Jets GM Darren Mougey has tough early test in new job

ESPN NFL writer Rich Cimini noted that Mougey, 39, is the league's third-youngest general manager, which Cimini added makes him two years younger than Rodgers.

Mougey will have a huge say in whether Rodgers returns in 2025. As The Athletic NFL writer Zack Rosenblatt wrote on Thursday, "This decision won't be made ... until a general manager is hired."

Mougey has worked in the Broncos front office in some capacity since 2012, starting as a scouting intern, per Cimini.

In Denver, he received a crash course on the importance of quarterbacks. After winning Super Bowl 50 with (a severely limited) Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Broncos were stuck in the wilderness, rotating through Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Brock Osweiler, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Wilson before finding a potential franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bo Nix.

This season, Rodgers was 368-of-584 (63 percent) for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His 90.5 passer rating was the lowest in his 14 seasons with at least 10 starts.

While hardly the same player he was at his MVP peak, an underwhelming free-agent quarterback class could leave the Jets with no better option.

Regardless of whether Rodgers returns, Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn will likely still be under contract when he retires, making finding an heir apparent paramount.

But they must worry about 2025 first. Mougey and the Jets' decision on Rodgers will chart their course for next season. No pressure.