According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz on X, there is a strong belief that the New York Jets are set to move on from QB Aaron Rodgers.
“While further discussions are expected, the overwhelming belief is that the Jets are unlikely to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback in 2025,” Schultz wrote. “…A resolution is expected sooner rather than later.”
There are now a few interesting veteran quarterbacks on the market. Rodgers is likely to join Russell Wilson, and there is a strong possibility that Kirk Cousins could join them, too. Matthew Stafford may also be available, but he would need to be acquired via trade, and it’s unclear if the L.A. Rams are open to that possibility. The latest reporting suggests Stafford is likely to remain in LA.
All four of those players have a tremendous list of accolades, including three Super Bowl rings and 25 Pro Bowl appearances between them. None of them are more accomplished than Rodgers, who has one Super Bowl ring, four MVP awards, 10 Pro Bowl appearances, and four first-team All-Pro selections.
There are bound to be at least some media rumblings involving Rodgers and the Steelers over the next month. The Steelers only have Skylar Thompson under contract for 2025 and have a decision to make about bringing back Wilson, Justin Fields, or potentially going outside the organization.
I would label this possibility extremely unlikely, given Rodgers’ advanced age, his 2024 performance, and his lack of mobility. He is 41 years old, and I doubt he will want to play anywhere for cheap.
He spent two years with the Jets and logged only a few snaps before tearing his Achilles. His 2024 season was far from a triumphant return, with a 5-12 record despite sky-high expectations for his team. It isn’t out of the question that Rodgers could decide to retire, either. My guess is that it would depend on what league interest looks like once he officially leaves the Jets’ roster.
Schultz also posted that the Jets’ decision isn’t necessarily about his play, but rather his contract and the dead money hit that would come whenever they decided to move on. The new regime in New York wanted to rip the band-aid off and start fresh.
Jay Glazer provided some clarity on this developing story, including the idea that Rodgers is likely to continue his NFL career outside of New York. You can bet that at least some media outlets will link him to the Steelers over the next month.
“Aaron Rodgers flew back to New Jersey last week to meet with the Jets about his future with the team, only to be told that the team was moving on from him,” Glazer wrote. “Given that Aaron made the effort to fly back to discuss his future, all signs point to him continuing to play.”
