The New York Jets said Thursday that quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been told he will not be rejoining the organisation for the upcoming campaign.
In a meeting with general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn of New York, who were both hired in January, Rodgers was informed of the decision.
In a joint statement, Glenn and Mougey stated, “We met with him [Rodgers] last week and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback.” “It was crucial that we have this conversation now in order to bring clarity and give us all the time to make plans for our individual futures. We wish him continued success and would like to thank him for his leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to the company.
Owner Woody Johnson added: “I will always be thankful that he decided to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. His arrival in 2023 was greeted with unrestrained excitement.” He welcomed our supporters, assimilated into our city, and exemplified all it meant to be a New York Jet from day one. When I reflect on his time here, that is what I will remember most.
In 2023, the Jets traded for Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. At best, his two seasons with the squad were turbulent.
When Rodgers tore his Achilles just four plays into the 2023 season, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
In June 2024, Rodgers missed a required practice since he was going to Egypt, and New York punished him for a “unexcused absence.”
During a game against the New England Patriots in early 2024, Rodgers was seen turning down his coach’s embrace on the sidelines, sparking rumours about his relationship with then-head coach Robert Saleh.
The Jets ended the season 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich after firing Saleh following a 2-3 start.
Rodgers, 41, scarcely looked like the MVP-caliber quarterback he was in Green Bay. In 2024, aside from his four-play campaign in 2023, Rodgers recorded his lowest quarterback rating as a full-time starter, his lowest completion % since 2019, and the fewest yards per attempt since 2015.
In addition to struggling, Rodgers reportedly resisted medical scans from the team’s training staff because he was afraid of being removed from the game, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rodgers stated to ESPN’s Pat McAfee in November that if he were to return to play the following season, New York would be his “first option.”
“I haven’t disclosed to anyone in my life that I intend to play in 2025 and not with the Jets,” Rodgers stated.
Rodgers is presently owed $23.5 million for the upcoming season by New York. The Jets would have to pay $25.5 million against the salary cap if they were to cut or trade Rodgers at the end of the season. The quarterback would provide New York $9.5 million in cap room if he were cut or moved after June 1.
Following the Jets’ season-ending game in January, Rodgers stated that he would accept any choice the team made regarding his future.
“Whatever they decide to do, I won’t be offended or upset,” he stated.