Insider shares if Tom Brady could replace Jets' Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets fans can put any hope of retired quarterback Tom Brady serving as a savior after Aaron Rodgers was lost to a season-ending torn Achilles on Monday night to bed. 

Senior NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Wednesday morning that the Jets won't reach out to Brady about completing a possible playing return to the NFL this fall. Additionally, sources told Russini that Brady "has made it clear to people close to him that he’s done playing football." 

Even before the Jets confirmed the exact nature of Rodgers' injury on Tuesday, fans and media personalities alike named Brady as one of the club's potential options at the position for multiple reasons. 1-0 Gang Green seemingly could be an above-average quarterback away from competing for more than a playoff berth, and Brady first retired in February 2022 only to then return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following month. 

Much has changed over the past year and a half and since Brady retired "for good" before Super Bowl LVII.

Brady, now 46, went through an emotionally and physically taxing divorce last season and also dealt with at least a couple of injury scares across the campaign. He is also reportedly preparing to become Fox's lead NFL analyst in 2024, was honored by the New England Patriots this past weekend and has never hinted he'd consider playing for one of their division rivals. 

During Monday's edition of his "Let's Go!" SiriusXM show and podcast, Brady indicated he does not feel while watching others play at the highest level that he wants to compete on Sundays. 

"I feel like I’m just super content with my decision and where I’m at in life," the seven-time Super Bowl champion added at that time. 

It's also worth noting that Brady is on track to become a limited partner of the Las Vegas Raiders. That relationship seemingly would prevent him from playing for any other team. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Tuesday that the previously demoted Zach Wilson will start in Rodgers' place at the 1-0 Dallas Cowboys this coming Sunday. 

"We’ve got a lot of faith in Zach," Saleh insisted. "We’re really excited about his opportunity, but we’re rolling with Zach and excited for him, and like I said, this opportunity that he’s going to get."