Colin Cowherd argued that Aaron Rodgers’ lack of mobility could be problematic, especially with Jordan Travis ready to step in.

While the New York Jets fans gear up to finally see Aaron Rodgers play ball, Colin Cowherd is already hyping up Jordan Travis as the veteran quarterback’s immediate successor. The Jets drafted the Florida State prospect in the fifth round after a slot opened up following the departure of Zach Wilson to Denver.

During the recent episode of FS1’s The Herd, while discussing the influx of rookie quarterbacks in the league, Cowherd pointed out that Rodgers may be on borrowed time like Kirk Cousins. He cited Ben Roethlisberger, fearing for his job when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Mason Rudolph.

Moreover, he touched upon the shaky relationship between Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo. According to him, both Roethlisberger and Brady were unhappy with their team drafting a new quarterback.

Big Ben [Roethlisberger] got very insecure when the Steelers drafted Mason Rudolph; Tom Brady didn't like Jimmy Garoppolo in the building. When people say Kirk Cousins, like if you want the future at quarterback and Penix is available, Kirk Cousins is going to be upset.

Colin Cowherd said

He theorized that quarterbacks begin to lose their mobility as they get older. So it’s smart for the franchises to replace them with a much more agile and younger prospect.

Jordan Travis is what Aaron Rodgers isn't: Young and super mobile. Aaron was no longer considered mobile or hypermobile pre-Achilles surgery; he will not be after.

Cowherd added

Well, at the very least, ESPN reported that the 40-year-old will have no restrictions for the OTAs.

Only a monumentally bad season would compel the Jets to replace Aaron Rodgers for Jordan Travis

Everything depends on how Rodgers’ recovery has gone. As Cowherd mentioned, he will be even less mobile than before the ACL tear, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. Quarterbacks don’t have to be part-time rushers to be successful in the league.

Former Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (Image via IMAGO)
Detroit’s Jared Goff and LA Rams’ Matthew Stafford have breached that barrier by being amazing pocket passers. The Cowboys Dak Prescott, after his injury, focused on being more of an accurate distributer in 2023 and threw the most touchdowns.

Until head coach Robert Saleh witnesses through his own eyes that Rogers is no longer a viable option, Travis will remain a backup. However, it’s a good problem to have. Before his season-ending ankle injury, the 24-year-old was in the running for the Heisman Trophy. FSU won 11 straight games in 2023 with Travis, who recorded 205 completions for 2734 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 72 carries for 160 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns.