The New York Jets have officially confirmed the end of the disastrous Aaron Rodgers era.
The departure of the 41-year-old means the Jets face $49million in dead money as new head coach Aaron Glenn tries to rebuild the beleaguered franchise. As for Rodgers, his future in the game is unclear from here.
The quarterback has, at times, hinted he could retire after the season ended but on other occasions said he’d like to play on in New York.
‘Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback,’ Glenn said in a joint statement with new GM Darren Mougey.
‘It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures.
‘We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.’
After appearing to be on the brink of retirement in 2023, Rodgers went into a four-day darkness retreat to consider if should keep on playing.
When he emerged, he left the Green Bay Packers – where he had spent his entire career – for the Big Apple, vowing to lead the Jets to their first Super Bowl triumph since 1969.
His arrival ignited waves of excitement around the city. But minutes into his first game – against Buffalo Bills on September 11 at MetLife Stadium, where he ran out onto the field carrying the US flag – Rodgers tore his Achilles and was ruled out for the rest of his first season as a Jet.
He tried desperately to return that year, hinting at his recovery going ahead of schedule through his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show and suggesting that his belief in alternative medicine could help him return quickly.
But as the Jets playoff hopes faded with Zach Wilson deputizing for Rodgers, he didn’t make it.
In his comeback season in 2024, the Jets ended the campaign with a 5-12 record and failed to make the playoffs.
He showed flashes of his best as the season went on but the campaign was disrupted by the firing of head coach Robert Saleh and former GM Joe Douglas.
Now, Glenn has decided that a complete break from the previous regime is what is needed for the Jets.
Owner Woody Johnson said Thursday: ‘I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets.
‘His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city.
‘That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here. He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.’
If Rodgers wants to keep playing, there are plenty of open quarterback vacancies as it stands.
The Las Vegas Raiders is one, where minority owner Tom Brady is leading the overhaul.
The Jets’ city rivals, the New York Giants, also need a QB. The Tennessee Titans could be an option too.
They have the first pick in the 2025 Draft in April and have previously hinted they will go for Travis Hunter rather than a quarterback.
