Rodgers: Jets 'my first option' if I play in 2025
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed rumors about his plans for the 2025 season during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.
When asked about a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic suggesting he wants to keep playing but not for the Jets, Rodgers dismissed it as “100 percent false.” He clarified that his only comments about his future with the team were focused on seeing what changes they make in coaching and personnel after the current season wraps up.
“I’m not jumping off ship, like ‘I definitely want to play, but not in New York,’” Rodgers explained. “I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option.”
He emphasized that any decision about returning to the Jets isn’t entirely his, reflecting on his experience with the team: “It’s been two really beautiful years,” despite his Achilles injury in 2023 and the team’s struggles this season.
Rodgers considered retiring after the 2022 season but chose to continue playing following his infamous darkness retreat. The Green Bay Packers traded him to the Jets in April 2023, where his intention was to provide “two good seasons.”
Unfortunately, his 2023 season ended after just four snaps due to a ruptured left Achilles. Reflecting on the situation, Rodgers humorously noted that this season hasn’t been much better.
“When you’re 40, going on 41, you’re obviously at the end of your career,” Rodgers remarked. “… Obviously, if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. And then the new GM, new staff all have to want me to be with the Jets. And then body-wise, I have to see how I’m feeling and if I want to sign up to go back to the grind and all that, but it feels good. I’m healthy now.”
He acknowledged the challenges of rehab but expressed optimism about his health moving forward.
“If I can stay healthy the rest of the year and play the way I want to play, and everybody feels good about bringing me back, then there’s a decision there,” he said. “And if not, then there’s all the other options. I think, at this point, I’m open to everything and attached to nothing. So, it’s a good place to be.”
Earlier in the season, Rodgers faced hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries, contributing to lackluster numbers: 17 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
Speculation arose about whether the Jets might bench, release, or place him on injured reserve. However, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed that Rodgers would “absolutely” start Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“A healthy Aaron Rodgers is an Aaron Rodgers we all love,” Ulbrich stated.
The Jets face critical decisions about Rodgers’ future, considering his health, age, and financial implications. Despite entering the 2024-25 season with Super Bowl ambitions, the Jets have already lost playoff hopes after a challenging year. With six games left, attention has shifted to an offseason full of tough choices.
One of the biggest dilemmas for the Jets’ incoming leadership will be QB’ status, having given the boot to both Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Over 11 games this season, Rodgers posted 2,442 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the Jets to a disappointing 3-8 record.
If Rodgers returns, his cap hit for the 2025 season will be $23.5 million, the final year of his restructured three-year deal. However, if the Jets part ways, they would face $49 million in dead cap charges, potentially spread over two years—$14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026.
Alternatively, the Jets could designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, reducing the immediate cap hit to $14 million and saving $9.5 million in 2025.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has yet to commit to playing next year, leaving the Jets’ financial plans in limbo. If he chooses to retire, the team could avoid the $23.5 million cap charge entirely.
Image via: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
NFL 
