When Aaron Rodgers joined the New York Jets, the four-time NFL MVP envisioned a fairytale chapter in his career—multiple seasons, Super Bowl victories, and a celebrated exit from the game. However, the reality has been far from the dream.
Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles just minutes into his first game with the Jets in 2023, sidelining him for nearly the entire season. Despite a determined recovery that allowed him to return for the start of the 2024 season, the team has struggled mightily. The Jets currently sit at a dismal 4-11, with two games remaining, and questions loom about whether Rodgers, now 41, will continue with the franchise in 2025.
Accusations of Sabotage
One former NFL coach believes Rodgers might already have one foot out the door—and that he’s trying to engineer his release. Eric Mangini, who coached the Jets from 2006 to 2008, speculated during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that Rodgers’ recent comments were deliberately aimed at upsetting Jets ownership, specifically team owner Woody Johnson.
Mangini’s theory stems from remarks Rodgers made on The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers humorously referenced a report from The Athletic, which claimed that Johnson’s teenage sons were involved in team roster decisions—a claim that has fueled perceptions of dysfunction within the organization.
“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers quipped. “So, hey, I’m open to everything, and I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, hey, it’s a great story.”
Mangini interpreted the remark as more than just a joke.
“The fact that Aaron brought up, ‘I’ve never been cut by a teenager,’ that’s a direct shot at the owner,” Mangini said. “That’s legitimizing everything that’s been said about the dysfunction in that organization. That’s making fun of it.”
Mangini went further, suggesting that Rodgers’ comments could be part of a calculated move to provoke the Jets into cutting him.
“In my mind, [Rodgers] wants out,” Mangini said. “But he doesn’t want to retire. He wants to get paid and avoid the financial givebacks that come with retirement.”
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A Tough Season for Rodgers and the Jets
If Rodgers is angling for an exit, the timing coincides with one of the worst seasons in recent Jets history. Despite being hailed as the savior of the franchise, Rodgers has struggled to regain his form post-injury, and the team around him has failed to deliver. The Jets’ offensive line issues, inconsistent receiver play, and defensive lapses have all compounded their woes.
Rodgers’ frustrations seem to echo those of a disheartened fanbase, and his veiled criticisms of the front office suggest he may no longer see a path forward with the team.
What’s Next for Rodgers?
If the Jets do decide to part ways with Rodgers, the question becomes: Where could he go? At 41 years old, Rodgers’ marketability has waned, especially after a subpar 2024 season. While his Hall of Fame resume speaks for itself, teams may hesitate to take a chance on an aging quarterback coming off a significant injury and underwhelming performance.
Still, Rodgers has a history of defying expectations and could look to finish his career on his own terms—whether that’s with the Jets or another NFL team.
The Bigger Picture
Rodgers’ situation highlights the challenges faced by high-profile players in volatile environments. For the Jets, his departure could mean yet another rebuild, while Rodgers would face the daunting task of finding a new home at this stage in his career.
For now, Jets fans are left wondering whether their future with Rodgers is salvageable—or if they’ll soon see one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks suiting up for another team.
