Aaron Rodgers Intends to Return to Jets for Another Season Despite Challenges
Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated debut season with the New York Jets has fallen short of expectations. With the team holding a disappointing 3-7 record, far from playoff contention, the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes have all but vanished. Rodgers’ own performance metrics are among the lowest of his career—posting a meager 6.4 yards per attempt, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15-to-7, and a completion rate of 62.4%, one of his personal lows.
Despite the setbacks, Rodgers appears determined to continue with the Jets. When asked on Wednesday if this season’s struggles had influenced his previous plan to play beyond 2024, he responded simply, “Not really, not for the negative.” He clarified that he still intends to play, leaving the door open for another go in 2025.
Yet, as Rodgers expresses his commitment, another question looms: will the Jets feel the same? Now nearing 41 and recovering from a torn Achilles, Rodgers faces declining physicality. If he decides to return, the Jets are bound by the third year of his $112.5 million contract, which carries a $23.5 million salary cap hit if they keep him. Should they release him, the franchise would incur a dead cap hit of $49 million, spread over two seasons—$14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026.
From a financial perspective, Rodgers’ return makes sense, but football motivations appear less compelling. With four MVP titles, a Super Bowl ring, and a near-guaranteed spot in the Hall of Fame, Rodgers’ legacy is already solidified. He joined the Jets hoping to capture a second championship, yet the current season has extinguished those dreams, and another try next year offers no certainty of improved outcomes.
Whether Rodgers will maintain his stance in the offseason, knowing another year of NFL hits awaits, is uncertain. But, for now, he’s prepared to play out his contract. If that remains his position, the decision ultimately rests with the Jets on how they’ll proceed.
