The two key figures in bringing Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets are now gone.
Head coach Robert Saleh was fired after Week 5 on Oct. 5, and general manager Joe Douglas was fired after Week 11 on Nov. 19.
With Jets owner Woody Johnson set to replace the team’s leadership, sources say there are now questions about whether Rodgers will be welcomed back to the team next season.
There has been no firm and final decision, but sources with knowledge of Johnson’s thinking say Rodgers must play far better down the stretch for the opportunity to return in 2025.
Rodgers turns 41 on Dec. 2 and is in the midst of one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. With the team touting a 3-8 record, it appears to be an uphill battle for Rodgers.
Rodgers was asked on Nov. 13 if he wants to play next season and his response was, “I think so, yeah.” Left unsaid was whether the team would want him back.
His future is now considered an open question. The Athletic reported on Nov. 19 following Douglas' firing that Johnson mused in an early-season meeting after New York's Week 4 loss to the Broncos that perhaps Rodgers should be benched to improve the play of the entire team. Sources have since confirmed that news, saying Johnson just wanted to make a change to shake it up at the time.
He was quickly talked off it, but Johnson’s frustration with the lack of results over two seasons following the big trade to acquire Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers is palpable.
With the need for a new head coach and GM -- a process that really started this week with Douglas’ firing -- Rodgers' future will be a significant part of the discussions. If Johnson doesn’t want to bring him back, if it continues in that direction, don’t be surprised if the next GM and head coach Johnson picks follow suit.
One source went as far as to say it would be a “shock” if Rodgers is back. Currently, the Jets owe Rodgers more than $38 million next season, most of it in a $35 million roster bonus that must be exercised before the 2025 regular season. It is not guaranteed.
If they want, the Jets can get out of Rodgers' contract and start new. Just like Rodgers can walk away and retire, if he so chooses, or play for a new team next season if he and the Jets part ways.
As for Rodgers, he’s been banged up this season, fighting hamstring, knee and ankle injuries while being off and on the injury report. How injured is he? It’s unclear.
One source explained that Rodgers has resisted getting scans done, not wanting to reveal the severity of his injuries out of fear of having to come off the field. He has insisted that he keep playing.
The hamstring injury he suffered against the Broncos on Sept. 29 was believed to be a particularly significant one, but Rodgers assured everyone it was fine. Asked about it, a source said, he would simply say, “I’m playing.”
That could also be one reason why Rodgers' play has been subpar based on his standards.
The Jets are on a bye this week, and they have six games to go. The time off should help Rodgers return to full health. And he’ll apparently play the rest of the season with a lot riding on it.