After another disastrous season for the New York Jets ended on Sunday with a 5–-12 record after a 32–20 win at home over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, what seems like an endless number of questions are left unanswered.
Four-time NFL MVP and future Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who started all 17 games this season, predictably did not break any news after the game.
“Truthfully, I don’t know,” Rodgers said when asked what is ahead for him. ”I’m looking forward to those conversations with (the Jets’ leadership). It feels good to be able to do some of the things the last five or six weeks I know I was capable of doing even at 40, 41, but you know, either way, I won’t be upset or offended whatever they decide to do — if they want to move on, if I still want to play, and if not, I’ll let them know.”
The Jets have the seventh pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and one of the most pressing questions is whether they will use the pick to select a quarterback or explore other options, such as free agency or the trade market, to acquire a long-term starter who can lead them to the playoffs. They hold the longest current streak (14 consecutive seasons) of not making the playoffs of all the major North American sports franchises.
It’s a near certainty that Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, regarded as the top two quarterbacks in the draft, will be gone by the seventh pick, as well as 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. But before making the Jets begin to dive into the draft evaluation and preparation, there are general manager and head coach vacancies to be filled.
Owner Robert “Woody” Johnson has enlisted the 33rd Team, a firm founded and operated by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman. So far, the Jets have interviewed or will interview for their general manager position Thomas Dimitroff, the Atlanta Falcons GM from 2008–2020; Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy; Jon Robinson, the Tennessee Titans GM from 2016–2022; and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who was the Philadelphia Eagles’ director of pro personnel from 2010–2013.
The Jets have interviewed or will interview a slew of former head coaches to assume that spot for their franchise. Among them are Brian Flores, the Vikings’ current defensive coordinator; Rex Ryan, who previously guided the Jets and Buffalo Bills; Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders); Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans); Vance Joseph (Denver Broncos defensive coordinator); Matt Nagy (Chicago Bears); and Arthur Smith (Atlanta Falcons).
Flores, Joseph, and Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator) are all coordinators for teams that are in this season’s playoffs, which begin this weekend.