Tyrod Taylor could be 'odds on favorite' to start at QB for NY Jets in 2025

The NY Jets will evaluate their quarterback options over the coming weeks and months, but if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return to the team in 2025, the team might not have to look very far for his potential successor.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt took an in-depth look at the Rodgers situation on Thursday and indicated that Tyrod Taylor could be the quarterback the Jets turn to if they cut bait with Rodgers, which is the expected outcome.

Rosenblatt insisted that Taylor should be viewed as the "odds-on favorite to start in Week 1 next year" if the Jets move on from Rodgers. Taylor is reportedly "wildly popular" in the Jets locker room and is notably "beloved" by wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

Rodgers' deteriorating relationship with Wilson has been well documented over the last couple of months, as has the star receiver's frustrations with the organization. Perhaps running it back with Taylor as the starting quarterback could be enough to ease tensions.

Tyrod Taylor could be the NY Jets starting quarterback in 2025

Taylor signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Jets last offseason, meaning he's still under contract in 2025. He will carry a cap hit of $6.8 million next season — a very reasonable price tag for a fringe starter.

The Jets' options if they move on from Rodgers are rather bleak. The 2025 NFL Draft isn't exactly loaded with top quarterback prospects, with Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders seen as the only projected top-10 picks at the position. The Jets, who pick at No. 7 overall, likely won't have a chance to draft either.

The available options in free agency aren't much more appealing. Sam Darnold is expected to be the top QB on the market, but it seems unlikely he would choose to return to Florham Park, especially given that the Minnesota Vikings might just keep him at this point.

Other quarterbacks expected to hit the open market include Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins, Jameis Winston, Jacoby Brissett, and Daniel Jones — not exactly a who's who of starting QBs.

Running it back with Taylor and pairing him with a younger, high-upside quarterback could make the most sense. That could mean the Jets target a quarterback like Alabama's Jalen Milroe early on Day 2 of the draft. It could also mean they sign someone like Fields to compete with Taylor.

The Jets do have 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis on their roster as well, but it's hard to imagine he will factor heavily into the team's quarterback plans. Travis suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery and didn't practice all season due to his leg injury. A best-case scenario would see Travis win the QB3 job in the summer.

A quarterback room of Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis, and a young offseason addition could give the Jets financial flexibility beyond 2025 and allow the team to completely reset — culturally and logistically — following the failed Aaron Rodgers era.

Don't be surprised if Taylor is at least fighting for the starting QB job come August.