/1701611717607002347?s=46&t=PRtSjhkpK5WXlUAKauyTxQ

An MRI confirmed today that Aaron Rodgers officially tore his Achilles on the fourth play of his Jets’ career.

RadSox, I assume you would agree that the MRI's resolution and ability to show an official tear, vs. an unofficial tear, is pretty conclusive.

 

[Euclis20]

I think the possibility of a Rodgers injury was priced into those odds. It would be irresponsible not to given age and recent history.

Sure, but the main point is that Aaron Rodgers (recent 2x MVP) was why they were a fringe title contender. Their defense is very good and they've got some nice players on offense, but this isn't a plug and play situation where you give them a competent QB (and there aren't even any of those available) and they are back in the super bowl mix. I'll be curious to see where their odds settle between now and the weekend, but it looks like they've dropped to around +5000, 17th in the odds. There is no one out there that gives them a chance this year.

 

[Marciano490]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

 

[Jungleland]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

...Hayward?

 

[joe dokes]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

 

[Shelterdog]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

Gordon Hayward went out in came 1 for the Cs.

 

[wilked]

...Hayward?

too soon

 

[Sille Skrub]

Way too soon!

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

Not necessarily "big time" but Gallinari went out for the Cs before he played a game.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

Sure, but the main point is that Aaron Rodgers (recent 2x MVP) was why they were a fringe title contender. Their defense is very good and they've got some nice players on offense, but this isn't a plug and play situation where you give them a competent QB (and there aren't even any of those available) and they are back in the super bowl mix. I'll be curious to see where their odds settle between now and the weekend, but it looks like they've dropped to around +5000, 17th in the odds. There is no one out there that gives them a chance this year.

There is a chance their defense is not just “very good,” but “best in the league.” Combine that with a high level of talent at the skill positions on offense and I think they definitely have ”a chance” this year, if by “chance” you mean playoff team with the threat to make the SB if they get hot at the right time, other teams get injured, etc.

As I think about it more, I actually don’t think the loss of Rodgers is going to be as impactful as a lot of people think. It’s less about Rodgers being great and more about how bad their backup (Wilson) is. Even then, it’s not inconceivable to me that Wilson could show improvement this year, although the OL not being great it a real problem (and would have been for Rodgers too). But if I were the Jets I would absolutely be looking for a moderate upgrade on Wilson.

 

[OnWisc]

Not nearly as big or quite as soon, but Esasky.

 

[joe dokes]

Mo Vaughn was never the same after he wrecked his ankle falling down the dugout steps chasing a pop-up in his first game with the Angels.

 

[Bowhemian]

Not necessarily "big time" but Gallinari went out for the Cs before he played a game.

Same with Lenny Bias.
Too soon?

 

[Hoya81]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

Roosevelt Colvin was the Pats big free agent signing going into 2003 and got hurt in game 2 and missed the rest of the year.

 

[joe dokes]

Same with Lenny Bias.
Too soon?

If we go beyond trades or FA, Brien Taylor.

 

[Justthetippett]

Jameis has shown flashes of improvement the last few years (when he's managed to actually avoid injury) from his gung slinging days in Tampa. I was potentially interested in taking an asset free flyer on him this past winter before we went completely off the rails chasing after Rodgers, and would be so today if the acquisition cost happened to be minimal.

That said the majority of trade targets being discussed here so far are fairly unrealistic atm/imo. As far as non free agents go you have maybe Tannehill out there i could see being traded, but that's likely it and I that is a lot of money involved to make it work.

NY would be a rough market for him. I agree he's cleaned up his mistakes to an extent, but he's still going to sling it, especially under pressure in these competitive games.

I think he'd actually fit the personality of these young Jets well. They seem to be a pretty loose, fun bunch. He has that going for him.

 

[Ed Hillel]

This is one example of many of the snide comments made on this board about Rodgers tearing his ACL without completing a pass for the Jets.

So this board isn't allowed to root for injuries (I think it was a conversation around Tyreke Hill) but this board can mock injuries because it's about the Jets? People get pissed at Miami fans because they are unrepentant trolls. But then people do the exact same things towards the Jets.

Pretty lame. Way to punch up people.

It was actually somewhat self-deprecating, as it was a reference to the Pats losing to Tom freaking Tupa at QB.

Edit - Whoops, I thought for sure they had lost that game, but I guess they won in the end. That would explain it.

 

[Euclis20]

There is a chance their defense is not just “very good,” but “best in the league.” Combine that with a high level of talent at the skill positions on offense and I think they definitely have ”a chance” this year, if by “chance” you mean playoff team with the threat to make the SB if they get hot at the right time, other teams get injured, etc.

As I think about it more, I actually don’t think the loss of Rodgers is going to be as impactful as a lot of people think. It’s less about Rodgers being great and more about how bad their backup (Wilson) is. Even then, it’s not inconceivable to me that Wilson could show improvement this year, although the OL not being great it a real problem (and would have been for Rodgers too). But if I were the Jets I would absolutely be looking for a moderate upgrade on Wilson.

Last night's win aside I really don't think this team is THAT much different from the version last year that went 7-10, but I'll agree wholeheartedly that a big part of the problem is that Wilson is terrible. I think a competent QB should be enough to get them to the playoffs, and you are correct that getting to the playoffs could be enough, if the chips fall correctly.

 

[cshea]

There is a chance their defense is not just “very good,” but “best in the league.” Combine that with a high level of talent at the skill positions on offense and I think they definitely have ”a chance” this year, if by “chance” you mean playoff team with the threat to make the SB if they get hot at the right time, other teams get injured, etc.

As I think about it more, I actually don’t think the loss of Rodgers is going to be as impactful as a lot of people think. It’s less about Rodgers being great and more about how bad their backup (Wilson) is. Even then, it’s not inconceivable to me that Wilson could show improvement this year, although the OL not being great it a real problem (and would have been for Rodgers too). But if I were the Jets I would absolutely be looking for a moderate upgrade on Wilson.

I think it's hard to overstate just how bad the Jets QB play was last year and the defense still dragged them to 7-10 and in playoff contention for most of the year. Just using passer rating, Wilson was dead last in the league by a significant margin and Flacco and White would've been right in front of him, but nobody else, if they qualified. It was putrid.

The defense is top 5 if not the best and they have a solid running game and talent at the receiving positions. I think this is a clasic case of a situation where the proverbial game manager would easily take them to the playoffs though the ceiling may be somewhat limited.

I don't know who that is or if there's even one available, but If I'm them I do what I can to bring in a competent QB. They're starved for a playoff berth and have the roster outside of QB to do it. Having the defense drag them to 7-9 wins again while shitty QB play leads them to yet another DNQ puts them in the same position they were entering last offseason, searching for the answer at QB and not high enough in the draft to select one. They can't tank with the roster in place, might as well try to go for it now.

 

[Brohamer of the Gods]

So to @SMU_Sox 's point, who are the starting QBs whose contracts a club might be looking to get out from under? I see the point on Cousins even if I probably don't agree on him. Here's the current list (possible gets in red), salary cap be damned:

• Baltimore Ravens
  Lamar Jackson
• Buffalo Bills
  Josh Allen
• Cincinnati Bengals
  Joe Burrow
• Cleveland Browns
  Deshaun Watson
• Denver Broncos
  Russell Wilson
• Houston Texans
  C.J. Stroud
• Indianapolis Colts
  Anthony Richardson
• Jacksonville Jaguars
  Trevor Lawrence
• Kansas City Chiefs
  Patrick Mahomes
• Las Vegas Raiders
  Jimmy Garoppolo
• Los Angeles Chargers
  Justin Herbert
• Miami Dolphins
  Tua Tagovailoa
• New England Patriots
  Mac Jones
• New York Jets
  Zach Wilson
  (Aaron Rodgers Injured)
• Pittsburgh Steelers
  Kenny Pickett
• Tennessee Titans
  Ryan Tannehill
• Atlanta Falcons
  Desmond Ridder
• Arizona Cardinals
  Joshua Dobbs
  (Kyler Murray on PUP to start the season)
• Carolina Panthers
  Bryce Young
• Chicago Bears
  Justin Fields
• Dallas Cowboys
  Dak Prescott
• Detroit Lions
  Jared Goff
• Green Bay Packers
  Jordan Love
• Los Angeles Rams
  Matthew Stafford
• Minnesota Vikings
  Kirk Cousins
• New Orleans Saints
  Derek Carr
• New York Giants
  Daniel Jones
• Philadelphia Eagles
  Jalen Hurts
• San Francisco 49ers
  Brock Purdy
• Seattle Seahawks
  Geno Smith
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  Baker Mayfield
• Washington Commanders
  Sam Howell

From that list, Fields' contract is the easiest to be moved and picked up.

 

[NAR29996]

Same with Lenny Bias.
Too soon?

Yes

 

[Hoya81]

It was actually somewhat self-deprecating, as it was a reference to the Pats losing to Tom freaking Tupa at QB, but whatever.

Pats did win the Tupa game, after almost giving it away on a late pick six by Drew.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Pats did win the Tupa game, after almost giving it away on a late pick six by Drew.

Oh shoot, well that would explain it. I thought for sure they lost that game.

Incidentally, I do remember a game in OT where Tom Tupa was punting from his own end zone and the rush came in strong, so he tried to throw the ball left handed and it got intercepted for a TD to end the game. I think he was playing for Tampa at the time?

Edit - My memory was finally right!

Saints vs Buccaneers 2002 Week 1 - YouTube

 

[NortheasternPJ]

If on the mentalist they brought in for the 1st episode of Hard Knocks saw this coming.

 

[ShaneTrot]

McCourty must feel really blue about retiring as he is one of Zach Wilson's favorite receivers.

 

[teddykgb]

How angry must SF be that they didn’t wait a few weeks to trade Lance. Won’t be popular with a few here but I wonder if a Jones trade would make sense

 

[BusRaker]

This is really, really wild. Has any big time free agent/ traded player in any sport gone down for the year this quickly ever?

Greg Oden wasn't a free agent but definitely made a quick exit

 

[Justthetippett]

How angry must SF be that they didn’t wait a few weeks to trade Lance. Won’t be popular with a few here but I wonder if a Jones trade would make sense

Half would drive him to the airport but no, not likely!

 

[SemperFidelisSox]

Trent Green got injured in the preseason for the Rams in ‘99.

 

[Kliq]

The Jets aren't going anywhere with any QB they could get off the scrap heap. They have a better chance of Wilson realizing his potential and playing great than like, Kyle Allen coming in and leading them to the playoffs. It's a lot of hot air today discussing ideas that will never happen.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

How angry must SF be that they didn’t wait a few weeks to trade Lance. Won’t be popular with a few here but I wonder if a Jones trade would make sense

Angry? On the list if of "if people could predict the future" I would put the niners way down the list.

Also, I think most realistic Pats fans would be ok trading Mac Jones for value but what would/can the Jets offer for him? Setting aside the Sauce and Williamses jokes, it seems like these teams don't match up well at all, especially given that the both play in the same division. But I think we'd all drive Mac to Met Life for Gardner etc.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

Question for @DaveRoberts'Shoes

Would you recommend surgery or jus Ivermectin?

Surgery, but with ayahuasca for anesthesia

 

[worm0082]

Bill Walton with the Clippers? Signed with San Diego, Missed first 3 months of season, played 14 games then missed next 2 1/2 years.

Grant Hill with the Magic comes to mind also. Played in 4 games first year and 47 total in first 4 seasons.

 

[CoolPapaLaSchelle]

Any chance they could fit Stafford into their budget? Rams are obviously rebuilding, and this would increase their odds to bottom out.

 

[DaveRoberts'Shoes]

Glad you made it back quickly!

I suppose there is a very small chance they try for 3-4 months (late Dec/early Jan) depending how the season goes for the Jets. Cam Akers was the fastest NFL return I know of, and he was injured mid July and was cleared to return Dec 23rd, slightly over 5 months. Rodgers is almost 2 months behind Akers given his injury date.

There is a big difference between jogging and the movements needed to play NFL football so hard to compare timelines to that. I'm sure Rodgers will push the envelope if he can, and look for whatever Joe-Rogan esque med to shrink that timeline down as much as possible. But it would be very difficult to make it back for the playoffs this season.

There’s no way. He’s not coming back this year. He’s gonna have surgery and do the rehab required of it, it just depends if he wants to go the extra mile(s) to make it back to NFL level

 

[loshjott]

Trent Green got injured in the preseason for the Rams in ‘99.

Speaking of which, Kurt Warner is likely available. Only six years older than Brady.

 

[Coachster]

Who is the Jet's third quarterback?

 

[BaseballJones]

Angry? On the list if of "if people could predict the future" I would put the niners way down the list.

Also, I think most realistic Pats fans would be ok trading Mac Jones for value but what would/can the Jets offer for him? Setting aside the Sauce and Williamses jokes, it seems like these teams don't match up well at all, especially given that the both play in the same division. But I think we'd all drive Mac to Met Life for Gardner etc.

I do wonder if the Jets would be willing to part with Sauce for a good QB. They still have a top-flight D probably even without him, and they really do need a good QB to get them where they want to go. That's a steep price to pay - Sauce is incredible. But a good QB is far more valuable than a great CB.

 

[DJnVa]

So to @SMU_Sox 's point, who are the starting QBs whose contracts a club might be looking to get out from under? I see the point on Cousins even if I probably don't agree on him. Here's the current list (possible gets in red), salary cap be damned:

• Baltimore Ravens
  Lamar Jackson
• Buffalo Bills
  Josh Allen
• Cincinnati Bengals
  Joe Burrow
• Cleveland Browns
  Deshaun Watson
• Denver Broncos
  Russell Wilson
• Houston Texans
  C.J. Stroud
• Indianapolis Colts
  Anthony Richardson
• Jacksonville Jaguars
  Trevor Lawrence
• Kansas City Chiefs
  Patrick Mahomes
• Las Vegas Raiders
  Jimmy Garoppolo
• Los Angeles Chargers
  Justin Herbert
• Miami Dolphins
  Tua Tagovailoa
• New England Patriots
  Mac Jones
• New York Jets
  Zach Wilson
  (Aaron Rodgers Injured)
• Pittsburgh Steelers
  Kenny Pickett
• Tennessee Titans
  Ryan Tannehill
• Atlanta Falcons
  Desmond Ridder
• Arizona Cardinals
  Joshua Dobbs
  (Kyler Murray on PUP to start the season)
• Carolina Panthers
  Bryce Young
• Chicago Bears
  Justin Fields
• Dallas Cowboys
  Dak Prescott
• Detroit Lions
  Jared Goff
• Green Bay Packers
  Jordan Love
• Los Angeles Rams
  Matthew Stafford
• Minnesota Vikings
  Kirk Cousins
• New Orleans Saints
  Derek Carr
• New York Giants
  Daniel Jones
• Philadelphia Eagles
  Jalen Hurts
• San Francisco 49ers
  Brock Purdy
• Seattle Seahawks
  Geno Smith
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  Baker Mayfield
• Washington Commanders
  Sam Howell

Why do we keep listing Cousins on these lists? His the QB of a playoff team that has a really good chance of winning their division and their going to deal him and make Justin Jefferson catch passes from Nick Mullens?

 

[DJnVa]

But a good QB is far more valuable than a great CB.

So why would a team with a good QB make that deal? What team has a "spare" good QB that they'd deal for a DB? Because if a team only has one good QB it would make no sense to deal him for a DB.

 

[nattysez]

Colin Kaepernick is well-rested and younger than Rodgers. And *checks notes* available.

 

[SemperFidelisSox]

What’s Andrew Luck up to these days?

 

[Sille Skrub]

I do wonder if the Jets would be willing to part with Sauce for a good QB. They still have a top-flight D probably even without him, and they really do need a good QB to get them where they want to go. That's a steep price to pay - Sauce is incredible. But a good QB is far more valuable than a great CB.

I don't even see thinking of this in the realm of possibility. Just my $.02

 

[rodderick]

What’s Andrew Luck up to these days?

Luck/his agent must have been extremely convincing and forceful when rejecting teams soon after retirement because I don't even recall hearing any speculation of it and he'd be a prime candidate to get calls if I've ever seen one.

 

[BaseballJones]

So why would a team with a good QB make that deal? What team has a "spare" good QB that they'd deal for a DB? Because if a team only has one good QB it would make no sense to deal him for a DB.

If they felt like they had another good QB in the wings, or if the contract was fine NOW but soon would not be fine, or who knows. Any time you think about a trade, you have to ask why would a team do that. So like...why would a team trade player X? They must not like something about player X (attitude, skill, production, salary, whatever it is), so why would the other team want player X?

I don't know what drives these decisions by any team. Someone mentioned Sauce and it got me wondering is all.

 

[radsoxfan]

There’s no way. He’s not coming back this year. He’s gonna have surgery and do the rehab required of it, it just depends if he wants to go the extra mile(s) to make it back to NFL level

I would agree, that’s the prudent move and 99.9% chance that’s what will happen.

I saw some MD speculation about a rapid 3-4 month comeback but it’s basically impossible unless he wants to take on a huge risk.

Like I said, El Attrache will definitely push the envelope (he has treated other Packers and also did the Akers surgery) and I’m sure Aaron will consult with him. Maybe he’ll even do the surgery.

But 5 months like Akers was definitely not the norm and pushing it to under 4 months would be likely a bridge too far.

 

[Euclis20]

Trent Green got injured in the preseason for the Rams in ‘99.

The Rams liked him and he had a couple of nice years with KC later, but he was 29 and had all of 14 career starts before getting hurt. Not exactly the same as losing a future HOF'er and recent MVP.