Does Derek Carr to Saints Mean Aaron Rodgers Coming to Patriots Division?

The New York Jets are looking to replace Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers now appears to be option No. 1.

Already in an AFC East in which they have to defend the likes of Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa, the New England Patriots are potentially closer to formulating game plans to stop Aaron Rodgers.

The New York Jets seemed to be the front-runners for free agent Derek Carr, but the former Pro Bowl quarterback Monday morning announced he was instead signing with the New Orleans Saints. Several analysts believed Carr was "leaning" toward the Jets.

But with Carr off the board and the Jets determined to upgrade from former first-round draft pick Zach Wilson, Rodgers might be their next target. The four-time MVP recently completed a "darkness retreat" but has yet to decide if he will return to the Green Bay Packers.

Also on the list of Jets' potential quarterbacks for 2023: Former Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo, set to become a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers next week or even Lamar Jackson, who could be franchise tagged by the Baltimore Ravens.

The Patriots' defense almost assuredly won't be facing Zach Wilson on the Jets this season. But a division schedule against the Miami Dolphins' Tagovailoa, the Buffalo Bills' Allen and Rodgers with the Jets appears pretty daunting to a team trying to improve from last year's 8-9, non-playoff finish.

Last year in Green Bay, Rodgers threw a late touchdown and led a field-goal drive in overtime as the Packers overcame a seven-point deficit to beat Bailey Zappe and the Pats at Lambeau Field.

---

Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.