That’s quite a major downfall! Although the teams of quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, as well as running back Saquon Barkley would be happy to acquire these players, the league has no mercy to them. The NFL Network released the NFL Top 100 list of players heading into the 2024 season. Interestingly, the ranks were voted on by the players themselves.

But an even more intriguing part is the rank given to the New York Jets’ cornerstone player, Aaron Rodgers. According to the list, Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tear last season, was given no sympathy, ranking him at 92. Last time, as per the 2023 list, he was ranked at 51. Besides him, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins faced the list’s brutality as well after his Achilles injury in 2023. He is ranked at 81, which is a major decline from his 42 rank in 2023.

Additionally, Eagles RB Saquon Barkley too faced a similar circumstance. Last year he was ranked at 31. But this time, the 27-year-old is ranked at 86. The reason for his decline in ranking is potentially because of his high ankle sprain injury and the “lingering effects.” So, the only way for these players to avoid their drastic downfall going ahead will be to perform their best in the upcoming 2024 season.

On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes is anticipated to be ranked at number 1, while Colts LB, Zaire Franklin, is listed at 100, according to the released list. The ranking “premiered Monday with players 100- to 81 and will continue with 10 players being revealed weekdays through July 31 on NFL+ before the top 10 is announced on August 2 on NFL Network.”

Meanwhile, some critics are arguing that with only four snaps played in the season, how can Rodgers make it to the list?

Aaron Rodgers fell from grace!

After 18 seasons with the Packers and being traded to the Jets in April 2023, Aaron Rodgers has proven his resilience and skill. He is a four-time MVP, and has a career TD-to-INT ratio of 4.52, the best in NFL history. He’s led numerous game-winning drives and playoff victories. That’s why he still holds hope for many. As a result, despite playing only four snaps last season due to an Achilles tendon tear, Rodgers made the list.

But when we consider his previous rankings, A-Rod has been a top player in the league for years–“He was the top-ranked player in 2012, No. 2 in 2015 and No. 3 in 2020 and 2021.” Now, at 41, 4x MVP Rodgers aims to win another MVP and Super Bowl with the Jets. He claimed this while speaking to the Jets’ podcast, “I’m here to play at the highest level. If I didn’t believe we could win the Super Bowl and that I could win MVP, I wouldn’t be playing.”

His determination remains strong as he looks to lead the Jets to success. But only time can tell what will happen in this season.