As the New York Jets navigate an uncertain future amid a regime change, one major question looms: what role will Aaron Rodgers play? The 41-year-old quarterback, acquired by the Jets in a blockbuster 2023 trade, faces his own career crossroads. But in a surprising revelation, the four-time MVP expressed openness to a new role: mentoring a rookie quarterback if he returns in 2025.
Speaking candidly after practice, Rodgers reflected on his own experience in Green Bay, where the Packers drafted Jordan Love as his heir apparent in 2020. “When they drafted Jordan, I felt like I was one bad stretch from being benched,” Rodgers admitted. Yet he went on to win back-to-back MVP awards before Love ultimately took over in 2023.
Now, as the Jets potentially prepare to invest a high draft pick in a quarterback of the future, Rodgers struck a different tone. “If [the Jets] asked me back and they drafted a guy, I’d mentor the hell out of him if I was playing,” he pledged. “I’d try to play as well as I could to keep him on the bench.”
Rodgers’ Future Remains Uncertain
Despite his willingness to embrace a mentorship role, Rodgers emphasized that his own future with the Jets is far from certain. At 4-10 with major changes looming, Rodgers plans to take his time before deciding on his 2025 plans.
“I’m going to take some time after the year — unless I get released right away — but I’ll still take some time whether or not I want to play. But I’ll take some time to get away from it, either way.”
– Aaron Rodgers
If Rodgers does choose to continue his career, he made clear the Jets would be his first choice, citing “a lot of reasons why this would be a great opportunity.” But he also acknowledged the uncertainty swirling around the organization.
- Rodgers will observe the Jets’ GM and head coach hires before any decisions
- Jets could release or trade Rodgers, leaving $49M of dead cap to spread across 2025-2026
- Rodgers open to restructuring contract that currently carries $23.5M cap hit in 2025
Improved Play Complicates Choices
Compounding the intrigue around Rodgers’ future is his drastically improved play in recent weeks. After struggling mightily to start the season, Rodgers has caught fire over the past two games:
- 628 passing yards
- 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- 76.8 Total QBR (6th in NFL)
Rodgers’ stellar performance has some wondering if the Jets’ next regime may be tempted to run it back with the veteran under center in 2025. As wide receiver Allen Lazard assessed, Rodgers is “definitely closer to the Aaron Rodgers that we all know,” but still believes he’s just scratching the surface of his potential in New York.
Mentorship Could Define Rodgers’ Final Chapter
If Rodgers does return to the Jets in 2025, he seems to understand his role could be markedly different. No longer just the undisputed franchise quarterback, Rodgers appears willing — even eager — to impart his wisdom on the next generation.
Having once bristled at the Packers drafting his successor, the more seasoned Rodgers now embraces the challenge of elevating a young quarterback, even if it means eventually ceding the starting role.
It’s a fascinating potential final chapter for Rodgers — one of the most individually brilliant quarterbacks in NFL history transitioning to the unfamiliar role of mentor. Whether grooming the Jets’ next franchise quarterback is his football swan song remains to be seen, but it’s a possibility that the once fiery veteran now greets with newfound openness and perspective. In Rodgers’ words: “I’m open to everything.”
