Time to Move On From Aaron Rodgers? It Could Be Best for the New York Jets
Alright, Jet fans and NFL followers across the board… The question everyone’s been debating isn’t really about if the New York Jets should shake up their quarterback situation (again), but more of a “when” scenario. We’re talking about Aaron Rodgers—once the pinnacle of NFL quarterbacks. The thought of splitting from the three-time MVP just after a season-ending injury might sound radical to some, but could it actually be the right move for this embattled New York squad?
It’s late November of 2024, and the Jets’ drama-filled campaign seems like a soap opera where we’re all waiting for the next twist. Can Rodgers, with that Achilles injury, come back at full force? How much pain and patience are fans, management, and the star QB willing to endure? And, more importantly, what path should the Jets take for their long-term future?
Looking Back on Rodgers’ Brief Jets Tenure
If we rewind a little, 2023 started with the Jets adding Rodgers in what felt like the missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle. It was supposed to be a fairytale ride. New York was all-in, from front office to fans. The expectations? Through the roof. Many thought Rodgers would redeem the playoff hopes of a team that hasn’t hit the postseason since 2010.
The unfortunate reality? Rodgers suffered that devastating Achilles injury just four plays into his Jets’ debut during Week 1, derailing what was shaping up to be a promising season before it even got off the ground. Fast forward and the Jets are 4-6 after losing four consecutive games. It’s certainly not what fans envisioned when they thought Rodgers would become the frontman of Gang Green’s charge toward greatness.
Despite speculation that Rodgers could return before the 2024 season ends (he has hinted at a late-season comeback), it might be ideal for both Rodgers and the franchise to move toward separate futures.
Is It Financially Time for the Jets to Start Fresh?
Remember, the Jets didn’t just bring in Rodgers—he also restructured his contract to give them some added financial flexibility, cutting his pay by about $35 million over two seasons (worth noting, that’s a huge amount of savings). But then there’s the 2025 season to think about where Rodgers is set to bank $38 million in guaranteed money.
Let’s zoom out for a second. The Jets aren’t swimming in salary-cap space after betting big on the “Rodgers Revolution.” As of now, they sit 26th in the league with only $4.6 million under the cap, as per OverTheCap.com. Not exactly big spending room.
Still, moving on from Rodgers after splitting just a 2-8 season would tack on $16 million in dead cap money in 2025. Cutting ties post-June 1 next year would mean only $1.7 million stays stuck on the books while spreading out another $14 million into the 2026 dead cap. This is a tricky balance and, given the team’s cap situation, it might be worth considering a trade option.
The Case for Cutting Ties: Should the Jets and Rodgers Part Ways?
Look, restarting isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s necessary to regroup and set a squad up for long-term success. Here are a few reasons the Jets might want to initiate a break:
- Long-term planning: At 40 years old (he turns 41 next month), Rodgers isn’t the young star he once was. Injuries and time make it uncertain how much gas he has left in the tank.
- Cap relief: As mentioned, Rodgers’ contract takes a tremendous chunk of the Jets’ budget. Moving past it could free up some much-needed dollars for other roster improvements.
- Avoiding decline: There’s always a risk that Rodgers is never quite the same player after such a serious injury. Rehabbing an Achilles tear is a tough road for anyone, much less a quarterback nearing middle-age by NFL standards.
- New direction: The Jets need stability at the quarterback position. Maybe that’s through Zach Wilson, though it doesn’t seem like he’s their long-term guy, or perhaps the answer is in next year’s draft.
At the end of the day, walking away from Rodgers would enable the Jets to focus on youth. After all, things don’t look like they’re moving anywhere fast with a 40-year-old QB trying to recapture past glory.
Rodgers: Legendary Legacy, but What Now?
No one can deny Rodgers’ Hall of Fame career. Across 18 seasons, he’s delivered more than enough special moments with the Green Bay Packers before his trade to New York. Four MVP awards, several playoff runs, and a Super Bowl ring signal a resume most quarterbacks would dream of.
Yet, this season-ending injury has likely started a turning point in Rodgers’ career. Sure, he’s been making major strides recovering from his Achilles tear and even pushing to re-enter the field before the Jets’ season finale. But is it for the best? Would Rodgers—after 18 seasons in the NFL—be better served taking his illustrious career out on a high note?
The one risk both Rodgers himself and the Jets need to weigh is whether his body can return to the punishing grind of NFL Sundays. Football history is littered with stars who’ve stayed for one season too many.
Let’s be real. Rodgers loves the game and he’s always been a competitor. His passion is unquestionable. Yet, both he and the Jets may find themselves gunning for different futures from here. Rodgers might still want to compete for another title while the Jets should be thinking of positioning for seasons to come—starting with a younger option behind center.
What Are the Jets’ Options Moving Forward?
Continuing to go with a “win-now” approach built around a 40+ year-old Rodgers would push the Jets further into the inevitable: a full reset, sooner rather than later.
- Stick with Rodgers: Should the Jets decide to keep Rodgers and push for a full recovery in 2025, they’d need to bolster the offensive line and hope Rodgers can rekindle his Packers’ magic in a New York uniform.
- Seek a trade: If any teams are still willing to take on Rodgers’ contract, the Jets could explore moving him to land some additional draft capital or solidify their QB future with a new face.
- Start fresh in the draft: The 2024 QB draft class promises some exciting prospects. Perhaps the Jets could stake their future on a young talent, grooming their next star QB.
Then again, rolling over into a complete teardown mode might be their best scenario. This would involve something difficult—admitting defeat on the Rodgers experiment, but rebuilding without his hefty contract weighing the team down.
A Future Beyond Aaron Rodgers
If the Jets do opt to part ways with Rodgers, they’ll need to address a few key areas for the rebuild:
- Quarterback dilemma: Zach Wilson has been erratic at best. The team’s decision to switch to backup Tim Boyle seems more an act of desperation than a winning solution.
- Strengthening the offensive line: Gang Green’s offensive front was shattered by injuries to tackle Mekhi Becton and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. This unit requires a lot of love if they’re going to protect whoever’s throwing the ball moving forward.
- Playmakers needed: Sure, they’ve got Garrett Wilson (one of the game’s top young wide receivers), but expanding their skill positions is key.
The Verdict: Pull the Ripcord Now?
It’s a tough call. The Jets could see Aaron Rodgers as the guy who will bounce back from injury to guide them to glory. Or, they might decide it’s better for both sides to start fresh.
Rodgers could end up being one of the greatest “what-ifs” in Jets history—a brilliant quarterback who, through no fault of his own, couldn’t pull the team out of its long-standing spiral. Ultimately, making a change now might sting at first, but it could be what leads the Jets back to where they want to be.
Originally Written by: Nate Davis
