NFL analyst predicts fugazi trip to injured reserve for Aaron Rodgers as Jets continue to lose altitude
Aaron Rodgers seemingly just left the injured reserve veil behind, but he might be going back for entirely different reasons. At least, that is what one NFL analyst believes.
Speaking on the October 29 edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio asked a series of questions, wondering if the Jets quarterback could quietly slip out the back door via the injured reserve.
Of course, this might not be due to much more than an injured ego, based on Florio's comments.
"Do you see any set of facts where they can turn this around at this point, or is this just J-e-t-s 'just end the season' and we figure out which week Aaron Rodgers kind of slips on the injured reserve and we never hear from him again, at least not in New York," he said. [00:00:33][14.2] PFT
That said, there is a practical reason to jump to the injured reserve in a season like the one the Jets are experiencing. Such a move would preserve the 40-year-old quarterback for another season and remove all risk of suffering an injury that would go into 2025.
It also saves the Jets from giving the perception that they are quitting on the season.
NFL analyst drops "perfect team" to snag Aaron Rodgers in alternative outcome with Jets
While the quarterback could hunker down and play out the rest of his current contract by surviving 2024 via the injured reserve, one NFL analyst sees a very different outcome.
Speaking on "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Michael Holley named what he believed to be the "perfect" trade landing spot for Rodgers, whether before the trade deadline or after.
"I've got the perfect team. They would want him. He'd want them. The Minnesota Vikings," he said. [00:04:34][6.0]
Based on the timing and the situation with the Vikings, the best time most likely would be before the trade deadline. Seemingly, with the Vikings on a losing streak and J.J. McCarthy still months away from returning, a window might be open for Rodgers.
Joining the Vikings once again would echo the path Brett Favre took after leaving the Packers, spending one season with the Jets before joining the Minnesota Vikings.
Will Aaron Rodgers complete the path set before him by Favre's example?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk" and H/T Sportskeeda.