Why Tom Brady isn’t an option for the Jets after the Rodgers injury

Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury has left the New York Jets in need of a backup quarterback. One NFL legend won’t be replaced for another, though.

Tom Brady has “made it clear to people close to him” that he is finished playing football, and the Jets “will not be inquiring” about his availability, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Wednesday.

Brady came out of retirement once before to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, but earlier this year he declared he was done for good. As a result, Russini’s report shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. In his interview on his “Let’s Go!” podcast on Monday, the 46-year-old did appear content with putting football in the past.

“You just never want to have one drop left and think, ‘Ah, everyone’s out there playing, and I’m sitting up here, and I still feel like I could do it.’ I don’t feel like that,” Brady said. “I feel like I’m just super content with my decision and where I’m at in life.”

That’s wonderful news for Patriots fans who would have found it extremely difficult to see Brady play for their AFC East foe, especially after he just stated that to be a “Patriot for life” during a ceremony on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

So, what are the Jets’ options at QB going forward? While head coach Robert Saleh claimed that 2021 second-round pick Zach Wilson will be the team’s starting quarterback moving forward, New York is reportedly exploring into other options on the quarterback market with a view to bringing in a seasoned veteran who can help Wilson learn the position.

Another former Patriots quarterback, Cam Newton, is on the list of candidates that CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson provided with the Jets.

Every player on the list is long past their peak and over the age of 30. However, Colt McCoy, who replaced Kyler Murray as the Arizona Cardinals’ starter after Murray’s injury last season, might make sense for the Jets given his 12 years of NFL experience.

The Jets’ success or failure will largely depend on Wilson, who went 5-4 as New York’s starter last season but threw just six touchdown passes to seven interceptions. None of these quarterbacks are making a difference. When the divisional rivals face up at MetLife Stadium in Week 3, Wilson will be looking to extend his 0-4 record versus the Patriots.