Following veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ trial and error, the New York Jets will now move on to find their quarterback of the future. A Jets career headlined by injuries and woeful performances now sees Rodgers looking for a new team or retirement.
That said, the Jets’ NFL Draft position suggests an inability to take one of the top two quarterbacks in this class (Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders). But they are predicted to trade up while Sanders’ stock could potentially fall, setting up a perfect opportunity for Gang Green to land its franchise QB.
Jets Predicted To Pick Sheduer Sanders in 2025 NFL Draft
Following the announcement that they were moving on from Rodgers, the Jets have been linked to several quarterbacks, including PFSN’s 10th-ranked top free agent, Sam Darnold. Meanwhile, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice predicts they will trade up for Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As of now, the Jets are picking No. 7 overall, but Filice believes they could move up to pick 5 in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“In the wake of the Aaron Rodgers-era error, the Jets have a talented roster without a quarterback. At the moment, the free-agent crop at the position is headlined by Sam Darnold. Don’t think a Darnold-Jets reunion is on the table, so Gang Green leapfrogs the QB-needy Raiders to snag a signal-caller who certainly wouldn’t shy away from the bright lights of Broadway. New York tabloids rejoice.”
While the Jets are also picking Sanders in PFSN’s latest mock draft by Justin Lewis, they are projected to trade up to No. 3 with the New York Giants.
“Trade: Jets received pick 3 from the New York Giants. The Giants received picks 7, 42, and 157.
“The New York Jets have hired Aaron Glenn as their next head coach while also announcing they were moving on from Aaron Rodgers. It is unlikely that the Jets will have a reunion with Sam Darnold or Zach Wilson. This is an organization that needs a star — and there might not be a bigger star in the draft than Shedeur Sanders.
“Sanders would be surrounded by Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall and protected by an improved offensive line. While his arm strength is average, Sanders’ quick release could likely pay dividends early as the rookie figures it out.”
As Lewis stated, Sanders is an absolute star in the making.
Sanders did not not let being the son of legendary “Coach Prime” stop him from making a name for himself. His time at Colorado with fellow projected top-five pick Travis Hunter electrified the nation each time they stepped foot on the field.
The former Buffaloes QB aired out 907 passes over the last two years, completing 651 for a 71.7% completion rate. He also tallied 7,364 passing yards and 72 total touchdowns in his two seasons at Colorado.
Despite an overall record of 13-12 over his time with the Buffaloes, Sanders’ individual statistics jump off the page. The likelihood of him and Hunter reuniting in the NFL is slim, but if Sanders can pair up with another elite receiver, he could be an instant problem for teams across the NFL.
Sanders and the Jets WRs
Speaking of star receivers that Sanders could work with, Lewis hit the nail on the head when discussing Garrett Wilson.
Wilson has far and above been the best receiver in New York (both teams) for three years now. He has eclipsed 1,000+ receiving yards all three seasons, with his career high coming in 2024. The Ohio State product nearly doubled his career high in touchdowns in 2024 as well, going for seven (former career high was four).
Pairing Wilson with Sanders may just be the best QB-WR duo of the receiver’s NFL career thus far. While the rest of the wide receiver room remains questionable due to the status of Davante Adams and others contracts, Wilson and Sanders could be an immediate change to helping the Jets escape their recent misery.