- Jets absorb $49 million cap hit over two years after Rodgers’ release
- Justin Fields signs $40M deal as new starting quarterback
- Rodgers’ Jets tenure marred by injuries and front-office turmoil
The New York Jets officially parted ways with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers on Thursday, marking the end of a turbulent two-year partnership. By designating Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, the organization will stagger their $49 million dead money charge across 2024 ($14M) and 2025 ($35M), preserving crucial salary cap flexibility. This strategic financial move follows the team's commitment to 25-year-old Justin Fields, who inked a two-year, $30 million guaranteed contract earlier this week.
Rodgers’ Jets career never reached its promised heights, derailed by a Week 1 Achilles tear in 2023 and subsequent leg injuries during a dismal 5-12 campaign last season. Despite throwing 28 touchdowns and nearly 3,900 yards in 2024 – both third-best single-season marks in franchise history – the 41-year-old quarterback struggled with mobility and failed to replicate his Green Bay success. The organization’s complete leadership overhaul, including the firings of coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas, signals a full rebuild under new football operations chief Darren Mougey.
Industry Insight: The Jets’ dead money management reveals a growing NFL trend of backloading financial penalties. Teams like the 2023 Rams demonstrated how spreading cap hits enables competitive rosters despite major personnel changes.
Regional Analysis: New York’s quarterback transitions mirror the Giants’ 2019 shift from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones – both franchises prioritizing younger arms over legacy names, with mixed results.
Potential suitors for Rodgers include the Steelers, who need veteran leadership, and the Vikings, seeking stability after Kirk Cousins’ departure. With 503 career TD passes (5th all-time) and 62,952 yards (7th), Rodgers remains a high-risk, high-reward option for contenders. However, his recent injury history and $35 million 2025 cap charge for the Jets serve as cautionary reminders about aging star contracts.
