The relationship between Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets appears to be heading toward a conclusion after two challenging seasons. According to sources reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the future Hall of Fame quarterback is unlikely to continue with the team in 2025.
Rodgers, 41, reportedly flew to New Jersey last week to meet with newly appointed head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Sources have confirmed that in this meeting, Rodgers was informed that the team had decided to move on from him. Fox Sports first reported the news, though a Jets spokesperson has declined to comment.
Discussions on Rodgers' Future
Since Glenn’s hiring, he has maintained communication with Rodgers regarding the quarterback’s future. However, at his introductory press conference on January 27, Glenn remained noncommittal, stating that he wanted to speak with Rodgers before making any final decisions.
A formal announcement regarding Rodgers' status with the team is expected soon.
Rodgers' Performance and Contract Details
During his two-year tenure with the Jets, Rodgers played 18 games, secured six wins, suffered a widely publicized Achilles injury, and dominated headlines. His future in the NFL remains uncertain as he has yet to confirm whether he will continue playing for a 21st season.
Rodgers still has one year left on his contract, a non-guaranteed $37.5 million deal. His salary cap hit was set at $23.5 million. Should the Jets release him as a post-June 1 cut, they would be left with $49 million in dead money, which could be spread over two years—$14 million in 2025 and a $35 million cap hit in 2026.
If Rodgers chooses to retire, the same financial implications would apply.
The Jets’ High-Stakes Trade for Rodgers
In a bold effort to break their five-decade Super Bowl drought, the Jets made a franchise-altering trade on April 24, 2023, acquiring the four-time MVP from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for draft picks. The move heightened expectations, with the team viewing Rodgers as the missing piece to their championship puzzle.
However, his first season was cut short almost immediately, as he suffered a torn Achilles on just the fourth snap of the 2023 campaign.
Rodgers' 2024 Season: A Mixed Bag
Returning healthy in 2024, Rodgers started every game despite dealing with nagging leg injuries. He capped off the season with a standout performance in the finale, throwing four touchdowns in a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. However, such performances were rare. Over the season, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, ranking third in Jets’ single-season records, but also recorded 11 interceptions. His 48.1 Total QBR placed him 25th among 32 qualified quarterbacks.
The Jets struggled offensively, ranking 24th in scoring and finishing the season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Rodgers’ sluggish start was a contributing factor to the early firing of head coach Robert Saleh just five games into the season. His confidant, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, was demoted, and general manager Joe Douglas was dismissed six weeks later.
The Build-Up and Fallout of the Rodgers Era
Saleh, Douglas, and Hackett were instrumental in convincing Rodgers to join the Jets. They visited him in Malibu, California, in March 2023 to persuade him to lead the franchise. After weeks of negotiations, the Packers finalized the trade, paving the way for Jordan Love to take over as Green Bay’s starting quarterback.
Rodgers' arrival generated immense excitement, with the Jets becoming a major storyline in the NFL. Their preseason journey was even featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” His debut on September 11, 2023, on "Monday Night Football"—where he ran onto the field carrying an American flag—was one of the most memorable moments of his career. However, the excitement quickly turned to despair as he suffered his Achilles injury minutes into the game.
What's Next for the Jets?
With Rodgers’ expected departure, Tyrod Taylor, 35, is currently the only experienced quarterback on the Jets' roster. The team is likely to explore other options, including acquiring a veteran quarterback or selecting a young prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
As the Jets move forward, Rodgers' tenure in New York will be remembered as one filled with high hopes, unforeseen setbacks, and unfulfilled expectations.