Breaking Down the Jets’ Aaron Rodgers Dilemma and More
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets are at a crossroads, and the decisions they make in the coming months could shape the franchise for years to come. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding the team:
1. No Discount Double-Check: The Aaron Rodgers Conundrum
When it comes to Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are facing a financial puzzle that’s as complex as his Hall of Fame career. Rodgers is signed through 2025, with four void years extending to 2029, but here’s the kicker: there’s no guaranteed money left on his deal. While that might sound like a relief, the salary-cap implications are anything but simple.
If Rodgers doesn’t suit up for the Jets in 2025—whether he’s cut or retires—the team will be hit with a staggering $49 million in “dead” money. That’s the result of pro-rated bonuses from previous years. To put it in perspective, that’s more than double his cap charge if he stays on the roster, which would be $23.5 million.
There’s a way to soften the blow: the Jets could designate him as a post-June 1 cut, spreading the $49 million over two years—$14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026. But here’s the catch: absorbing the full hit in 2025 might be the smarter move for long-term cap flexibility.
Now, let’s say Rodgers decides to return in 2025. The cap charge of $23.5 million is manageable, but the Jets would owe him a $35 million option bonus before the first regular-season game, plus a $2.5 million base salary. If he plays just one more year, the dead money balloons to $63 million in 2026. Ouch.
Spreading that $63 million over two years with a June 1 designation would mean $21 million in 2026 and $42 million in 2027. Does the new regime really want to be paying off the Rodgers bill until 2027? Probably not.
Renegotiating the $35 million option bonus is an option, but that would only push more money into the back end of the deal. And let’s be real: Rodgers already took a $34 million pay cut last year. Asking him to give up more seems unlikely.
Rodgers himself remains noncommittal about his future. “I’m open to everything and attached to nothing,” he said. But one thing is certain: that massive cap hit is very much attached to him.
2. Let the Searches Begin
Jets owner Woody Johnson has turned to an outside firm to help with the search for a new general manager and head coach. The twist? The firm is led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, whom Johnson fired 12 years ago. Talk about a full-circle moment.
While the optics are, let’s say, unusual, there’s some logic to the approach. Johnson, despite owning the team for 25 years, doesn’t seem comfortable conducting these searches on his own. Tannenbaum and his partner, former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman, bring a wealth of experience to the table. The duo works together at The 33rd Team, a media and technology company that will assist in identifying candidates.
Spielman has already interviewed several potential candidates through the NFL’s Coach Accelerator Program and his consulting work. “I’m just a scout in the corner,” Spielman said. “I will give my opinion. I will help with the interviews. I will talk to a lot of sources out there, collect a lot of information and give the information” to the Jets.
Ultimately, Johnson will make the final decisions, but he’ll be choosing from a list curated by Tannenbaum and Spielman. The last time Johnson used outside consultants, the Jets ended up with coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan. The result? Four seasons, zero playoff appearances. Here’s hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.
3. Captain Fantastic
Don’t expect Aaron Rodgers to have a say in the hiring process. “I’m always available if my opinion is wanted, but I’m going to focus on playing right now,” he said. “If I get drawn into those conversations, fantastic. If I don’t, it’s fantastic, too.”
4. Red-Shirt Year for Jordan Travis
Quarterback Jordan Travis remains a bit of a mystery. The former Florida State star, who suffered a horrific ankle injury in college, has faced setbacks in his recovery. Drafted in the fifth round, Travis was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list in August, making him ineligible to practice or play this season. The Jets had hoped he’d be ready to contribute, but for now, it’s a year of classroom learning.
5. Haason Reddick’s Costly Holdout
Edge rusher Haason Reddick’s holdout has cost him millions, and his slow start to the season isn’t helping. His revised one-year contract includes a sack incentive, but with just 0.5 sacks in four games, he’s far from the eight sacks needed to earn a $500,000 bonus. Reddick is on pace to hit a 40% playing-time incentive, which would net him $791,628, but that’s a far cry from the $14.5 million he was originally set to make. All told, Reddick could lose at least $7 million due to the holdout.
6. Burn the Script
The Jets and Seahawks face off Sunday, but don’t expect fireworks on the opening drive. Both teams are among seven that haven’t scored a touchdown on their first possession this season. The Jets, in particular, have struggled, averaging an NFL-worst 15.5 yards on their first drive.
7. Leonard Williams and Geno Smith Return
Former Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams, now with the Seahawks, will face his old team. Williams has enjoyed a successful career, earning $130 million in career earnings. Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will make his first start against the Jets at MetLife Stadium since his infamous locker-room altercation in 2015. Time flies.
8. The Last Word
“I’ve never seen people getting fired, so I’m new to this, especially when it’s some people that have put millions of dollars in my pocket for me to change my life and my family’s lives.” — Sauce Gardner on the firings of GM Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
