NFL execs: Jets’ Aaron Rodgers to be Comeback Player of the Year, beating out Cousins, others | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

New York Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon that cost him virtually the entire 2023 season, and many believe he is poised for a major comeback this year.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Rodgers received the most votes from a group of league executives and scouts in a poll to determine who will be the 2024 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Rodgers beat out Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jaelan Phillips, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Rodgers was expected to turn around the struggling Jets when he was acquired from the Green Bay Packers last year, but those hopes were dashed when he tore his Achilles tendon four plays into the 2023 season opener in New York. The Jets have struggled to find consistency in the middle of the field, finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the 13th straight season, the longest active streak in any of the four major North American sports.

Fowler noted that “the stage is set for Rodgers to put on the kind of age-40 passing season in the new uniform that his former teammate Brett Favre gave Minnesota in 2009,” especially because “the Jets’ offense is well-stocked with talent, the offensive line has improved and Rodgers has thrown the ball effortlessly in training camp.” His mobility is the biggest question, but if he can stay healthy, New York could be in a position to have success this year.

“The thing is, Rodgers can move with the efficiency he has in the past,” the AFC scout said. “While Tom Brady has been more traditional in the pocket, Rodgers has always had more subtlety and athleticism to his game when throwing on the run. If he can get that back, watch out. If he can’t, the Jets are going to need a steady dose of running the ball to help him. I think they have to do that no matter what.”

Cousins ​​is also recovering from a torn Achilles tendon entering his first year in Atlanta. Phillips, Burrow and Richardson also had their 2023 campaigns cut short by injury. Fowler noted that the last six players to win Comeback Player of the Year were quarterbacks.

“(Cousins) should win,” an NFC executive said. “He’s going to make everyone in Atlanta better.”

It sounds like it will come down to a race between two experienced quarterbacks, but Rodgers’ strong year will likely give him the edge over Cousins.