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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made it clear Wednesday that he isn’t playing the rest of the season to prove his worth to the team or future employers. Despite his struggles this year, the four-time NFL MVP believes his career accomplishments should speak for themselves.
“If they want me to stay, fantastic,” the four-time MVP said. “If it takes these five games, maybe they don’t know what I bring to the table. But that being said, I’d love to play really frigging well the last five games.”
Rodgers’ Future with the Jets in Doubt
Rodgers is enduring one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, and sources suggest his future with the Jets is uncertain. Owner Woody Johnson reportedly debated benching him earlier in the season and is said to need convincing to bring Rodgers back in 2025. NFL Network reported that Rodgers must finish the season strong to remain in the Jets’ plans.
There are reports that Johnson pushed for in-season changes, leading to the firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich has since taken over, but the Jets have gone 1-6 since Saleh’s dismissal, dropping to 3-9 on the season.
Rodgers addressed Johnson’s involvement, referencing comments made during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. While discussing ownership’s role in supporting team leadership, Rodgers praised the Detroit Lions for standing by their staff through tough times.
Asked directly about Johnson’s public support, Rodgers replied, “Is that a rhetorical question?” he said. “Like I said, I cited an example that I’ve seen. There were probably examples over the years in Green Bay … but I think it’s an important part of ownership to hire the right guys, set the vision, and then support them when the outside world is trying to tear them down.”
Pressed on the question of Johnson’s support, Rodgers said, “I mean, I’d have to look. I don’t follow a lot of stuff. I’d have to ask you guys. Has there been a lot of public comments? Supportive comments?”
The Saleh and Douglas firings were mentioned to him.
“Yeah, so there’s your answer.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Rodgers turns 41 this week and remains undecided about his future. He is under contract with the Jets for 2025 but has no guaranteed money tied to his $37.5 million salary. He reiterated that his “first option” would be to return to the Jets but said he needs time to assess his health and interest in continuing to play.
“I’d like to feel like I’m wanted. Rodgers said. “If not, I won’t be offended. I won’t be upset. I’ll be so thankful either way.
“I have to be healthy mentally, physically, and then there’s got to be interest on both sides. And if that’s not the case, then I’ll look at other options, but first I’ll think about whether I actually want a play or not. It usually takes a good month to get away from it, which I’ll do the first month, and then see what happens.”
The Jets’ playoff hopes are virtually over. A loss to the Miami Dolphins this Sunday would officially eliminate them, extending their league-leading playoff drought to 14 years.
Adams’ Future Also Uncertain
Wide receiver Davante Adams, Rodgers’ close friend and midseason trade acquisition, also faces an uncertain future with the Jets. Adams, under contract through 2026, carries a hefty cap charge of $38.3 million in both 2025 and 2026. Without a restructured deal, the Jets may have no choice but to release him.
When asked about his plans, Adams said, “That’s a great question and I truly don’t have the answer to it right now,” I would love to be a part of this football team. … I’d love to go to war with these guys, but it’s a business and there are a lot of pieces, contractually, and, obviously, with Aaron’s future — a lot of things that I can’t control.”
Adams added, “Hopefully, we do enough to where everybody’s feeling like it’s the right thing to do for us to stay here.”
Jets Face Big Decisions
With a new general manager and head coach coming in 2025, the Jets face significant decisions about their roster and leadership. Rodgers and Adams, two of the team’s most high-profile players, could both be gone, leaving the franchise in yet another rebuilding phase. For now, Rodgers remains focused on finishing the season on a positive note, even as questions about his future loom.
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This report used information from ESPN.
