The New York Jets announced on Thursday that they’ve informed quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they will be moving forward without him next season.
While Rodgers hasn’t confirmed if he plans to continue his NFL career in his 21st season, the Jets, now under the leadership of new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, have officially decided not to bring him back.
In a joint statement, Mougey and Glenn shared that they met with the 41-year-old quarterback last week to discuss their plans.
“We felt it was important to have this conversation now to ensure clarity and give each party the time needed to plan for the future,” they said. “We want to thank him for his leadership, passion, and commitment to the team, and wish him all the best moving forward.”
Rodgers, a four-time MVP and the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes in the regular season, has one year left on his contract with the Jets, though it is non-guaranteed.
The New York Jets would face a $49 million dead money charge next season unless they choose to designate Aaron Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut. Doing so would allow them to spread the financial impact over two years.
In April 2023, Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets after spending 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, with the goal of helping end the franchise’s Super Bowl drought, which dates back to Joe Namath and the 1968 season.
Rodgers’ debut season with the Jets was cut short after just four plays due to a torn left Achilles tendon, which dashed the team’s Super Bowl hopes that had been reignited by his arrival.
He managed to return to the field and started every game in the following season, but both he and the offense struggled with consistency. As a result, the Jets finished the season with a 5-12 record.
Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “I personally want to thank Aaron for his time with the New York Jets. His arrival in 2023 generated immense excitement, and I will always be thankful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. From the very beginning, he embraced everything it means to be a New York Jet, connected with our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That’s what I’ll remember most when reflecting on his time here.”
Rodgers will always be welcome with the team, and the Jets wish him the best in whatever he decides to pursue next, according to the statement.
Rodgers threw 28 touchdown passes and passed for 3,897 yards, both of which rank third for a single season in Jets history. However, his return was marred by early mobility issues, followed by several leg injuries, including a serious hamstring problem.
The Jets’ offense struggled with Rodgers at the helm, and the defense, once a dominant force, took a step back. This led to the firing of general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh mid-season.
Rodgers’ final game for the Jets came on January 5, when he threw a season-high four touchdown passes in a victory over Miami. It was a classic performance, offering fans a glimpse of what could have been if Rodgers and the Jets had clicked earlier in the season.