Aaron Rodgers is a New York Jet.
I repeat: Aaron Rodgers will now wear the green of the New York Jets as he moves to the Big Apple and changes conferences entirely.
But for as much as the Jets hope Rodgers is their missing link, where does he fit in the AFC’s quarterback puzzle? Is he someone that will make a genuine difference against some of the conference’s heavyweights? (At the very least, it’s clear the NFC has a new king after his departure.)
If the Jets have a prayer of contending, he’ll have to, no other questions asked. Because with Rodgers in the fold, the AFC now looks like a Super Smash Bros. roster — you can’t go wrong with your pick of “Bowser” or “Ganondorf” or “Mario” or “Roy.”
Let’s reevaluate the AFC quarterback landscape after Rodgers joins this already-stacked fray.
6
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
With all due respect to the four-time MVP, Rodgers’ best days are almost certainly behind him. While I won’t write off the possibility that the 39-year-old enjoys some kind of renaissance with the Jets, I think it’s more likely he veers toward “high-end game manager, capable of a few flash plays a game.”
That’s still good enough to be one of the AFC’s top quarterbacks. But it’s not enough to supplant some of Rodgers’ younger peers.
5
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
If Herbert weren’t one of the more unfortunate victims of “Chargers-ing,” he’d be much higher on this list. Few NFL signal callers have ever been as prolific and polished through three seasons as Herbert. If new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore unleashes a Los Angeles offense that actually lets Herbert use his arm — he’ll be duking it out with the big boys on an even platform soon enough.
4
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
For the time being, Lamar Jackson is still a Raven.
So, for now, he remains one of the AFC’s biggest names at quarterback.
I understand it’s been a few seasons since he reached his apex MVP level. But Jackson still does everything for his offense when he’s on the field. And he seldom blinks. Only a handful of quarterbacks could profess to have the same amount of responsibility as Jackson.
3
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
I love Burrow, and I think he’s special, but I’m also not a proponent of “QB Winz.” That means, even with the Bengals’ recent deep playoff runs, I can’t justifiably rank him higher than No. 3. Burrow is terrific, but I also believe his pair of No. 1 receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have as much to do with his success as anything intrinsic.
2
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
Allen is the NFL’s Terminator — an unstoppable wrecking ball on a mission from the future — and the man on most even terms with the sport’s best player. I’ve rarely seen a quarterback take over a game as easily with their sheer physical attributes and an uncanny “clutch” gene.
It’s only a matter of time before Allen gets his crowning moment — a Super Bowl victory for the city of Buffalo. The city should probably start building the statue now.
1
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
The NFL’s red and gold king sits comfortably on his throne.
Patrick Mahomes won’t be 28 until September, and he already has a case for being one of football’s best quarterbacks of all time. He’s got the gaudy numbers and the sterling postseason record. By the time he hangs his shoulder pads up, don’t be surprised if Mahomes is in the GOAT conversation.
Heck, he already might be there.
