As the New York Jets limp toward the end of a disappointing 2024 season, uncertainty surrounds the future of Aaron Rodgers in the Big Apple.
The four-time NFL MVP, now 41 years old, is battling one of the worst statistical years of his storied career, and his place with the team in 2025 appears anything but guaranteed.
The Jets have undergone seismic changes this season, with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas both being dismissed amid the team’s struggles. Saleh was fired after a 1-4 start, while Douglas, who had been with the franchise for over five seasons, was let go following the Jets’ Week 11 loss. Now, as owner Woody Johnson begins the search for new leadership, Rodgers’ future is set to be a key topic of discussion.
Sources familiar with Johnson’s thinking suggest that Rodgers’ return in 2025 hinges on his performance over the remaining six games of the season. Despite his assertion on November 13 that he “thinks” he wants to play next season, there has been no firm indication from the Jets that they share that sentiment. With the team sitting at 3-8, the quarterback’s lackluster play and mounting injuries have added to the frustration of a fan base that once envisioned Rodgers as the final piece of a championship puzzle.
Rodgers’ contract, which carries a significant $38 million commitment next year, including a $35 million roster bonus, adds another layer of complexity. While the bonus is not guaranteed, the Jets must decide whether they believe the 41-year-old can still be a franchise quarterback or if it’s time to move on. On the flip side, Rodgers could choose to retire, walk away from the team, or seek an opportunity elsewhere.
Johnson’s doubts about Rodgers reportedly began early in the season. After a Week 4 loss to Denver, Johnson floated the idea of benching the veteran quarterback in hopes of sparking improved team performance. Though quickly dismissed, the suggestion highlighted the owner’s growing dissatisfaction with the Rodgers era and the lack of results since the high-profile trade from Green Bay.
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Adding to the uncertainty are Rodgers’ persistent injury woes. He has battled hamstring, knee, and ankle issues throughout the season, raising questions about his durability. Notably, Rodgers has reportedly resisted undergoing medical scans, fearing that the extent of his injuries could force him off the field. While his determination to play is admirable, it may also be contributing to his subpar performance.
Rodgers’ numbers this season are a far cry from his prime years, leaving many to wonder if age and injuries have finally caught up with him. His play has been marked by missed throws, limited mobility, and a lack of the trademark precision that once defined his game. Whether the bye week will help him regain his form for the final stretch remains to be seen.
The Jets’ season, initially brimming with promise, has devolved into a painful slog. Beyond Rodgers’ struggles, the team has faced challenges across the board, from inconsistent offensive line play to an underperforming defense. With a new general manager and head coach set to take the reins, the Jets appear poised for another rebuild—a process that could exclude Rodgers entirely.
Insiders believe there’s a strong possibility that the next GM and coach may prefer to start fresh, especially if Johnson leans against bringing Rodgers back. One source went so far as to call it a “shock” if Rodgers is part of the Jets’ plans next year. The decision is complicated by the financial implications of his contract, but for an organization desperate to reverse its fortunes, the allure of a clean slate may prove too tempting.
The next six games will likely serve as an audition of sorts for Rodgers, though the stakes feel higher for the franchise than for the quarterback himself. If Rodgers cannot demonstrate that he is still capable of elevating the team, Johnson may have little choice but to turn the page on the ambitious Rodgers experiment.
For his part, Rodgers has remained steadfast in his commitment to play through injuries and lead the team. However, his competitive spirit may not be enough to outweigh concerns about his declining performance and escalating costs. As the Jets approach a pivotal offseason, the once-bright Rodgers era may end after just two seasons, leaving both the quarterback and the franchise to ponder what went wrong.
With the Jets set to return from their bye week, all eyes will be on Rodgers as he takes the field for the final stretch of a lost season. Whether his performance over those games can rewrite the narrative—or merely confirm what many already suspect—remains to be seen.
