Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets has been anything but smooth.
Since joining the team in 2023, he’s battled injuries and has struggled to find his rhythm on the field.
With the 2024 season winding down, it’s looking less and less likely that Rodgers will be back as the Jets’ starting quarterback in 2025.
With the team underperforming, a new head coach, and Rodgers dealing with injuries, the writing seems to be on the wall.
But what’s really going on behind the scenes? Is this the end of the Rodgers era in New York?
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand and what might come next.
- Injuries and inconsistent play have led to one of the worst seasons of Rodgers’ career.
- With new leadership in the front office and coaching staff, it’s unclear if Rodgers fits into their future plans.
- The Jets have the option to cut ties with Rodgers financially, opening the door for a fresh start if they choose.
Rodgers’ Injuries and Underperformance
It’s no secret that Aaron Rodgers has been fighting Father Time—and this season, it’s showing.
The 41-year-old quarterback is not only dealing with injuries to his knee, hamstring, and ankle but he’s also been visibly hobbled on the field.
Despite these issues, Rodgers has resisted getting medical scans, choosing instead to play through the pain, which has only added to his struggles.
As for his performance, it’s been less than stellar. With 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, it’s not all bad.
But when you look closer, the numbers don’t tell the full story.
Rodgers’ completion percentage has dropped to 62.5%, the lowest of his career.
He’s missed more throws than usual, especially on deeper passes, and his connection with key targets like wide receiver Davante Adams has been inconsistent at best.
Take, for example, his recent game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers looked solid in the first quarter, connecting for two touchdowns and leading the team to a 21-7 lead.
But the second half told a different story.
Rodgers missed an open Garrett Wilson in the end zone, overthrew him, and then followed it up with an interception that was returned 92 yards for a touchdown.
It was a critical mistake, and the Jets never recovered.
Rodgers admitted after the game that the wind played a factor, but ultimately, those missed opportunities came back to haunt a team that’s already struggling to find consistency.
Leadership Changes Add Uncertainty to Rodgers’ Future
It’s not just Rodgers’ on-field performance that’s raising questions about his future in New York.
The Jets have gone through a major leadership overhaul this season, starting with the firing of head coach Robert Saleh after Week 5.
General manager Joe Douglas followed suit in Week 11.
Now, the team is under new management, and with that comes a new set of priorities—and it’s unclear whether Rodgers will fit into the team’s plans moving forward.
Jets owner Woody Johnson, who has the final say in all major decisions, has clarified that he’s frustrated with the lack of progress since the blockbuster trade for Rodgers.
Insiders have reported that Johnson is seriously considering all options, especially if Rodgers’ performance doesn’t improve.
This could mean the Jets are ready to move on from the veteran quarterback if things continue to spiral.
Rodgers’ future may depend on how the next few weeks go.
If he can turn his game around and show that he still has what it takes to lead a team to victory, he may get a shot at returning in 2025.
But if the Jets keep losing and Rodgers doesn’t perform at a high level, it’s hard to imagine him sticking around.
Johnson’s frustration is said to be “palpable,” and with new coaches coming in, it’s a tough environment for any player, let alone a 41-year-old QB.
The Financial Side of Rodgers’ Contract
Another major factor in the decision will be Rodgers’ contract.
Right now, the Jets owe Rodgers a massive $38 million for 2025, including a $35 million roster bonus that’s due before the season starts.
But this money isn’t guaranteed, which means the Jets have the option to cut ties with Rodgers without a huge financial penalty.
This financial flexibility gives the Jets some options.
They could decide to cut ties with Rodgers, either by releasing him or negotiating a trade.
On the other hand, Rodgers himself could decide to retire or look for a new home elsewhere if the Jets decide to move on.
The situation isn’t great for either side, but there’s a sense that a fresh start might be in the cards for both the team and the quarterback.
Will Rodgers Be Back for 2025? The Possibility of a New Start
So, what’s next for Rodgers?
At 41, he’s not exactly in the prime of his career, but he’s still a talented quarterback who can make plays when he’s healthy.
There’s still a chance he could turn things around with the Jets, but that window is rapidly closing.
If Rodgers wants to continue playing in 2025, he’ll need to show that he can stay healthy and be more consistent down the stretch.
The next few games will be critical for his future.
But it’s not just about Rodgers’ performance.
The Jets are at a crossroads, and with new leadership coming in, they might decide that it’s time to move on from the Aaron Rodgers experiment altogether.
If that happens, Rodgers could look for a new team, and there are rumors that the New England Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick, could be interested in bringing him on board.
Belichick recently suggested that Rodgers could still have a productive season next year if he gets healthy.
He pointed to other quarterbacks who’ve found success after switching teams, like Geno Smith, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford.
But for that to happen, Rodgers must show that he can still handle the physical toll of playing at this stage in his career.
If Rodgers is willing to take fewer hits and play smarter, he could still have a future in the NFL, just not necessarily with the Jets.
The Road Ahead for Rodgers and the Jets
With just six games left in the 2024 season, time is running out for both Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
The team’s 3-8 record has all but dashed any hopes of making the playoffs, and the changes at the top mean that the focus is now shifting to 2025.
Will Rodgers be part of that future, or will the Jets look for a younger, healthier quarterback option?
The next few weeks will tell us a lot about the direction in which the Jets are heading.
If Rodgers can stay healthy and finish the season strong, he might just earn himself another shot in New York.
But if the team continues to struggle and Rodgers’ performances don’t improve, the Jets could be ready to move on and rebuild.
For now, the Aaron Rodgers era in New York feels like it’s hanging by a thread, and whether it continues will depend on how much the 41-year-old quarterback has left in the tank.
