Reporter shares if Colts will have interest in Jets' Aaron Rodgers

Even before Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard confirmed in January that he plans to acquire "competition" for 2024 Week 1 starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, some wondered if they would be interested in Aaron Rodgers. 

Colts and NFL reporter Stephen Holder of ESPN touched upon the subject for a piece published Wednesday. 

"If you're wondering about any potential for Colts interest in Aaron Rodgers — the New York Jets recently informed the 41-year old four-time NFL MVP that they'll be parting ways with him — don't bet on it," Holder explained. "The Colts' history with an aging Matt Ryan in 2022 left a distaste in the organization for older quarterbacks. That directly led to the decision to go all-in on the draft, leading the Colts to Richardson (in the spring of 2023)." 

The Colts acquired Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons in March 2022, hoping he could reclaim the form that made him a one-time NFL MVP. Instead, he endured multiple benchings during his final campaign as an active player. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Ryan ended the 2022 regular season ranked 26th in the NFL among qualified players with a 44.9 adjusted QBR and 28th with an 83.9 passer rating. He tossed 14 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions over 12 games. 

As for Rodgers, he looked like a shell of his former self this season, coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. There are concerns about his durability, considering he was slowed by injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a serious hamstring issue during the fall months. Additionally, the new Jets regime seemingly questioned just how committed the future Hall of Famer would be to the cause after he routinely generated headlines via his appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show" and after he skipped New York's two-day mandatory minicamp this past June because of a pre-planned vacation. 

For an article published Tuesday, The Athletic's James Boyd linked the Colts with quarterbacks younger than Rodgers, such as Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Daniel Jones of the Minnesota Vikings. Holder said Fields, Daniel Jones and Mac Jones of the Jacksonville Jaguars are "names to watch" regarding the Colts. 

While things often change quickly in the NFL, it sounds like Rodgers isn't even on Indianapolis' radar ahead of Valentine's Day.