Aaron Rodgers’ Troubled New York Jets Era Ends
Aaron Rodgers‘s tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets has come to an abrupt conclusion as the team embarks on a new era under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
The Jets announced on Thursday that they will not retain the 41-year-old quarterback for the 2025 season, a move that had been widely anticipated following a disappointing campaign. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer first reported the team’s decision to inform Rodgers of their intentions.
"Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback," Glenn and Mougey said in a statement released by the team. "It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures."
"We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward."
Releasing or trading Rodgers, who has one year remaining on his contract, would leave the Jets with a $49 million dead cap hit.
Glenn made it clear upon his hiring last month that the team had concerns beyond Rodgers’ fit within the organization.
"This thing is not about Aaron Rodgers, folks. This is about the roster," Glenn told reporters after his introductory news conference. "We plan on building the best roster that we can. So, whatever that may be — guard, tackle, defensive tackle — that’s what we’re evaluating."
"Listen, everybody’s under the microscope. That’s just what it is."
The decision marks the end of one of the most turbulent chapters of Rodgers’ illustrious career. The four-time NFL MVP was traded to New York in April 2023 after his 18-year relationship with the Green Bay Packers reached a breaking point.
Rodgers was expected to be a transformative figure for the Jets, who sought to end the NFL’s longest active postseason drought. However, he tore his Achilles just four plays into his debut campaign.
His return only extended the disappointment for the franchise. Coach Robert Saleh‘s firing after a 2-3 start was the first of many drastic moves made with the intention of implementing a course correction, but the team dropped 10 of 11 games from late September to early December. The franchise extended its playoff drought to 14 seasons and also was dealt its ninth consecutive sub-.500 ledger.
"I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets," Jets chairman Woody Johnson said in a statement. "His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career."
"From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here. He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next."
In the final weeks of the season, Rodgers spoke reverently about his run with the organization.
"It’s been the best two years of my life," Rodgers said in January. "And that’s a perspective adjustment that happened at some point during the rehab process last year. Just the excitement of falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys in here, getting to know the great men and women who work here, it’s been a lot of fun."
Rodgers said he would need time after the season to decompress and decide on his football future.
"I just need some time away to think about my future in the game and my future here, if they want me to be part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on," Rodgers said. "Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here."
"That just comes down to the desire on their side and ultimately my desire, kind of take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax."
The Jets’ decision to move on from Rodgers signals a new chapter for the franchise. The team has numerous holes to fill on its roster, and Glenn and Mougey will have their work cut out for them as they look to build a contender.
Rodgers’ future, meanwhile, remains uncertain. The veteran quarterback could potentially land with another team in search of a veteran signal-caller, or he could opt to retire after an illustrious career that has seen him win numerous awards and break numerous records.
Regardless of his next move, Rodgers’ legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is secure. His time with the New York Jets, however, was a brief and tumultuous chapter in his otherwise remarkable career.
