Nina Tassler talk about Criminal Minds cast change at the TCA 

Hope she stays on but if she doesn't she will certainly go on to do great things, just as AJ has. She's a strong actress and can without a doubt stand on her own. As for seeing the character of Emily leave if Paget doesn't stay, even though there are other great characters on the the show it would be missing 2 strong female storylines and that may be 2 too many... This is, of course, just my outlook on the subject...

I agree - I love Emily and if she goes I won't watch CM anymore. I totally hate that AJ is gone, she was great and the show's not the same without her. It makes no sense what cbs did and I am still upset about it. But I hope they both find something good.

It won't be much of a show at all with AJ AND Paget gone. CBS says the changes make sense but why build up an all-star cast just to tear it down? Exactly what makes sense about that?