Jets' Aaron Rodgers willing to mentor rookie QB if back in '25 - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers was stunned when the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love as his heir apparent in 2020. He won't be surprised if the New York Jets do the same this spring.

In fact, Rodgers said he would embrace it — if he's still playing.

While he reiterated Wednesday that he's undecided on his future, Rodgers indicated his decision won't be influenced by the Jets' plans. He said he's not opposed to the idea of helping develop a highly drafted quarterback.

«When they drafted Jordan, I felt like I was one bad stretch from being benched — and I won MVP a couple of years, so that's the way the league is,» Rodgers said after practice. «You have to prove you can play every single week and through stretches.

»So if [the Jets] asked me back and they drafted a guy, I'd mentor the hell out of him if I was playing and I'd try to play as well as I could to keep him on the bench."

Rodgers was 36 when the Packers drafted Love in the first round, and the future Hall of Famer went on to win his third and fourth MVPs in 2020 and 2021. He was replaced by Love in 2023.

This time, the circumstances are a bit different. Rodgers is 41, having a down year by his standards. His future is cloaked with uncertainty. The Jets are going through a regime change and Rodgers said he won't rush into anything.

«I'm going to take some time after the year — unless I get released right away — but I'll still take some time whether or not I want to play,» he said. «But I'll take some time to get away from it, either way.»

The Jets (4-10), who face the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at MetLife Stadium, could have two top-40 draft picks and might be in position to add a quarterback. Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor (35) and rookie Jordan Travis (non-football