The New York Jets are expected to part ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers after two underwhelming seasons, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Rodgers, 41, visited New Jersey last week to discuss his future with new coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey, sources told ESPN. Fox Sports reported that Rodgers was informed during this meeting that the team intends to sever ties.
The Jets have not confirmed these reports.
Glenn has been in talks with Rodgers since taking on the head coach role, exploring options for the quarterback’s future. Glenn, during his introductory news conference on Jan. 27, did not commit to Rodgers, indicating a decision would come after further discussions.
An official announcement is anticipated shortly.
In his tenure with the Jets, Rodgers started 18 games, achieving six wins and capturing headlines with his injury struggles, including a notable Achilles tear. His future in the sport remains uncertain, as he has voiced indecision about returning for a 21st season.
Rodgers has one remaining year on his contract, valued at a non-guaranteed $37.5 million, with a cap hit of $23.5 million.
If designated a post-June 1 release, the Jets would face $49 million in dead money, which could be spread over two years. This scenario would keep his $23.5 million cap hit until June 1, then reduce to $14 million in 2025, saving $9.5 million. A $35 million charge would apply in 2026.
Retirement would involve similar financial implications.
Aiming to end a 50-year Super Bowl drought, the Jets traded for the four-time MVP on April 24, 2023, receiving Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers for multiple draft picks.
Expectations were high, but Rodgers’ first season was cut short by an Achilles injury in the fourth snap of the 2023 season.
Rodgers returned healthy in 2024, starting every game despite lingering leg issues and notably delivered a four-touchdown game in the season finale—a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins. However, Rodgers’ overall performance was inconsistent.
He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns—ranking third in Jets’ single-season records—but also had 11 interceptions and a 48.1 QBR, ranking 25th among NFL quarterbacks. The Jets’ offense underperformed, finishing 24th in scoring, and ended the season at 5-12.
The disappointing start under Rodgers led to mid-season coaching changes, with coach Robert Saleh fired and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a close associate of Rodgers, demoted. General manager Joe Douglas was fired six weeks later.
Saleh, Douglas, and Hackett were part of the Jets’ delegation that convinced Rodgers to join the team during a March 2023 meeting in Malibu, California. This was after a month-long negotiation following the Packers’ decision to elevate Jordan Love to starting quarterback.
Rodgers’ Jets debut on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 11, 2023, saw him carrying an American flag during introductions at MetLife Stadium, a moment he later described as a career highlight. His season was abruptly derailed by the Achilles injury shortly after.
With Rodgers’ probable exit, Tyrod Taylor, 35, remains the only experienced quarterback on the roster. The Jets are expected to explore options for a starting-caliber quarterback this offseason, potentially through the draft or other acquisitions.
