The New York Jets have officially decided to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 NFL season, the team announced Thursday.
While Rodgers has not yet confirmed whether he will continue playing, the Jets, under new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, have made it clear that he will not return to New York.
Jets Announce Decision to Part Ways with Rodgers
In a joint statement, Mougey and Glenn revealed that they met with Rodgers, 41, last week to inform him of their plans:
“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,” the statement read.
“We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”
Rodgers’ Brief and Unfulfilled Stint with the Jets
Rodgers joined the Jets in April 2023 in a highly anticipated trade after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The hope was that he would help end the Jets’ Super Bowl drought, which has lasted since Joe Namath led the team to victory in 1968.
However, his tenure in New York was plagued by injuries and inconsistency:
- 2023 Season Opener: Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon just four snaps into his Jets debut, derailing the team’s playoff hopes.
- 2024 Season: He returned to start every game, but the offense struggled and the team finished with a disappointing 5-12 record.
- Final Game (Jan. 5, 2025): Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a win over Miami, a performance that teased what could have been.
Jets Owner Woody Johnson’s Farewell Statement
Jets owner Woody Johnson thanked Rodgers for his time with the team, acknowledging the excitement surrounding his arrival:
“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.”
“He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”
What’s Next for Rodgers and the Jets?
Rodgers’ Future in the NFL
Rodgers still has one year of non-guaranteed money left on his contract. However, if the Jets release him, they face a $49 million dead money hit unless they designate him a post-June 1 cut, allowing them to spread the cap hit over two years.
Jets’ Next Steps at Quarterback
With Rodgers out, the Jets will need to find a new starting quarterback. Options could include:
- Drafting a young QB in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Exploring free agency for an experienced veteran.
- Giving a shot to an in-house option like Zach Wilson (if he remains with the team).
