Tom Brady will not be taking flight.
Two days after Aaron Rodgers went down with a devastating Achilles injury just four snaps into his tenure as Jets quarterback, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday that Brady is not on Gang Green’s quarterback wishlist.
“I’m told the team will not be inquiring with Brady about any interest in a return to football,” Russini reported on Wednesday.
“Brady has also made clear to people close to him, he’s done playing football.”
Rodgers’ injury ignited chatter about who could possibly replace him in guiding the Jets’ stacked roster.
Brady was one name floated on Tuesday, with former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and Shannon Sharpe suggesting the team give the seven-time Super Bowl champion a call.
Putting aside salary cap considerations, Brady is an intriguing option given at 45 years old last season, he led the Buccaneers to a playoff berth and had the most completions in the league.
Still, it always appeared a long shot he would return, recently saying on his “Let’s Go!” podcast that he is “super content” in retirement.
Brady, of course, starred on the hated Patriots and it would take a lot of getting used to for all parties involved to see him in Jets green.
Brady has remained outwardly emphatic that he will not un-retire again, and anecdotally he appears leaner in photographs, which would make it harder to absorb hits from defensive behemoths like the one Rodgers took on Monday night.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh has reiterated that Zach Wilson is the team’s starting quarterback going forward.
“I want to make it very clear, Zach’s our quarterback,” Saleh said. “We have a lot of faith in Zach. We’re rolling with Zach and excited for him.”
Saleh affirmed that the team would be looking for another quarterback on the roster — but he would be joining in a backup role.
The Jets got the news they were expecting but dreading.
An MRI exam confirmed quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a torn left Achilles tendon that will require season-ending surgery, a source confirmed.
Now, the Jets are back to where they were a year ago, with Zach Wilson back as the starting quarterback of the New York Jets.
Here’s what’s next for the star-crossed franchise.
“Under no circumstances is any of this a competition,” Saleh said. “This is Zach’s team and we’re rolling with Zach.”