Jets tell Aaron Rodgers they’re moving on without him: report
NEW YORK — Aaron Rodgers’ tumultuous tenure with the Jets is reportedly coming to an end.
The Jets informed the 41-year-old quarterback they plan to move on without him next season, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.
Rodgers reportedly flew to New Jersey last week to discuss his future with the organization, with whom he’s gone 6-12 in 18 starts over two seasons.
The Jets declined comment but confirmed they met with Rodgers last week.
Parting with Rodgers would spell the end of a disappointing saga in which the Jets failed to approach Super Bowl contention with the four-time NFL MVP under center.
The Jets acquired Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April of 2023, hoping the future Hall of Famer would be the missing piece on a roster flush with offensive playmakers and a stout defense.
But in his Jets debut on Sept. 11, 2023, Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear on the fourth offensive snap of Week 1.
Rodgers returned to the field in 2024, but the Jets spiraled to a 5-12 record. They fired head coach Robert Saleh after Week 5 and general manager Joe Douglas after Week 11. Even a midseason trade for Davante Adams — Rodgers’ favorite target with Green Bay — did not do enough to overcome the Jets’ issues.
Though Rodgers’ statistics — 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions — were among the best in franchise history, he failed to replicate the late-game magic he so often delivered with the Packers. He dealt with knee, ankle and hamstring injuries in 2024, and his mobility often appeared compromised.
Rodgers finished the season with perhaps his best performance with the Jets, throwing four touchdown passes in a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 5. The first of those touchdown passes was the 500th of his career.
“I know I can still play,” Rodgers said after that game. “I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful. It just comes down to the desire on their side and, ultimately, my desire to play.”
On Jan. 16, Rodgers suggested on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” that the “next step” would be a conversation with whomever the Jets hired to fill their head coach and general manager vacancies.
At their introductory press conference later in the month, head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said they were still evaluating the roster.
“I know Aaron has his process in the offseason that he goes through,” Mougey said. “I don’t have a timeline on it. We are still going through the process and he’s going to go through his, but we will get there.”
Rodgers’ cap hit for 2025 is $23.5 million, but the Jets would be on the hook for a $49 million dead cap hit if he is released or retires.
The quarterback’s willingness to meet with the Jets last week indicated his interest in playing next season, according to Glazer. If he is cut with a June 1 designation, Rodgers would be eligible to sign with another team as soon as March 12.
Sunday’s development cast doubt about Adams’ future as well. The wide receiver’s cap number is $38.3M next season, and he’s now also likely to move on from the Jets, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Adams, 32, caught 67 passes for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games with the Jets.
Jets backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor remains under contract next season. The Jets hold the No. 7 pick in April’s NFL Draft, though this year’s class is considered weak at quarterback.
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