The Green Bay Packers need cornerback help. They have limited options before the end of the season, but that changes in free agency.

Jaire Alexander likely won’t play again this season, and if he has played his final snap for the Packers, the team may consider approaching the position as they did at safety last year. They could use a combination of free agency and the draft to replace Alexander and upgrade the position.

One potential target currently plays with Aaron Rodgers for the New York Jets, but all indications point to him becoming available when the new league year begins.

D.J. Reed is one of the few Jets players who can be satisfied with their performance this season. His team may have fallen well short of expectations, but Reed has proved why he can help cornerback-needy teams in 2025, including the Packers.

It sounds like D.J. Reed has no interest in returning to the Jets in 2025

Around this time of year, we often hear pending free agents say how much they would love to re-sign with their current team. Even if they don’t mean it and fully intend to test free agency, players tend to say the right things while still under contract.

Reed had no interest in that when speaking to Tyler Dunne of Go Long. According to Dunne, Reed shook his head when asked if he wants to re-sign with the Jets.

“I’m ready to go to free agency, bro,” Reed told Dunne. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me.”

Wow. It’s rare to hear such honesty from a player with an expiring contract, but Reed doesn’t need to worry. He will have no problem finding a new team in free agency, and the Packers should be among the clubs to show interest.

And they could be the perfect landing spot for Reed. He would join an ascending secondary led by first-time Pro Bowler Xavier McKinney while reuniting with Jeff Hafley, who was his defensive backs coach during his rookie year in San Francisco.

The Packers would be getting a cornerback who has broken up 10 passes this season and allowed a completion percentage of just 58.3, per Pro Football Reference.

Reed might not provide the All-Pro play Alexander can when healthy, but he would be a smart, reliable replacement for Eric Stokes, who is also a free agent. The Packers have cap space to make some waves in free agency, and they could then double down by drafting a rookie in the early rounds.

 

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is sending messages to ownership with his public comments, says a former New York Jets head coach.

 

Dec 22, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium.

Dec 22, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium.

 

There aren’t many people that can say they know how New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ mind really works. But one former Jets head coach believes he’s cracked the code.

 

Eric Mangini, who knows how Jets owner Woody Johnson’s mind works after he coached the Jets from 2006-08, told Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd earlier this week that he believes Rodgers’ recent public comments is the 41-year-old passer’s way of signaling to the organization that he wants out.

 

Mangini pointed to Rodgers’ recent “I’ve never been released by a teenager” comment as a “direct shot” at Johnson.

 

“So to me, as soon as he said that, in my mind said he wants out,” Mangini said. “But he doesn’t want to retire, obviously. He wants to get paid and not have to deal with any of the givebacks that come with retirement.”

 

Rodgers’ comment referred to a report in The Athletic a couple of weeks ago in which it was revealed that Johnson, among other things, was interested in a player’s Madden ratings when making decisions. That interest was reportedly fed by his two sons, who are now teenagers.

 

Other reports from earlier this season, when Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas, indicated that Johnson suggested that Rodgers be benched after a Week 4 loss. His conversation was with Douglas, then-head coach Robert Saleh and other football decision-makers. The Jets ultimately opted not to bench Rodgers, but Saleh was fired the next week.

 

This week, Rodgers was asked if the Jets had indicated to him that they wanted him back next season. His response was, “You should ask Woody,” referring to Johnson. He also said he and the owner hadn’t spoken in weeks.

 

Rodgers has repeatedly said he needs a month after the season to figure out if he wants to play in 2025. But, if he does return, he wants to return with the Jets.

 

Unless, of course, the Jets release him. That would give Rodgers the chance to find a new team but leave New York on the hook for a cap hit.

 

Mangini worked for Johnson for three years as he was hired away from working for Bill Belichick to be head coach. He led the Jets to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in his first season, but he ended up getting sacked after three seasons with a 23-25 record. After two more years leading Cleveland, he has a 33-47 record in five years as an NFL head coach. He hasn’t led a team since.

 

 

 

 

Sunday’s 40-14 loss to the Bills at Highmark Stadium, where Rodgers was shut out in the three quarters he played before being replaced by backup Tyrod Taylor, was a low point in a season of lows for the 41-year-old Hall of Fame-bound quarterback.

 

 

 

Rodgers completed just 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards and threw two interceptions in the defeat.

 

He was sacked four times for 26 yards in losses, including one for a safety.

 

 

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, center, stands on the sidelines after he was pulled from the game during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. AP

 

 

The 112 yards was Rodgers’ lowest output since he was held to 104 in a 38-7 loss to the 49ers in 2019.

 

“It’s kind of like the season just got away from us,” Rodgers said. “Too many games got away from us. This game got away from us. We were moving the ball well and then we just hit a wall. And that’s kind of the season.’’

 

The Jets moved the ball well early in the game and got nothing out of it.

 

 

Jets should be ashamed of this product with organization in complete meltdown

 

 

“The two times we played [the Bills] this year, we moved the ball pretty well and just hurt ourselves,” Rodgers said. “We scored more points in the first one (20). But when you watch that first one back, we had plenty of chances to win the game. Today, we moved the ball well the first two drives [and got] no points, and after half the game got away from us.’’

 

Rodgers, who’s been shut out only once in his career, was replaced by Taylor early in the fourth quarter. Taylor completed 11 of 14 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets lost to the Bills on Dec. 29.

Aaron Rodgers and the Jets lost to the Bills on Dec. 29. AP

 

 

“Going out and competing as a competitor, that’s what you love to do,” Taylor said. “Obviously, you never want to be [playing] at the cost of injury or at a blowout. But obviously, when your number’s called, you have to go out there and perform. It was good to get out there and put some plays on film.”

 

As for Rodgers, his closest friend on the team, receiver Davante Adams, said, “For Aaron, a lot of this season has been plagued by injury. There have been some things he’s going through, and obviously he hasn’t been able to put his best product out there.

 

Tyrod Taylor attempts a pass during the Jets’ loss to the Bills on Dec. 29.

Tyrod Taylor attempts a pass during the Jets’ loss to the Bills on Dec. 29. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

“It’s unfortunate. I think the competitor he is, based off the way the season is going, it would be hard for me to envision him not [playing]. But it’s not something I talk to him about. You’ve got to let people think about those type of situations.

 

“I think about what my future is like, and I ain’t 20 years into playing. If he were to step away, you can’t blame the guy. He’s put a lot into this and been one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game. No matter what happens from this moment on, you can’t take that away from him.

 

“He’s 41 years old and playing this game at the level expected it’s not easy to do. I’m proud of him and I let him know that every time we’re together.”

 

Asked what his future holds, Rodgers said, “I’m going to enjoy next week and then take some mental and physical rest.”

 

 

 

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is closing in on a significant career milestone.

 

Rodgers currently has 499 career touchdown passes, which means if he throws one more, he’ll become just the fifth player in NFL history with 500 touchdown passes.

 

Rodgers will probably join the 500 TD club, but it’s not a sure thing: Given the way this season has gone for Rodgers and the Jets, it’s possible that he won’t throw a touchdown pass in either of the Jets’ remaining two games. And it’s unknown at this point whether Rodgers will play or retire in 2025.

 

If Rodgers does get one more touchdown pass, he’ll join an exclusive club: Tom Brady has the NFL record with 649 career touchdown passes, followed by Drew Brees with 571, Peyton Manning with 539 and Brett Favre with 508.

 

 

 

The New York Jets beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-25 and superstar wide receiver Davante Adams was a big reason why.

 

After the game, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich delivered a passionate locker room speech about Adams.

 

“One of [Aaron Rodgers’] touchdowns was the [expletive] 100th for Davante Adams. Hey guys, embrace Davante man. You get an opportunity to play with a [expletive] legend,” Ulbrich told his players.

 

Adams Delivered in the Clutch for the Jets

The 3-time All-Pro finished the day with nine catches for 198 receiving yards and two touchdowns. That was the second-most receiving yards that Adams has ever had in a game.

 

Adams didn’t have a reception in the first half. All of that production came in the second half. ESPN’s Rich Cimini said on social media that is the second most yards a player has gotten in the last 45 years after being “blanked in [the] first half.”

 

More specifically, 135 of the 198 receiving yards came in the last four minutes of the game which according to Cimini is “the most by any player in a game this century.”

 

“Historic, magical to get his 100th TD today, I feel honored to have seen it and to have been there for it. That was an amazing moment for those two guys. Obviously a lot of ball between them and a lot of touchdowns. So for them to get that is special,” Ulbrich said.

 

This Performance Should Make the Jets Think Twice This Offseason

This is one of the best wide receiver performances in NFL history. Adams will turn 32 on Christmas Eve and his future is up in the air.

 

The way his contract is structured, Adams holds all the cards this offseason. He is due to make $35.6 million in base salary over the next two years [2025 and 2026]. However none of that money is guaranteed.

 

“The Jets will never pay him that kind of money at age 33 and 34. All sides know those numbers will have to be redone. If Adams wants out, he can simply decline any offers to redo the deal and wait until they release him before free agency begins on March 12 (rather than carry that number into the new league year). Adams controls his own path,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport explained.

 

What happens next for the Jets is a total mystery. We don’t know who the head coach or general manager is going to be moving forward. Is Aaron Rodgers coming back? With so much uncertainty it’s hard to predict the future.

 

Regardless of the answers to any of those questions, the Jets have to try to do everything in their power to retain Adams moving forward. The six-time Pro Bowler proved he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. That in itself is attractive but it also puts another dynamic threat opposite of Garrett Wilson.

 

Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, a rookie, or even another veteran quarterback would stand to benefit from playing with those talented playmakers. Adams holds the cards, so the Jets will have to convince him to stay. That should be a top priority for whoever takes over at the top of this organization for 2025 and beyond.

 

Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts Cumulus Media’s morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.

 

 

 

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (No. 8) reacts after overthrowing a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of a game,, Dec. 1, in East Rutherford, N.J.

 

Adam Hunger – freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dolphins Packers Football

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis.

 

Matt Ludtke – freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Patriots Dolphins Football

Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

 

Lynne Sladky – staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seahawks Jets Football

New York Jets running back Kene Nwangwu (34) dives into the end zone to score a touchdown after running back a kickoff 99 yards against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J.

 

Seth Wenig – staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets more than a year ago.

 

But after missing all but four snaps last season because of a torn left Achilles tendon, Rodgers has yet to face the Miami Dolphins with his current team.

 

That’ll change Sunday when the Jets and Dolphins meet for the first time this season, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said this game feels like a long time coming.

 

“I’m excited to see him go out there and have fun with his guys and play,” Tagovailoa said. “Hopefully they don’t do too good against our guys, but we’re going to come out there and we’re going to compete as well and just admire good football if he goes out there and does his thing.”

 

Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier this week the team is sticking with Rodgers as the starter despite the 41-year-old’s struggles. And Rodgers called notions that he’d need to use the final five games of the season to prove his value to the team “ridiculous.”

 

“I love football,” Rodgers said. “I don’t need a lot of motivation from the outside world or inspiration. I wake up, I love what I’m doing, I’m grateful to still be playing and I want to go out and compete and light up the defense every day.”

 

But the Dolphins (5-7) are preparing to see the absolute best of the four-time NFL MVP, whose recent struggles have no bearing on his legacy, Tagovailoa said.

 

“Whether he looks like the same way he did in years past or not, you’re just going up against greatness regardless,” Tagovailoa said.

 

Dolphins rookie linebacker Chop Robinson estimated that he was a year old during Rodgers’ first NFL season.

 

“To me, he still looks like Aaron Rodgers out there,” Robinson said, adding that he’s excited to face the player he grew up watching.

 

Rodgers has thrown for 2,627 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions, but his 6.3 yards-per-pass attempt is the lowest of his career as a starter.

 

He was 21 of 39 for 185 yards with two touchdowns against Seattle last week, but also had an interception returned 92 yards for a touchdown and could not lead the Jets (3-9) on a late comeback — something he has done many times in his career.

 

“We have tremendous faith in Aaron, we really do,” Ulbrich said. “His struggles partly have been from an injury standpoint, not being fully healthy. But beyond that, I know he hasn’t played to the standard he’d like to play to. But we all know what he’s capable of. We all have great belief in him. I really believe we’re going to get the best version of him this Sunday, I do.”

 

Search for 300

Rodgers has passed for 300 or more yards 77 times in his 20-year NFL career, including 69 in the regular season.

 

But it has been four years since the most recent time.

 

Rodgers threw for 341 yards against Chicago on Dec. 12, 2021 while with Green Bay, making his 300-yard drought 34 regular-season games and 35 overall, including one playoff game.

 

“Stats can be skewed both positively and negatively, and it’s a weird one, for sure,” said Rodgers, whose season high is 294 yards against Buffalo in Week 6. “Would love to get rid of that one, but there’s a lot of stats that I’ve been on the right side of. That one is not one of my favorites, for sure.”

 

Special special teams

The Jets’ special teams unit was dominant in the first half last week against Seattle — and made some NFL history in the process.

 

The were the first team to have a kickoff returned for a TD, recover two fumbles on kickoffs and block an extra point in the same game. And New York did that all in the first half against Seattle.

 

The big star was Kene Nwangwu, who was promoted from the practice squad before the game and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a score and also forced a fumble on a kickoff. The performance earned him AFC special teams player of the week honors.

 

Olu steps in

Rookie Olu Fashanu has been one of the bright spots of the Jets’ season — and is showing he’s a building block for the future.

 

In his second start at left tackle in place of the injured Tyron Smith, the No. 11 overall pick in April allowed no pressures on 42 pass blocking snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. He joined Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs as the only players this season with no pressures allowed in at least 40 pass blocking snaps.

 

“He’s a baller,” left guard John Simpson said. “That’s my dog. He’s a good dude, he learns real quick. … He’s coming along very well and he’s going to be a great player in this league.”

 

Chubb getting close

Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb practiced this week for the first time since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Week 17 last season.

 

Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said Thursday it’s hard to determine how close Chubb is to being game ready because he’s had only about seven full-speed reps.

 

“I know the work he’s put forth just to get to this point,” Weaver said. “I’m sure it’s going to be some time just to gain confidence and get back to where he feels comfortable going out there and playing in an NFL game.”

 

Chubb was having one of the best seasons of his career before the injury. He had 11 sacks (the most since his rookie season), a league-high six forced fumbles and 73 tackles.