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Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Glenn Had Multiple Meetings; Jets Also Likely To Separate From Davante Adams

February 11th, 2025 at 10:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Darren Mougey may soon be tied to the two largest single-player dead money hits in NFL history. Mougey worked with Sean Payton and George Paton as the Broncos signed off on an astonishing $83MM-plus in Russell Wilson dead cap, and he is now in charge of a Jets team prepared to move on from Aaron Rodgers. The expected release would come with a $49MM dead money charge, which figures to also be spread out into two offseasons via a post-June 1 designation.

If the Jets are to take that route, they must wait until March 12 to release Rodgers. The Jets communicated with their high-profile quarterback late last week, with SI.com’s Albert Breer reporting the team flew Rodgers in for that meeting. This was not the only time Rodgers and new Jets HC Aaron Glenn spoke this offseason, as ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini indicates the two had multiple conversations since the hire.

[RELATED: Jets Aiming To Pair Rookie, Veteran QBs]

The Broncos had faced a deadline on Wilson’s 2025 salary becoming guaranteed had he not been released before the 2024 vesting date, whereas Rodgers’ 2025 salary is nonguaranteed right now. The Jets could also be prepared to cut the at once, with OverTheCap’s Jason Fitzgerald pointing to the more likely scenario being Rodgers is released soon and thus not set to carry a post-June 1 designation. Rather than the Jets taking on $14MM in dead cap this year and $35MM in 2026, a standard release would tag them with the entire bill in 2025.

New regimes generally care less about dead money charges associated with previous staffs, but given the high turnover rate (especially in the coaching ranks) in the modern NFL, it would stand to reason Glenn would not want $49MM clogging the Jets’ 2025 salary cap. Despite Glenn having a high opinion of Rodgers’ abilities during the latter’s final Packers season and the two being amenable to working together with the Jets, the AFC East team has been widely expected to move on from a failed experiment for several weeks. The Sunday report offered some finality, and the timing of the official move will clear up the financial component.

Rodgers, 41, was open to reworking his deal yet again, SNY’s Connor Hughes offers. Rodgers took a significant pay cut in reworking his deal upon arriving in New York, and the polarizing QB did not insist on a new deal during his Packers standoff in 2021. (The Packers did give him one in 2022, designing the contract to help facilitate a 2023 trade.) Rodgers has earned more than $380MM in his career; fit figures to be his primary concern if he plays a 21st season.

It is not yet known if that will happen, though ESPN’s Adam Schefter said during a Pat McAfee Show appearance that he does expect a 21st season to commence (video link). We asked readers in December where Rodgers would end up. Retirement won out, and the Raiders checked in as the top non-Jets option. While I suggested the Titans in a Trade Rumors Front Office piece, that came before Tennessee obtained the No. 1 overall pick. As of now, DraftKings has the Steelers as a slight favorite for Rodgers, with the Raiders and 49ers checking in at second and third here.

Rodgers has enjoyed a weekly spot on McAfee’s show for a while, frequently using the platform to levy various criticisms and make a number of interesting statements — many not pertaining to football. Had Rodgers been asked to stay with the Jets, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said during her Scoop City podcast (via Awful Announcing) Glenn and Mougey would have wanted him to ditch the McAfee segments and focus on football. This follows a Glenn introductory presser where he seemed to draw a line from a period where the Jets constantly catered to Rodgers, whose relationship with Woody Johnson also deteriorated during this span.

As fun as a Rodgers-Mike Tomlin pairing would be, Pittsburgh has been closely connected to re-signing either Wilson or Justin Fields; Fields may be the more likely candidate to be retained. Rodgers would be a passing upgrade on both, but pivoting from a 25-year-old Fields for a 41-year-old Rodgers would be an interesting route. Fields staying in Pittsburgh would place Wilson and Kirk Cousins as veterans competing with Rodgers for jobs, adding intrigue to a QB market that may or may not include Sam Darnold — depending on the Vikings’ franchise tag call. A robust Rodgers market may not be too likely, but teams figure to show interest.

If Rodgers is out in New York, it should come as no surprise that Davante Adams is likely gone too. The Jets will not keep Adams on his Raiders-designed contract, per Breer, who notes the All-Pro receiver is almost certainly to be jettisoned soon.

Adams is tied to no guaranteed money on his through-2026 deal, but a Jets October restructure added two void years to his deal. Still, cutting the 32-year-old wideout would create more than $29MM in cap space. The team has not been in contact with the Taco Bell pitchman, who has since been linked to west coast teams like the Rams, Chargers and 49ers.

The Rodgers-Adams pairing leaving town may be good news for the Jets’ hopes of appeasing Garrett Wilson, who was believed to be clashing with the QB and taking issue with his targets following the Adams trade. The Jets will pick up Wilson’s fifth-year option by the May deadline, putting him under contract through 2026. If/when Adams is out, the Jets will again need to address their No. 2 receiver post — a common issue for Gang Green in recent years.

Jets Notes: Rodgers, Reed, Lazard, FA

February 5th, 2025 at 10:10pm CST by Ben Levine

With the Jets having settled on their organizational hierarchy, focus will now pivot to the roster…particularly their high-priced, future Hall of Fame quarterback. Aaron Rodgers has generally been noncommittal regarding his Jets future, and the QB continued that trend during a chat with the Golf Channel during the WM Phoenix Open.

“I’ve talked with the Jets,” Rodgers said when asked about his immediate future (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “We’ll figure things out when we figure them out.”

New head coach Aaron Glenn and new GM Darren Mougey will be responsible for figuring out the team’s approach at the position, as Woody Johnson has said he’ll be hands off when it comes to the handling of Rodgers. Both sides have expressed interest in keeping Rodgers in New York for the 2025 campaign, but things can obviously quickly change.

While neither the organization nor Rodgers are being definitive about his status, two members of the Jets have made it clear they want the veteran back in 2025. Quincy Williams noted that the former Super Bowl winner “takes our game to another level,” while Jermaine Johnson said he’d “obviously” welcome Rodgers back next season (per Brian Costello of the New York Post).

More notes out of New York…

  • While Rodgers’ status with the team is uncertain, it sounds a bit more definitive that two other veterans won’t be back in 2025. According to Costello, cornerback D.J. Reed isn’t expected to re-sign with the organization while wide receiver Allen Lazard is expected to be a cap casualty. Reed inked a three-year contract with the Jets back in 2022 that’s set to expire, and the veteran should garner plenty of interest after starting each of his 46 appearances with the organization. Lazard is still attached to the four-year deal he signed with the organization in 2023, and while his numbers took a step forward playing alongside Rodgers, his production with the Jets (60 catches, 841 yards in 26 games) doesn’t justify the financial commitment.
  • Mekhi Becton has turned around his career in Philly, as the former first-round pick has shed his “bust” label. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic explored Becton’s career evolution, including the end of his tumultuous tenure with the Jets. Most notably, the lineman ignored a number of messages from position coach John Benton during the 2022 offseason. This followed a 2021 campaign when Becton was limited to one game thanks to a knee injury. Becton’s 2022 season was somehow even worse, as the lineman suffered a kneecap injury that erased another campaign.
  • With Glenn now running the show, the former Lions defensive coordinator will predictably recruit players from his former stop. One of his potential targets will likely be Derrick Barnes, according to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com. The former fourth-round pick just completed his rookie contract after spending the first four seasons of his career in Detroit, where he collected 205 tackles in 51 games. The linebacker was limited to only three appearances this past season thanks to a knee injury.

Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn To Each Report To Ownership; Latest On Jets’ Aaron Rodgers Decision

January 27th, 2025 at 11:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

After adjusting their organizational workflow during the Joe Douglas-Robert Saleh era, the Jets are shifting back to a setup in which the head coach holds a bit more power.

Aaron Glenn and new GM Darren Mougey will each report to Woody Johnson, the longtime owner confirmed (via SNY’s Connor Hughes) on Monday. Considering the (largely Johnson-generated) negative perception around the Jets during this year’s hiring cycle, Glenn receiving this power is not too surprising. The Jets were able to land one of the top HC candidates in this year’s pool, and the team will give him a greater influence in the building.

This does give Mougey a bit less power, but given how matters deteriorated during Douglas’ tenure, the Jets going with this two-pronged reporting structure makes sense as a changeup approach. Mougey comes over from the Broncos, where the GM also does not hold complete authority. At least, Mougey’s ex-boss — George Paton — has not done so since Sean Payton‘s 2023 arrival. A number of NFL teams use a setup in which the HC and GM report to ownership; the Jets are back among that contingent.

Mougey and Glenn will be partners moving forward. After a chaotic final stretch during the Douglas-Saleh period, it will be interesting to see how the Jets function under their new personnel leaders. Ex-Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, whom the team entrusted to help pick out new leadership, said during an interview with ESPN 880 New York; h/t ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini) he and The33rdteam.com colleague Rick Spielman emphasized leadership over scheme when landing on Glenn.

Regarding Mougey, Tannenbaum pointed to the former Paton lieutenant surviving an ownership change while rising up the chain as a sign of his abilities. The Broncos hired Mougey in 2012, when Pat Bowlen was still charge, and retained him under the Rob Walton-led group. With John Elway effectively holding owner-level power while the Bowlen heirs squabbled during the late 2010s, Mougey’s acumen may be best illustrated by him remaining in Denver under Elway, Paton and then Payton’s leadership.

Prior to landing on Mougey, the Jets interviewed a host of candidates. A previously unreported one — interim GM Phil Savage — also met about the position, per the New York Post’s Brian Costello. Savage, who is better known for his four-year run as Browns GM during the 2000s, ran the Jets’ GM interview count to 16. Of those, six — Savage, Thomas Dimitroff, Ray Farmer, Brian Gaine, Ryan Grigson and Jon Robinson — were second-chance candidates. This hiring period saw both the NFL’s current second-chance GMs — Tom Telesco, Trent Baalke — axed, reminding how uncommon it is for front office bosses to resurface in power compared to HCs.

As Tannenbaum said Glenn “checked every box,” Glenn said Monday he will not call defensive plays. This will be a change for the four-year coordinator, who was the Lions’ defensive play-caller throughout his tenure with the resurgent franchise. Glenn’s next DC will hold that responsibility, while the former Payton lieutenant operates as a CEO HC.

Regarding Glenn’s next quarterback, Johnson said he will not throw his weight around regarding Aaron Rodgers‘ future. Johnson called Rodgers “a talent, a Hall of Famer” but said he would let Mougey and Glenn decide his Jets future. Rodgers said recently his future with the team was in the next HC-GM pair’s hands, and a Sunday report indicated both Glenn and Rodgers would be open to a partnership for the 2025 season. Glenn certainly stopped short of hinting which direction the Jets will go when asked about Rodgers’ future.

“This thing is not about Aaron Rodgers, folks. This is about the roster,” Glenn said, via Cimini. “We plan on building the best roster that we can. So, whatever that may be — guard, tackle, defensive tackle — that’s what we’re evaluating. Listen, everybody’s under the microscope. That’s just what it is.”

As our Rory Parks pointed out, the Jets holding the No. 7 overall pick — in a much-maligned draft at the QB position — and not having a younger option waiting in the wings would presumably make them likely to reexamine the Rodgers situation. In the wake of Douglas’ firing, a few reports suggested Rodgers was on his way out in New York. Amid a meddling spree on the owner’s part, Johnson was believed to have called for Rodgers’ benching on multiple occasions.

It would cost the Jets more than $49MM in dead money, which would likely be spread over two years via post-June 1 release, to dump Rodgers’ contract. If Glenn and Mougey want to start fresh, that makes sense. But obtaining a surefire upgrade on Rodgers will not be a lock.

Then again, Rodgers has not yet determined if he wants to continue playing. Plenty of moving parts exist for the Jets at quarterback. After Johnson’s previous interference — to the point at least one of his teenage sons was believed to be involved in personnel decisions — irked Douglas and many others (per Cimini) in the organization, the owner will attempt to step back and let his new hires run the show.

Jets HC Aaron Glenn Amenable To Aaron Rodgers Return; Rodgers Willing To Play For Glenn

January 26th, 2025 at 10:10pm CST by Rory Parks

The Jets have their new head coach (Aaron Glenn) and general manager (Darren Mougey) in place. They also have 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers under contract through 2025. Although there is plenty of non-QB work for the new power brokers to accomplish – including hiring an offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator – one can reasonably expect Rodgers-Jets rumors to begin circulating anew.

Before New York agreed to terms with Glenn and Mougey, Rodgers acknowledged that his future with the club would be up to the new hirees (though he also has plenty of say in the matter himself, of course, especially since retirement is a real option). According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Glenn is open to a Rodgers return, and the quarterback is likewise amenable to playing for the first-time HC (video link).

We heard back in November that the Jets were likely to part ways with Rodgers this offseason, a sentiment that was echoed earlier this month. After his first Jets campaign in 2023 was cut short after just four snaps, Rodgers played an entire season in 2024, though the results generally fell short of expectations. For what it’s worth, Glenn still viewed Rodgers as an elite quarterback at the time he was traded from the Packers, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini notes. While plenty has changed since, Glenn did coach against Rodgers four times while an NFC North DC.

Additionally, due to the looming presence of a $35MM roster bonus that can be paid at any time prior to Week 1 of the 2025 season, it would be more expensive to part ways with Rodgers in 2026 than it would be if New York elected to move on now and avoid paying out the bonus.

On the other hand, it’s not as if the Jets have a young passer waiting in the wings, and their No. 7 overall draft slot may not be high enough to select one of the top signal-callers in this year’s crop absent a trade-up maneuver (and the 2025 class of QBs is considered to be a weak one anyway). And, since the Jets do have a number of talented players on both sides of the ball, Glenn and Mougey may feel that Rodgers, coupled with a non-Nathaniel Hackett OC, gives them the best chance to start their tenures out on the right foot by turning in a competitive 2025 season.

The relatively weak QB draft class could bolster the asking prices of several veteran passers who are likely to hit free agency. Rodgers would theoretically be among that group if the Jets choose to cut him, but recent reports have suggested he may not generate a particularly strong market. That could partially explain his preference to remain with New York should he opt to continue his playing career. 

In 17 games in 2024, Rodgers led the team to a 5-12 record and completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. That amounted to a traditional quarterback rating of 90.5 (just below league average) and a QBR of 49.5, which trailed the likes of Aidan O’Connell and Mason Rudolph.

Jets Planning Second Round Of GM Interviews

January 18th, 2025 at 9:55am CST by Ben Levine

The Jets are set to kick off the next step of their wide-ranging GM search. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets are currently planning a second round of interviews for their general manager job.

Barring a late addition, the Jets’ first round of GM interviews included 15 individuals. One of those initial candidates is now off the market, as the Titans hired Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi for their top job. Cimini notes that Borgonzi was a strong candidate for New York’s gig.

Still, that would leave 14 potential candidates for the Jets job, and the organization shouldn’t be worried about another executive getting away. Per Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the team’s GM candidates view the organization’s outlook “more positively than the public.” Of course, with only the Jets and Raiders jobs currently open, these candidates can’t be overly picky about their landing spot. Still, it’s at least encouraging that any recent chaos in New York hasn’t dissuaded future GMs.

Schultz reaffirms that the Jets’ next general manager (along with the team’s future HC addition) will ultimately determine Aaron Rodgers‘ fate in New York. The quarterback also hinted that his future with the organization will be dependent on the Jets’ new regime.

“I think everybody understands that it’s going to come down to a GM and a coach and myself and whether we all want to do a dance together or if it’s not in the cards,” Rodgers said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” (via Cimini).

As our GM tracker shows, the Jets’ current list of GM candidates includes:

Aaron Rodgers Unlikely To Have Strong Free Agent Market?

January 1st, 2025 at 11:25pm CST by Adam La Rose

At least one more game remains in Aaron Rodgers‘ Jets career, but it would come as no surprise if he were to be let go after the season ends. Retirement could ensue after that, but if the future Hall of Famer were to continue playing he may not have a long list of suitors.

Rodgers tore his Achilles in his Jets debut, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2023 campaign. He (along with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas) remained in place for the start of the current season. Both members of the previous regime have since been fired, though, and on the whole Rodgers’ play has not matched expectations. A new pair of decision-makers will be in place well before the start of the 2025 season, and a reset under center would be an understandable approach leaving Rodgers with an uncertain outlook. He and the team have not discussed what will happen once the season ends, but he is well aware a trip to free agency could be looming.

If that turns out to be the case, Rodgers would certainly be a notable name on the market. Given his age (41) and underwhelming output this season, however, teams could prefer to look elsewhere at the position. As Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes, some around the league believe a tepid market could be in place for the four-time MVP given his level of play and the off-the-field matters which have increasingly become an aspect of his career.

“No way are [the Jets] bringing him back,” an anonymous general manager told La Canfora. “And I don’t see anyone signing him to be their starter. The Giants won’t do it. The Saints won’t do it. The Raiders have to go young. Does he take a huge pay cut and fight for a job somewhere? Can you see him doing that? Where’s the fit?”

As usual, several teams are in position to make notable moves at the quarterback spot this offseason, and a number of veterans will no doubt be on the move shortly. With questions over the upside of many passers in the upcoming draft class, more emphasis could be placed on finding short-term answers under center. Any number of teams could show interest in Rodgers as a result, but a short-term pact with a value well below the top of the QB market would be expected in that case.

The longtime Packer has made it clear his preference would be to remain with the Jets for 2025, but a post-June 1 release would yield considerable cap savings (next year in particular) while allowing New York to start over at the quarterback spot. It is uncertain at this point if the team will take that route, but if so Rodgers’ future would consist of hanging up his cleats or attempting to find a new team for the second time in his career.

Jets, Aaron Rodgers Have Not Discussed Future; QB Still Undecided On Retirement

December 24th, 2024 at 7:04pm CST by Adam La Rose

As continues to deal with his latest nagging injury, Aaron Rodgers confirmed he will play the Jets’ final two games this season. Whether those matchups represent the final ones of his tenure with the team – if not of his career – remains to be seen.

[POLL: Where Will Aaron Rodgers Play In 2025?]

Signs have long pointed to a parting of ways between the parties, and Rodgers himself admitted on Monday he could be released once the regular season ends. The four-time MVP’s preference would be to remain in New York if he elects to continue his career for at least one more season. It is still uncertain at this point, though, if Rodgers will suit up for the 2025 campaign.

On the Jets’ side of things, major organizational decisions loom which will no doubt have an impact on Rodgers. The team needs a new general manager and head coach, and it would come as no surprise if the new regime (once in place) elects to move in a different direction under center. Indeed, the Jets have been named as a team to watch regarding the addition of a quarterback through the draft, although Rodgers appears to be on board with taking a pay cut if it helps him stay in place for one more year. With plenty still to be sorted out, the 41-year-old noted on Tuesday his future is up in the air.

“There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be a part of hiring the head coach,” Rodgers said (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “And then so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach. So that’s why to me, that would not be a conversation I’m expecting anytime soon until those things are in place.”

The Jets will miss the postseason once again this year, so moves on the coaching and GM fronts will likely take place relatively soon. Owner Woody Johnson will of course have a key role to play in the latter search in particular, and whether or not the new group of decision-makers wants to keep Rodgers around. A rift between owner and QB has been suggested multiple times, with Johnson having wanted to bench Rodgers at least once earlier this year. The longtime Packer has reportedly been frustrated with the handling of former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett‘s demotion, a move which stripped power from one of the many people brought in with connections from his time in Green Bay.

When asked if he feels Johnson wants him back at this point, Rodgers simply replied (via Cimini), “you should ask Woody.” Notably, Rodgers added no conversations have taken place regarding how team and player will proceed once the season ends. New York’s offense has not delivered on expectations in 2024, although in recent weeks (sparked in no small part by the reunion between Rodgers and wideout Davante Adams) the unit has shown signs of improvement. Still, resetting under center – and quite probably moving on from Adams along the way – will be a feasible move for the team this offseason.

Rodgers reiterated his desire to remain a Jet for 2025, but he added there would be “no offense” taken if a release were to take place. Even if the team’s top brass express a willingness to keep him on board, the future Hall of Famer said he would take time to contemplate his situation. Rodgers, of course, nearly retired prior to arriving with the Jets via trade in the spring of 2023. His Achilles tear four snaps into his debut with his new team set up a pay cut and a return for this season, but things have not gone according to plan (as evidenced by the midseason firings of Robert Saleh and, later, Joe Douglas).

Rodgers has increasingly found himself in the spotlight during the waning years of his career, and questions about his future will continue until clarity emerges. It will not be for some time until that point arrives, but his situation will serve as a central storyline for the Jets as the franchise approaches a critical offseason.

Poll: Where Will Aaron Rodgers Play In 2025?

December 23rd, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Aaron Rodgers‘ latest Pat McAfee Show appearance again made reference to (via ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini) potentially being a first-time free agent soon. Although the Jets should not be ruled out from reversing course on their rumored QB divorce and keeping their aging quarterback, a look for 2025 landing spots remains relevant.

The 20th-year veteran has stopped short of confirming he will be back next season, but as of mid-November he was pointing to a return for 2025. If nothing else, Rodgers may want a chance to provide a better conclusion to his decorated career compared to what is transpiring this season in New York. The Jets are 4-11, which will clinch their worst record since Zach Wilson‘s rookie year, and are expected to draft a quarterback.

It is worth wondering if the Jets could keep Rodgers as a bridge, considering he has expressed interest in staying. The 41-year-old passer said he would prefer to stay rather than relocate again, but reports in the wake of Joe Douglas‘ ouster place the team as being ready to move on. Rodgers and Woody Johnson also appeared to disagree on Nathaniel Hackett‘s employment this offseason, and the owner — perhaps on multiple occasions — called for the QB’s benching this year. Rodgers has played better as of late, however, and could be an option for a Jets team that is unlikely to earn a top-two pick. Barring a trade-up, the Jets would not then be in position for one of the top two arms in the 2025 class (Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders) and may then need to expand their options.

Ranking 23rd in QBR and averaging a career-low 6.6 yards per attempt, Rodgers should not be closely associated with his prime years or even the late-prime seasons that brought him his third and fourth MVPs. But he is certainly good enough to hold a starting job somewhere. A team would need to provide an opportunity, and Rodgers carries some baggage at this stage of his career some franchises may be fine avoiding. Though, it is not hard to see a few teams showing a degree of interest.

Sam Darnold will be the 2025 free agent class’ prize, should the Vikings not use their franchise tag on the surging starter. Russell Wilson wants to re-sign with the Steelers, who are expected to pursue a second contract with their starter. But his value is somewhat murky right now. Minnesota’s second-best QB, Daniel Jones, will be a lower-cost option. Justin Fields would be as well, with Jameis Winston an unstable bridge for teams who do not project to land one of the top rookie arms. A host of backup-level options will once again hit the market as well.

The Jets still have Tyrod Taylor under contract; if Rodgers is not brought back, he would be a midlevel stopgap option. But a new GM-HC duo is coming — one that will bring a new offense for Taylor to learn, if he in fact is retained. It would cost more for the Jets to drop Rodgers in 2026 — due to a roster bonus that reminds of his 2023 Packers situation — than it would in 2025, when he would bring a $49MM dead money hit. Like the Broncos and Wilson, the Jets cannot designated Rodgers a post-June 1 cut — which would split the dead money between 2025 and ’26 — until March 12, the start of the 2025 league year. If the team’s new regime would be onboard with absorbing all of that $49MM in 2025, it could cut the cord in mid-February like the Raiders did with Derek Carr in 2023.

Expanding the board for Rodgers beyond New York, the Titans seem like a place to start. A Trade Rumors Front Office piece explored a Rodgers-Tennessee fit last month, and Will Levis has since been benched. The Titans added a host of pieces on offense (Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry, JC Latham) to improve Levis’ situation but did not see the additions matter much in that regard. With Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon not steering their ship into calm waters post-Mike Vrabel, a semi-desperate solution exists in Rodgers. Beyond Tennessee, some creativity may be necessary.

The Colts reside in a similar situation, having seen 2023 draftee Anthony Richardson display one of the modern NFL’s worst completion percentages. He is still carrying a 47.7% completion rate; only six passers have previously posted sub-50% accuracy numbers (minimum 200 attempts) in a season this century. The Colts have obviously tried the veteran route extensively post-Andrew Luck, with the Matt Ryan experiment potentially making Rodgers a non-starter. But Indianapolis probably will need to look into competition for Richardson in 2025. Its quartet of Day 2 wideout investments, all under contract next year, would benefit from a significant accuracy upgrade.

The Browns are believed to be interested in Darnold; would a regime that has moved onto hotter seats, then, be interested in Rodgers? The latter would not cost as much as Darnold soon will, though a QB contract beyond the rookie-scale level will be an issue for a Browns team stuck with Deshaun Watson. The team is planning to retain the wildly underwhelming starter in 2025, as it would cost $172MM to drop him. Even with Andrew Berry‘s penchant for void years that reduce cap charges in exchange for future hikes, a midlevel starter contract would be a complicated effort. But a veteran-laden Browns roster that observed Joe Flacco elevate Kevin Stefanski‘s offense would at least align with Rodgers’ shortened timeline.

If the Steelers cannot reach a deal with Wilson, their roster would also line up with a potential Rodgers one-off. On the surface, Rodgers’ antics probably do not mesh with this organization — as interesting as a fit with Mike Tomlin would be — though the team may still need to see how Wilson performs over the next few weeks to determine whether a substantial raise is called for. How different Wilson and Rodgers’ price points will be also checks in as an issue for what still seems like a poor fit in Pittsburgh, even though the team — which famously does not negotiate in-season — has both Wilson and Justin Fields due for free agency.

The Raiders dropped several spots in the draft order thanks to their Week 16 win over the Jaguars, and Rodgers did have them on his destination list during his 2021 offseason standoff with the Packers. That said, the Raiders are squarely in rebuilding mode and do not seem a likely landing spot. With the Giants now moving toward the No. 1 overall pick, neither do they.

We fired up a similar poll two years ago, as rumors circulated about Tom Brady being likely to leave the Buccaneers after 2022. The legendary passer was connected to teams but did not end up playing again, retiring for a second time. Rodgers, who classified himself as “90% retired” two offseasons ago before joining the Jets will have retirement squarely in play once again. Will the future first-ballot Hall of Famer take that route or end up with one of these teams? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.

Jets Notes: Johnson, Rodgers, Hackett

December 20th, 2024 at 10:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

Thursday brought a strange revelation from Jets headquarters, bringing Madden into the strange role of roster determinations. Beyond the Jerry Jeudy near-trade quickly becoming one of the odder what-ifs in recent NFL history, the Jets may need to run through some other matters as they attempt to make quality GM and HC hires.

Some of the dysfunction reported does stem from Aaron Rodgers, who effectively kept Nathaniel Hackett employed as the team’s play-caller coming into the season. Before the Jets launched a stealth search for a coach who would cut into Hackett’s duties, The Athletic’s well-detailed Dianna Russini, Zack Rosenblatt and Michael Silver report indicates Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall expressed were not happy with the embattled OC throughout last season (subscription required). This may well have led to a meeting that helped the Rodgers-Woody Johnson relationship reach its present point.

Rumblings circulated that Johnson wanted to fire Hackett after the 2023 season, but Rodgers is believed to have stepped in to prevent that from happening. Rodgers has been close with Hackett since their Green Bay days, long stumping for the veteran OC. This included an offseason meeting with Johnson that “didn’t go over well” with the owner, per The Athletic. Rodgers had brought up this matter with Johnson. Months later, the owner attempted to have the QB benched.

Shortly after that benching effort, Johnson went around GM Joe Douglas and fired Robert Saleh. While Rodgers was accused of being complicit in that ouster, The Athletic notes the quarterback’s conversation with Johnson included a request the owner remain patient with the head coach. This also runs counter to Johnson’s claim the two did not discuss Saleh in that meeting. As could be expected, Rodgers had also told Saleh he disagreed with the then-HC’s decision to demote Hackett — a move interim HC Jeff Ulbrich ended up carrying out anyway.

Going back to Rodgers’ lost 2023 season, the Jets being mathematically eliminated in Week 14 had led Rodgers to cool down his crusade to return from his Achilles tear before season’s end and instead gear up for 2024. This involved continuing to rehab in Los Angeles, but The Athletic adds Johnson pushed the quarterback to come back to New York and return to practice. This prompted the Jets to use one of their injury activations on a player who did not end up playing again. Rodgers expressed disappointment he was activated as it cost fullback Nick Bawden a roster spot. Rodgers said during a Pat McAfee Show appearance the activation — which occurred in Week 16 — was not his idea.

Other strange quarterback incidents have occurred during Johnson’s recent years back from his role as ambassador to the United Kingdom. He is believed to have criticized then-starter Mike White in front of other players, following a Week 17 loss to the Seahawks in which White played through broken ribs. Allegedly saying, “You should throw your helmet; you f—– suck” in reference to White postgame, per Russini, Rosenblatt and Silver. Johnson later apologized to the QB once the owner’s comments eventually got back to him, per a Jets spokesperson. White left in free agency weeks later, leaving the Jets without veteran protection once Rodgers went down.

Postgame criticism from the Johnsons has not been isolated to quarterbacks, as The Athletic adds the owner’s teenage sons — Brick and Jack — were heard “loudly” criticizing multiple players after the Jets’ Week 17 loss to the Browns in 2023. In a separate matter related to access, Johnson also had members of his investment group at Jets draft and free agency meetings this year. These revelations, among others involving access to the team’s locker room, will not exactly endear the Jets to free agents.

Additionally, in a matter perhaps stranger than the Jeudy process, Johnson is believed to have told Douglas to keep the Jets’ Mr. Irrelevant draft choice (No. 257) and instead trade 256 to the Broncos. Denver had asked for No. 257 in the pick-swap trade for Zach Wilson, but the teams ended up finalizing a weeks-long negotiation in a trade that included No. 256 going from Denver to New York. This would be a rather shocking footnote for an eventful Jets year, as this report would have Johnson valuing Mr. Irrelevant-related publicity over a slightly better pick.

White and Wilson are long gone, while Rodgers is viewed as on his way out. But the 2024 Jets draft also included another quarterback, Jordan Travis, chosen in the fifth round. This will amount to a redshirt season for the Florida State alum, who has been on the reserve/NFI list throughout the season. Ulbrich said (via ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini) the ankle injury that altered the Seminoles’ CFP hopes last year remains an issue, indicating Travis has suffered setbacks in his recovery this year.

Unlike Hendon Hooker last year, Travis does not appear set to move onto his team’s active roster before season’s end. This would mean Travis’ contract would toll, extending his rookie deal through 2028. Travis has bigger hurdles to navigate in the short term, however.

Johnson is viewed as likely to stay with the Jets following this season. The news of Donald Trump’s second presidential administration tabbing someone else (banker Warren Stevens) as the UK ambassador surprised Johnson, according to The Athletic. The owner will continue to play the lead role in hiring a coach and GM, doing so after brother Christopher Johnson hired Douglas and Saleh. Some hesitation from candidates certainly could be part of the fallout from recent events becoming public.

Aaron Rodgers Open To Another Pay Cut To Remain With Jets; Team Likely To Draft QB

December 18th, 2024 at 10:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

In the Jets’ Week 15 win over the Jaguars, Aaron Rodgers posted his first 300-yard passing game since the 2021 season. Showcasing his rapport with Davante Adams, Rodgers may also have continued to make his case he can be a team’s starter in 2025.

Rodgers has gone from leaning toward playing next season to being undecided. The four-time MVP again said he would take time to process his future after the season. Though, he added (via SNY’s Connor Hughes) a Jets release could come soon after the season. The Jets could designate Rodgers a post-June 1 cut, but were they to do so, the transaction cannot occur until the start of the 2025 league year (March 12). If the Jets are keen on taking a $49MM dead money hit in 2025, they could release Rodgers in February.

It is interesting to hear a starting quarterback assess his future in this way, though Rodgers has obviously become a rather outspoken presence over the past few years. The Jets are widely believed to be ready to move on at season’s end. Woody Johnson attempted to have the decorated QB benched on at least one occasion, with another effort also rumored to have taken place. With the Jets readying to start over at GM and HC, that duo is expected to look for a new starting quarterback as well.

The Raiders and Giants, however, have the inside track to the 2025 draft’s top two quarterback prospects — Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. (At 4-10, the Jets are projected to pick eighth.) In a QB class not viewed as particularly special, the Giants and Raiders finishing with the league’s two worst records could force other teams to look more closely at free agency or the trade market. The Jets have a player other teams would seemingly consider, baggage and all, but Rodgers has said his first choice would be to remain a Jet. He added another detail to this stance Wednesday, indicating (via Hughes) he would be open to a contract adjustment to stay.

Rodgers, 41, did not limit potential solutions to a pay cut. Though, a restructure would push more money into the future; it would be unlikely if a new Jets regime was ready to go down that road. It would already cost the team $49MM in dead money — as of now, that would be the second-highest single-player total in NFL history — for the Jets to release Rodgers. They could split that amount through two years with a post-June 1 cut.

Similar to his 2023 Packers arrangement, Rodgers is due a $35MM roster bonus that can be paid at any point before Week 1, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. That timeline gave the Packers flexibility to move on, executing a trade in late April of last year. The Jets are unlikely to have a comparable trade market, though Rodgers being open to a few solutions could also include reducing the bonus number. Of course, he could simply force a release and keep the contract as is. Rodgers would still have full control over a trade destination due to a no-trade clause, but given the developments over the past two seasons, it would be more realistic if he were released.

Rodgers’ latest complex contract would also make him more expensive to cut in 2026 than 2025, per ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini, who notes the dead cap charge would increase to $63MM if the Jets retain him in ’25 and move on a year later. The option bonus being paid by the Jets before Week 1 of next season would prorate through the contract’s life (four void years are on the deal) and accelerate onto their 2026 cap sheet. The Broncos faced a somewhat similar situation with Russell Wilson, whose 2025 salary guarantee would have made him a bit more expensive to drop in 2025 compared to a 2024 release. Denver ended up biting the bullet, producing an $83MM-plus dead money total that shattered the NFL record.

Through that lens, the Jets keeping Rodgers in 2025 on his current contract may be a nonstarter. But the 20-year veteran did accept a significant pay cut in 2023 to help the Jets, removing roughly $35MM from his deal in August of last year. Another such move may be the only decision that could keep him in New York.

Regardless of Rodgers’ 2025 status, the Jets are expected to draft a quarterback, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The Jets did not bring in an heir apparent in 2023 or ’24, centering their plan on their aging starter. Rodgers has experience in a team drafting a passer early, with the Packers’ 2020 Jordan Love trade-up famously rankling the QB and leading to the 2021 standoff. Green Bay brass not alerting Rodgers of that trade-up beforehand became a point of contention, but he still played three more seasons with the team. If Rodgers manages to stick around with the Jets, it likely would be for just one more season. Only void years remain on Rodgers’ contract beyond 2025.

As of now, the Jets are not expecting Johnson to be part of Donald Trump’s second presidential administration. That would mean the longtime owner, who was away as the ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 through January 2021, would make the decision on Rodgers. Based on what we have heard thus far, Johnson would likely come down on the side of starting over.

If the Jets do not hold a top-two pick, their options may narrow to the point keeping Rodgers could become a consideration. How Rodgers plays over the team’s final three games and how he approaches the offseason will contribute to the Jets’ near-future plan, as the prospect of an all-time QB great hitting free agency at 41 will loom barring a significant change.

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