With the New York Jets’ disastrous 2024 season nearing its conclusion, the franchise is bracing for a period of significant change. At 4-11 heading into the final two games, the team has already started reshaping its future, parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas earlier this season. The question now looms: how deep will these changes go, particularly at the quarterback position?
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Jets, once optimistic about their season following the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, have endured one of their most turbulent campaigns in recent memory.
Rodgers, who was brought in to stabilize the offense and mentor younger players, has struggled to meet expectations. The offensive unit has been plagued by inefficiency, injuries, and a lack of cohesion, casting doubt on Rodgers’ role moving forward.
As the Jets prepare to hire new leadership, it remains uncertain if the incoming head coach and general manager will see Rodgers as the best option at quarterback for 2025. Rodgers himself has acknowledged the business side of the sport, admitting he may not don Jets green next season—if he chooses to play at all.
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Rodgers’ Blunt Response
When asked on Tuesday whether he had discussed his future with team owner Woody Johnson, Rodgers gave a straightforward one-word answer: “No.”
While succinct, the response underscores the uncertainty surrounding his status. For a season as tumultuous as the Jets’ 2024 campaign, it makes sense for both sides to avoid premature decisions until the dust settles.
However, given reports that Johnson has been heavily involved in the team’s decision-making, one might expect the owner to have initiated a conversation with Rodgers, especially if there’s an intention to retain him in any capacity.
The Fallout of a Disastrous Season
The Jets’ season has unfolded as a public spectacle of disappointment. Early optimism evaporated as injuries and poor performances mounted, leaving fans and analysts alike to question the team’s direction. Rodgers, who turns 41 next season, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been unable to deliver consistent results in a dysfunctional system.
The firing of Saleh and Douglas midseason signaled that ownership is prepared to make sweeping changes, but it remains unclear if those changes will include moving on from Rodgers.
A new general manager and coach may prefer to develop a younger quarterback or seek an alternative veteran option, particularly given Rodgers’ age and high salary cap hit.
What’s Next for the Jets and Rodgers?
The final two games of the season may provide little clarity on the Jets’ future. However, the offseason will bring decisions that could redefine the franchise for years to come. Whether Rodgers returns, retires, or is traded, his situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL.
For now, Rodgers and the Jets seem content to wait until the season concludes before discussing what’s next. But with Woody Johnson reportedly playing an active role in shaping the team’s future, any decision involving Rodgers will likely be made sooner rather than later.
As the Jets limp toward the finish line of an abysmal season, fans are left to wonder if Aaron Rodgers will be part of the team’s attempt to rebound in 2025—or if he will become the latest in a long line of players who couldn’t solve New York’s enduring quarterback conundrum.
