NFL executives, coaches still believe Jets' Aaron Rodgers is a top-10 QB

NFL insiders still believe Aaron Rodgers is an elite quarterback who could help the New York Jets vie for an AFC East title.

The Athletic's Mike Sando recently released his annual QB tiers. Fifty league executives and coaches voted on the tiers numbered 1 to 5, with 5 being the worst. The former Packers star ranked as the fourth-best QB, with 30 voters placing him in Tier 1 and 20 putting him in Tier 2.
"ESPN showed it over and over the other day in camp when Rodgers looked off the safety and threw an upfield fade where the kid got his toes down and motioned for the first down," one exec. told Sando. "We have watched that for 15 years my question is, why wouldn't it be 16?"
Rodgers maintaining his status throughout league circles is great for the Jets because the former Super Bowl champion could help them catch up to the Buffalo Bills.
 
The Bills have dominated the AFC East recently, winning three consecutive division titles. New York posted a 1-5 record against Buffalo over the past three seasons.
 
One reason the Jets struggled is a revolving door at QB. Since 2020, New York has started five different QBs, while Buffalo relied on two-time Pro Bowler Josh Allen. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, could minimize the Bills' edge.

However, New York's ability to compete depends upon Rodgers avoiding injuries. Playing on a different surface could make it more challenging for the 39-year-old.

"Green Bay played four games on turf last year," one exec. told Sando. "Guess how many the Jets play this year? Fourteen. Huge difference for a guy who turns 40 in December and has had some lower-leg injuries, including calf strains."
 
Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, Rodgers won't play in the Hall of Fame game against the Browns on Thursday night. Tom Benson Stadium—the site for the HOF game—has turf, possibly contributing to the Jets letting Rodgers rest.

Nonetheless, expect the Jets defense to play at a high level again after it finished fourth in points allowed last season. The strong unit might help Rodgers stay healthy since he'll be in fewer close games and won't need to carry a team.  

Per OddsChecker, the Jets possesses the second-best odds (+270) of winning their division. Don't be surprised if Rodgers vaults New York past Buffalo, leading it to its first AFC East title since 2002.