The New York Jets have reportedly informed Aaron Rodgers that they will not be bringing him back for the 2025 NFL season. This decision comes after a turbulent period for both the team and Rodgers, with significant injuries and underwhelming performances influencing the franchise’s decision to part ways with the future Hall of Famer.
Rodgers’ Struggles with the Jets
Rodgers, 41, joined the Jets in 2023 after a long and successful career with the Green Bay Packers. His arrival was highly anticipated, with many expecting him to elevate the Jets’ offense and provide the leadership they had lacked at the quarterback position for years. However, Rodgers’ debut season with the Jets was marred by an Achilles injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the year. His injury came early in the season, and the Jets were left scrambling for a quarterback as the team’s playoff hopes slowly faded without their star player under center.
Despite the setback in 2023, the Jets remained optimistic about Rodgers’ recovery. The team was hopeful that with a full offseason to prepare, Rodgers would be able to return to his MVP-level form for the 2024 season. However, even with a healthy Rodgers back in the lineup in 2024, the Jets’ performance didn’t improve as much as hoped.
A Disappointing 2024 Season
Rodgers played the entire 2024 season but his play was not at the elite level expected from a four-time MVP. He finished the season with 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. While these numbers are respectable, they were not enough to lift the Jets to a playoff berth. The team finished the season with a disappointing 5-12 record, leading to the firing of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
One of the key issues was Rodgers’ inconsistency in key moments. While he displayed flashes of his trademark talent, such as his ability to throw deep balls and lead the offense, there were several games where he struggled with decision-making and accuracy. The Jets’ offensive line also struggled to protect him, which led to pressure on Rodgers and limited the team’s ability to execute consistently.
Financial Considerations and the Decision to Move On
One of the biggest factors in the Jets’ decision to move on from Rodgers is the financial implications of his contract. Rodgers is set to make $37.5 million in 2025, which would be a significant salary cap hit for the team. Cutting him would be financially painful, but it would allow the Jets to clear up space for potential moves to improve other areas of the team, such as the offensive line, skill positions, and possibly adding a new quarterback.
The Jets’ front office, under pressure to build a competitive roster, may feel that they can no longer afford to commit so much of their cap space to a 41-year-old quarterback who is no longer performing at an elite level. By moving on from Rodgers, the Jets would have more flexibility to address other areas of the team, especially considering that the upcoming draft offers them the opportunity to add young talent.
Rodgers’ Future and Possible Destinations
For Rodgers, the question now is whether he will continue playing in the NFL or retire. After spending 18 seasons with the Packers and only a couple of years with the Jets, it is unclear if Rodgers wants to continue his career at a time when his performance is starting to decline. His future in the league will depend on whether there are other teams that still believe he can be an impact player.
If Rodgers decides to continue playing, he may find suitors among teams that are in need of a veteran quarterback, but his options may be limited. Some teams that are already well-stocked with young quarterbacks may not be interested, while others that are in rebuilding phases may not want to take a chance on an aging player. It is possible that teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders or Tennessee Titans, who have been searching for stability at the quarterback position, could look into signing Rodgers as a short-term solution. However, given his injury history and the reduced expectations surrounding his future, Rodgers’ market may not be as robust as it once was.
Jets’ Future Quarterback Plans
With Rodgers no longer in the picture, the Jets will need to find a new quarterback to lead their offense. The team holds the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and this provides an opportunity to select a young quarterback to build around for the future. Quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina are expected to be among the top choices in the draft.
Alternatively, the Jets could choose to sign a veteran quarterback who is available in free agency, such as Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo, or Ryan Tannehill, depending on their approach to the position. However, the Jets will need to find someone who can step in and perform immediately, as the team’s defense is already strong, and the offense has the potential to be more productive with the right leadership.
The decision to part ways with Rodgers signals that the Jets are ready to embrace a new direction, and they will likely look for a quarterback who can not only provide stability but also grow with the team over the next several years.
Rodgers’ time with the Jets was brief and ultimately disappointing, but it did bring hope to a fanbase that had long been desperate for a franchise quarterback. The Jets now find themselves in a critical position, needing to make the right decisions to move forward and build a competitive team. The franchise will need to determine whether to draft a young quarterback or pursue another veteran option to guide them through the coming seasons.
For Rodgers, his future is uncertain, but regardless of whether he decides to retire or continue playing, his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is already secure. The Jets are now looking ahead to a future without him, hoping that their next quarterback will be the one to lead them to the success they’ve been chasing for decades.