Aaron Rodgers & Jets Are Official: Where Does He Go Next? Retirement? Jets Next QB?
The Aaron Rodgers chapter in New York has officially concluded.
The Jets have informed the four-time MVP that they are moving forward, marking the end of a much-anticipated but ultimately disappointing period. With his release, it’s safe to say that all the Aaron Rodgers trade rumors can be put to bed.
Rodgers joined the New York Jets in 2023 with aspirations of leading them to success, but his time in New York was marked more by challenges than achievements. A torn Achilles on just his fourth play sidelined him for the season, and although he returned in 2024, his performance certainly didn’t meet expectations.
The Jets finished with a 5-12 record, and Rodgers recorded career lows in several important passing statistics.
Aaron Rodgers & The Jets Are Official
To pile on, additional off-field issues, including a controversial absence from minicamp and reported conflicts with the coaching staff, further complicated matters. With a new leadership team in place, the Jets are now looking for a new quarterback.
Meanwhile, Rodgers, who will turn 42 this year, faces the decision of whether to seek another chance in the league or retire after two disappointing seasons in New York.
Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors, Stats, Retirement?
The fact that he’s no longer with the New York Jets, although unofficially, eliminates any Aaron Rodgers trade rumors. With his release, the Jets have severed ties and are moving on without the option to trade him for assets. They plan to wait until after June 1 to complete the release.
This decision is strategic, focusing on salary cap management. By designating Rodgers as a post-June 1 release, the Jets can distribute his significant dead-cap hit over two seasons, avoiding the full $49 million impact in 2025.
For Rodgers, the future is unclear. Although he hasn't indicated a desire to retire, the market for a 41-year-old quarterback coming off a difficult season and a serious injury is limited. He’ll need to find a situation that aligns with both his competitive and financial goals.
If he chooses to retire before June 1, the Jets' cap situation won't change much, but he would forfeit the remaining money on his contract. Regardless of whether he plays in 2025, his time with the Jets has concluded, leaving his next steps entirely up to him.
Aaron Rodgers Stats
- 2024-25 Season: 63% CMP, 3,897 Passing Yards, 28 TD, 11 INT, 90.5 RTG
- Career: 65.1% CMP, 62,952 Passing Yards, 503 TD, 116 INT, 102.6 RTG
Aaron Rodgers Going To The Steelers?
A lot of the Aaron Rodgers trade rumors revolved around one team in particular: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, with Aaron Rodgers set to be a free agent, the Steelers are being considered as a likely destination. They have uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation and adding Rodgers, some say, would significantly improve the team’s chances for an AFC title compared to Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
However, there are mixed feelings within the locker room, and the Steelers might be cautious about bringing in another veteran after experiencing Wilson's inconsistency. Nonetheless, Rodgers' experience and leadership could be just what the team needs to advance.
Other teams may also show interest. The Raiders are a viable option, especially with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly potentially keen on integrating Rodgers into his system. The Giants, Colts and Titans could be interesting options as well, depending on their draft strategies and readiness to take a short-term risk.
At 41, Rodgers must find a team that balances competitiveness with stability. He won't sign with just any team; he needs one that is ready to win now. Whether that will be Pittsburgh or another team is still uncertain.
Aaron Rodgers Next Team: Potential Landing Spots
Jets QB Depth Chart: Where Do The Jets Go Next At QB?
The Jets' quarterback situation is uncertain as they look ahead without Aaron Rodgers. Although he remains on the roster for now, his departure is expected soon, concluding a high-profile venture that failed to yield results.
Currently, the available options on the Jets QB depth chart are as follows, though none seem to be long-term solutions:
| Jets QB Depth Chart | ||
| QB1 | QB2 | QB3 |
| Tyrod Taylor | Jordan Travis | Adrian Martinez |
Taylor, with his veteran experience, is the frontrunner for the starting role in Week 1 as of now, yet his injury history and limitations suggest he is more of a temporary fix. New head coach Aaron Glenn has emphasized the need for a leader with both mental and physical resilience, indicating that the Jets will actively seek improvements.
NFL free agency might present opportunities to acquire players like Justin Fields, who has potential but is still untested, or Russell Wilson, who may have already peaked. The 2025 NFL Draft is another avenue, but a lackluster class could mean the Jets wait until 2026 to find a true franchise quarterback.
For now, New York finds itself in a familiar predicament – searching for a solution at the most critical position in football. The Rodgers era was brief, and Glenn now needs to identify his own version of Vinny Testaverde to steer the team in the right direction.
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