Could a partnership between Bill Belichick and Aaron Rodgers emerge somewhere?

In about a week, Aaron Rodgers’ departure from the Jets has gone from a possibility to a given possibility. The only question at this point is whether the release will happen before or after the end of the season.

Already, people in league circles who tend to connect dots are curious about a possible partnership between Rodgers and . . . Bill Belichick.

Belichick wants to coach next year. If he ends up at a spot that doesn’t have a long-term quarterback under contract, Rodgers could be a one-year (maybe two) quick fix at the most important position in the game.

Some will say it won’t work because Rodgers wouldn’t put up with the constant hassle and constant talking that comes with playing for Belichick. Belichick had no qualms about insulting Tom Brady in front of his teammates. Rodgers probably wouldn’t react well to that.

But Belichick is smart enough to know that a different approach will be required for Rodgers. And Belichick will be happy to sneak around the delicate genius if that’s what it takes to get the best out of Rodgers.

Obviously, two of Belichick’s most likely destinations – Jacksonville and Dallas – wouldn’t allow a Rodgers acquisition. Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott received large market-level contracts this year. They couldn’t be traded or released, and it wouldn’t make sense to bench them.

So where are the places Belichick could take Rodgers? The quarterback-less spots for 2025?

The only obvious options would be the Raiders, the Saints. And yes, the Giants.

Think about it. Belichick has been linked to the Giants for years. Rodgers wouldn’t even have to move. And co-owner John Mara, who has had a more embarrassing season than most, could hand it to the Jets and Woody Johnson. The same goes for Belichick (who has made no effort to hide his disdain for Johnson) and Rodgers (who may be in the process of banishing his current boss to “the island”).

It’s anything but likely. But it is possible.

Consider this comment from Belichick about Rodgers, from last week Let’s go! Podcast: “It’s really hard when you’re not there with these guys. You don’t know exactly what they’re being told, maybe if they have any physical limitations, but they act through them. Certainly Rodney Harrison was a good example. When we got him from the Chargers, he wasn’t having a great year the year before, but he was playing injured. He played through it because he is a tough, physically competitive player. Once he was healthy, he was probably our best defensive player when he was there with the Patriots. And certainly after (Lawrence) Taylor, the next best defensive player I’ve coached. Therefore, their physical appearance may sometimes be slightly distorted. With Aaron, you know, I’m not sure. You can still see the snap in his throws. You still see the ball coming out quickly and accurately. Maybe a little less mobile than him, but it doesn’t look like that should be such a limiting factor. Well, I don’t know. I think there was certainly a lot of turmoil with the Jets this year that probably negatively impacted a lot of people, not just him.”

Rodgers, who loves to play a short, quick passing game, would fit well with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ short, quick passing game (if he goes back to Belichick).

And Rodgers has previously praised Belichick.

“We played Belichick in 2018 and 2022 and both times he waited to see me after the game and I just thought that was one of the noblest things ever,” Rodgers told Pat McAfee after Belichick was fired by the Patriots . “I have a lot of respect for him doing that.”

“I don’t think he’s ready,” Rodgers said separately in January. “I think that The NFL is better with him and I’m grateful for all the little moments I’ve been able to share with Bill over the years.”

Everyone would benefit from the other. Rodgers must reverse the disastrous final act of his career. And Belichick wants to catch Don Shula on the all-time wins list. (Belichick should also think about stopping Andy Reid.)

It could be a win-win situation for both. And last but not least, it would be entertaining for the rest of us too.

Especially when it happens in New York.