In a shocking revelation, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers hinted Monday that the team may release him after the 2024 season. The future Hall of Famer, whose football future remains uncertain, even joked about the possibility of being cut by the team owner’s teenage son.
“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers quipped during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The 41-year-old signal caller laughed off the notion, but his comments raised eyebrows across the NFL landscape.
Rodgers Takes Aim at Jets’ Power Structure
Rodgers’ remarks were a clear reference to a recent report by The Athletic, which alleged that Jets owner Woody Johnson, 77, takes advice from his teenaged sons, Brick and Jack, on football matters. While the Jets have denied these claims, Rodgers didn’t miss the opportunity to take a playful jab at the controversy surrounding the organization.
“Just to answer that, there’s a first time for everything — and there’s been a few of those this year and first time in 20 years,” Rodgers said, struggling to contain his laughter.
– Aaron Rodgers on the possibility of being released by the Jets
Uncertain Future in New York
Despite the lighthearted nature of his comments, Rodgers acknowledges that his future with the Jets is far from secure. The team is in the midst of a tumultuous 4-11 season, having recently fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. As the Jets prepare for a regime change, Rodgers understands that the incoming decision-makers will have the final say on his fate.
- January 6th decision: Rodgers believes there’s a chance the Jets could move on from him immediately after the regular season concludes.
- Waiting game: Alternatively, the team may opt to wait until a new coaching staff is in place before determining Rodgers’ future.
Culture Concerns in the Big Apple
Beyond the uncertainty surrounding his own future, Rodgers expressed frustration with the Jets’ organizational culture. The veteran quarterback has been vocal about his displeasure with leaks emanating from within the team, suggesting that these issues are impacting the Jets’ ability to win games.
“What’s best for the Jets is not having these type of leaks all the time, and when that gets figured out then it’ll be a little easier to win. It has an impact on the culture and the chemistry and the overall energy of the building, and that’s what needs to get better.”
– Aaron Rodgers on the Jets’ culture issues
Pay Cut on the Table
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rodgers reiterated his willingness to take a pay cut to remain with the Jets. Under his current contract, the four-time MVP is due a $35 million option bonus and a $2.5 million base salary in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.
“I think I’ve already proven I’m willing to take a pay cut,” Rodgers said, noting that his contract and that of wide receiver Davante Adams would need to be renegotiated for them to return to the Jets in 2025.
Chasing Milestones in the Twilight of His Career
As the 2024 season winds down, Rodgers finds himself on the cusp of several significant milestones. The future Hall of Famer needs just one touchdown pass to become the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 career scoring tosses. Additionally, he’s just 497 yards away from surpassing Joe Namath’s franchise record of 4,007 passing yards, set back in 1967.
While Rodgers’ individual accomplishments are impressive, the Jets’ struggles this season have cast a shadow over his tenure in New York. After a blockbuster trade brought the legendary quarterback to the Big Apple, expectations were high for the Jets to contend in the AFC East. However, a series of disappointing losses and locker room turmoil have left the team searching for answers as they head into an offseason of uncertainty.
As the Jets prepare to embark on a new era, the question remains: will Aaron Rodgers be a part of the team’s future plans, or will the organization opt to move on from the aging superstar? With the quarterback’s comments adding fuel to the speculation, all eyes will be on the Jets’ front office as they navigate a critical juncture in the franchise’s history.
