The New York Jets have officially announced their decision to move on without quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the upcoming NFL season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers' decision on whether he wishes to play a 21st season, the franchise, now led by new general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn, has taken a decisive step to clarify its direction.
In a statement released by the Jets, both Mougey and Glenn confirmed that Rodgers was informed of their strategic shift during a meeting last week. They expressed gratitude for Rodgers' contributions, saying, 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. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and one of only five players in league history to surpass 500 touchdown passes, has one year left on his contract with New York that includes a non-guaranteed financial component. The Jets would face a $49 million salary cap hit next season unless they designate him a post-June 1 cut, which would allow them to spread this financial burden over two years.
The quarterback's journey with the Jets began in April 2023 when he was traded from the Green Bay Packers after an illustrious 18-season career to help New York chase elusive Super Bowl glory not seen since the era of Joe Namath and the 1968 championship team. Unfortunately, his debut season in New York was cut short just four plays in due to a torn Achilles tendon, dashing the heightened hopes of Jets fans.
Despite his remarkable comeback, Rodgers and the Jets' offense struggled with consistency throughout the season, managing only a 5-12 record. Rodgers' diminished mobility, exacerbated by a series of leg injuries including a hamstring strain, alongside insufficient team-wide performance, spelled the end of his time in New York. The franchise’s struggles were reflected in the mid-season termination of former general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh.
Notably, Rodgers' performance still left a mark. His 28 touchdown passes and 3,897 passing yards rank third in franchise single-season records. Owner Woody Johnson conveyed his appreciation, emphasizing Rodgers' enthusiasm and professional approach, declaring, His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement. I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us. He will always be welcomed back, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.
Rodgers' final showcase with the Jets was a stellar performance against Miami on January 5, where he threw four touchdown passes, providing a nostalgic glimpse of his peak capabilities and a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
As the Jets chart a new course, the departure of a legendary quarterback like Aaron Rodgers is bound to shape their upcoming season and future dynamics profoundly. While the question of where Rodgers might land next looms, the Jets seek to rebound with renewed focus and strategic planning.
