Aaron Rodgers and Top QB Options for Raiders, 49ers, Jets After Tom Brady Retires

Tom Brady's retirement announcement shocked the football world on Wednesday, and it also removed one of the top names from the quarterback market this offseason.

With teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders all likely seeking upgrades under center, they will now turn their attention to signal-callers like Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Rodgers represents the next domino that needs to fall to provide clarity in the quarterback picture. The 39-year-old has yet to make a decision as to whether he wants to continue his playing career. If he chooses to stick around for a few more years, reports indicate that he will not be forging ahead with the Green Bay Packers, who drafted him in the first round in 2005.

A potential trade for Rodgers is sure to require some substantial draft compensation, as the four-time NFL MVP would be a game-changer for any team that acquires him.

The 49ers present an intriguing situation, as the California-native would be joining a team in win-now mode that is coming off a loss in the NFC Championship Game, largely caused by injuries to the quarterback position. Adding Rodgers would give San Francisco's young signal-callers Trey Lance and Brock Purdy extra time to develop and recover from their respective ankle and elbow injuries.

The Jets also showed promise this year but were doomed by inept quarterback play, extending their league-leading playoff drought to 12 straight years. 2021 No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson was benched twice this season and clearly needs more time to develop behind a veteran quarterback.

New York hired Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator last week, fueling speculation that the franchise will make a run at Rodgers. Hackett shares a deep connection with the future Hall-of-Famer from their time together in Green Bay. However, Hackett's west-coast offense would also be a strong fit for Carr or Garoppolo.

The Raiders benched Carr for the final two weeks of the season and plan to move on from the longtime starter. Las Vegas has until Feb. 15 to trade him before $40.5 million of his salary over the next two years vests as fully guaranteed. The more likely scenario is that the 31-year-old gets cut and becomes the most sought-after quarterback on the open market.

Garoppolo is recovering from a broken foot, but he proved to be able to be a successful quarterback when he stepped in for the 49ers after Lance broke his ankle in Week 2. The injury to Purdy opens the door for Garoppolo to return to San Francisco once again, but the impending free agent will not have a shortage of suitors trying to pry him away from the 49ers.

Other big names are expected to be available this offseason. Geno Smith is a free agent, while veterans like Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston could fall victim to roster cuts if their respective teams aren't able to trade them.

The Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints all could be searching for new quarterbacks, and they will have a slew of options between a deep free agent class and a widely talented 2023 draft class that includes the likes of Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and Will Levis.