The New York state of mind hasn’t quite worked out for Aaron Rodgers.
The New York Jets quarterback, known for his unconventional methods of mental exploration, is in the midst of a disastrous season that could end prematurely.
Rodgers was acquired after the 2022 season to bring a Super Bowl to the Jets, but his first season ended before it could even get started, as he suffered a torn Achilles just four plays into the season opener. In Year 2 with New York, the Jets are 3-8 through Week 11 as they head into their bye.
With the playoffs out of reach, owner Woody Johnson is hitting the reset button. Head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have already been fired, and Rodgers’ time under centre may be over, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
“It appears increasingly likely that the four-time MVP, who is banged up, could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks, signalling the end of his disastrous time with the Jets,” writes Russini. “As for Rodgers, his relationship with the owner has been strained for months … my understanding is that Rodgers still wants to play in 2025, just not for the New York Jets.”
The drama always seems to find Rodgers.
After 17 seasons in Green Bay, the gunslinger openly wanted a fresh start. He was heavily rumoured to be traded to the Denver Broncos but opted to stay for a final year before joining friend and coach Nathaniel Hackett in East Rutherford after the 2022 season.
As the Jets found out, there is a lot of baggage that comes with Rodgers as the QB, mainly with roster decisions. He has ‘his’ guys — Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard and Davante Adams — that have followed Rodgers to Metlife Stadium.
All three wide receivers are favourites of Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay. However, it was quite costly to acquire them, specifically Adams and Lazard, and the results have been lacklustre.
New York signed Lazard to a five-year, $44 million contract after the 2022 season. The 28-year-old receiver, who’s currently on IR, put up a measly 23 catches for 311 yards and one score in 14 games last season.
Adams, 31, was acquired in a mid-season blockbuster deal with the Raiders a mere week after Saleh was fired. The Jets gave up a conditional third-round pick for the three-time All-Pro. He is under contract for two seasons after this, making north of $16 million a year.
With the Jets cleaning house, Rodgers’ time in New York is almost certainly over, even with the acquisitions to boost his morale. However, the 40-year-old does intend to play next season.
“I think so” is the answer Rodgers gave 10 days ago to reporters when asked if he’ll continue to play. While not a surefire commitment, it’s hard to believe that the four-time MVP would not want to try to ride out into the sunset with a second Super Bowl title.
