Aaron Rodgers: “Nothing to Prove” as Jets’ Tumultuous Season Nears Its End
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets’ season has been a rollercoaster, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is making it clear where he stands as the team stumbles toward the finish line. On Wednesday, Rodgers sent a message that was as much for Jets ownership as it was for anyone else watching: he doesn’t feel the need to prove himself over the final five games of the season. And honestly, can you blame him?
Rodgers, a four-time MVP and one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history, called the idea of having to “audition” for next season “ridiculous.” He’s confident his career accomplishments speak for themselves, even as the Jets sit at a dismal 3-9 record. “If they want me to stay, fantastic,” Rodgers said. “If it takes these five games, maybe they don’t know what I bring to the table. But that being said, I’d love to play really frigging well the last five games.”
Ownership Drama and a Rocky Season
Rodgers’ comments come amid swirling speculation about his future with the Jets. According to one source, it would be “shocking” if team owner Woody Johnson signs off on another season with Rodgers, who is enduring one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. The NFL Network has reported that Rodgers will need a strong finish to even have a shot at returning next year.
The tension between Rodgers and Johnson has been a hot topic, especially after reports surfaced that Johnson suggested benching Rodgers back in Week 5. And if that wasn’t enough, Rodgers made a cryptic comment Wednesday about Johnson’s handling of in-season firings, referencing the dismissals of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. The quarterback’s remarks seemed to echo a conversation he had Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show, where he praised the Detroit Lions for their ownership’s public support of team officials during tough times.
When asked directly on Wednesday whether Johnson has been publicly supportive, Rodgers responded with a rhetorical question: “Is that a rhetorical question? Like I said, I cited an example that I’ve seen. There were probably examples over the years in Green Bay … but I think it’s an important part of ownership to hire the right guys, set the vision, and then support them when the outside world is trying to tear them down.”
Pressed further, Rodgers added, “I mean, I’d have to look. I don’t follow a lot of stuff. I’d have to ask you guys. Has there been a lot of public comments? Supportive comments?” When the firings of Saleh and Douglas were mentioned, Rodgers simply said, “Yeah, so there’s your answer.”
What’s Next for the Jets?
To be fair, Johnson did publicly back Saleh and Douglas last Christmas Eve, pledging his support for 2024. But that was before the Jets’ rocky 2-3 start this season, which led to Saleh’s firing. Since then, the team has gone 1-6, and Douglas was let go on November 19. Now, the Jets are looking at a complete overhaul, with a new general manager and head coach set to take over in 2025. Those new hires will play a significant role in determining Rodgers’ future, though Johnson will also have a say.
Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, has yet to decide whether he’ll play next season. While he’s under contract for 2025, none of his $37.5 million compensation is guaranteed. If he does choose to return, Rodgers has said the Jets would be his “first option.”
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich gave Rodgers a vote of confidence on Monday, and the quarterback has made it clear he wants to start every game and finish the season strong. “I’d like to feel like I’m wanted,” Rodgers said. “If not, I won’t be offended. I won’t be upset. I’ll be so thankful either way.”
Rodgers added that his decision to play next year will depend on his mental and physical health, as well as mutual interest from the team. “If that’s not the case, then I’ll look at other options, but first I’ll think about whether I actually want to play or not. It usually takes a good month to get away from it, which I’ll do the first month, and then see what happens.”
Playoff Hopes All but Gone
The Jets’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. A loss to the Miami Dolphins (5-7) on Sunday would officially eliminate them from contention, extending their playoff drought to 14 years—the longest active streak in the NFL.
Davante Adams Weighs In
Meanwhile, Rodgers’ close friend and star wide receiver Davante Adams is also facing an uncertain future. Adams, who was acquired in a midseason trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, was noncommittal when asked Wednesday if he’ll be back with the Jets next season.
“That’s a great question and I truly don’t have the answer to it right now,” Adams said. “I would love to be a part of this football team. … I’d love to go to war with these guys, but it’s a business and there are a lot of pieces, contractually, and, obviously, with Aaron’s future—a lot of things that I can’t control.”
Adams is under contract through 2026, but his cap charge of $38.3 million in both 2025 and 2026 could force the Jets to renegotiate or cut him. “Hopefully, we do enough to where everybody’s feeling like it’s the right thing to do for us to stay here,” Adams said.
What’s the Verdict?
- The Jets are 3-9 and on the verge of playoff elimination.
- Aaron Rodgers has made it clear he doesn’t feel the need to prove himself in the final games.
- Ownership drama and coaching changes loom large over the team’s future.
- Davante Adams’ future with the Jets is also uncertain.
As the Jets limp toward the end of a disappointing season, one thing is clear: the offseason will bring big changes, and the futures of both Rodgers and Adams hang in the balance.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
