Can Jets Protect Aaron Rodgers from Unwanted Sack Record?

As Aaron Rodgers embarks on his 20th NFL season and his first full campaign with the New York Jets , he faces the possibility of setting an unwelcome league record. With 531 career sacks, Rodgers is closing in on Tom Brady's mark of 565, which stands as the most in NFL history. If Rodgers is sacked 35 times this season, he will surpass Brady—an achievement he’d rather avoid.

Historically, Rodgers has averaged 2.29 sacks per game, and if that trend continues over a full season, he could hit the mark by December. However, much of his career was spent behind formidable offensive lines in Green Bay, something the Jets did not have last season. In 2023, New York’s offensive line allowed a staggering 64 sacks and 280 pressures, leaving their quarterbacks under constant duress.

To address the issue, general manager Joe Douglas made significant changes this offseason. The Jets selected left tackle Olu Fashanu in the first round of the NFL Draft, traded for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, and signed left tackle Tyron Smith and left guard John Simpson in free agency. Both Smith and Simpson allowed just two sacks combined in 2023, providing a stronger foundation for the offensive line.

Despite the additions, questions remain about the line's durability and cohesion. Tyron Smith has faced injuries throughout his career, while Alijah Vera-Tucker is returning from an Achilles tear. The Jets' success in 2024 hinges on how quickly this new-look line can gel and keep Rodgers upright.

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As the season progresses, Rodgers not only aims to avoid becoming the NFL’s most-sacked quarterback but also to lead the Jets back to playoff contention. While comparisons to Brady loom—both in career achievements and in this new record—Rodgers remains focused on proving he can still perform at an elite level, even at age 40.

With the Jets' revamped protection unit and Rodgers' determination, fans are hopeful that he can change the narrative, avoiding the unwanted record and instead writing a new chapter in Jets history.