Aaron Rodgers’ challenging 2024 NFL season is poised to take yet another downturn, with reports indicating he could face disciplinary action in the coming days. The New York Jets, who entered the season with high hopes and playoff aspirations, suffered a crushing 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, dropping their record to a dismal 4-11.
This season, anticipated to mark a resurgence for both Rodgers and the Jets, has instead unraveled into one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. With playoff dreams long dashed, the team is now staring at a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
For Rodgers, a season already marked by frustration, injuries, and poor performance took another unfortunate turn on Sunday with the quarterback making history—but not the kind he hoped for.
Rodgers Sets an Unwanted Record
In the blowout loss to Buffalo, Rodgers became the most-sacked quarterback in NFL history. Despite his impressive career resume, which includes a Super Bowl title and multiple MVP awards, the dubious distinction underscores the struggles both he and the Jets have faced this year.
The offensive line’s inability to protect the veteran quarterback has been a recurring theme, compounding the challenges of an already tumultuous season.
RELATED: Aaron Rodgers Faces Accusations of Intentionally Sabotaging His Jets Future
Uncharacteristic Penalty Leads to Likely Punishment
Rodgers’ frustrations seemed to boil over in the game against Buffalo. In a rare moment for a quarterback, he was flagged for unnecessary roughness after delivering a late hit on Bills defensive back Christian Benford. The incident, unusual for Rodgers’ typically composed on-field demeanor, has drawn the attention of the league office.
Reports suggest that Rodgers is likely to face a fine exceeding $10,000 for the late hit, marking another first in his storied career. While quarterbacks are generally on the receiving end of penalties, this moment of uncharacteristic aggression reflects the boiling point of a frustrating season for both Rodgers and the Jets.
A Year of Missed Expectations
The 2024 season was supposed to be a transformative one for the Jets, especially following their acquisition of Rodgers in a blockbuster trade. Early optimism faded quickly, however, as the team stumbled out of the gate. The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh mere weeks into the season, a move that failed to provide the turnaround the organization hoped for.
The team attempted to salvage the season with a high-profile trade for All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, reuniting him with Rodgers after their successful tenure in Green Bay. But even the addition of Adams couldn’t reignite the offense or reverse the team’s fortunes.
Rodgers’ Future with the Jets in Doubt
As the Jets prepare to close out their season in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins, questions surrounding Rodgers’ future in New York are growing louder. With the team set to pick toward the top of the draft, speculation about their interest in a young quarterback to rebuild around has intensified. If Rodgers’ time with the Jets does indeed end after this season, it will go down as one of the most underwhelming chapters in his career.
A Final Opportunity in Week 18
The Jets will face their division rival Dolphins in their final game of the season, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. For Rodgers and the Jets, it’s one last chance to end a disappointing year on a somewhat positive note.
However, as Rodgers potentially faces a fine and the Jets look to regroup in the offseason, it’s clear that the 2024 season is one both the quarterback and the franchise will want to put behind them quickly.
Whether Rodgers will don a Jets jersey again in 2025 remains one of the biggest questions heading into the NFL offseason.
