Aaron Rodgers | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Aaron Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets remains uncertain, and his recent comments have only added to the speculation. On Tuesday, Rodgers avoided directly answering whether Jets owner Woody Johnson wants him to return in 2025, fueling talk of tension between the quarterback and ownership.
When asked if Johnson sees him as part of the team’s future, Rodgers replied curtly, “You should ask Woody.” Asked whether he had spoken with Johnson about his future, he simply said, “No.”
Rodgers Nearing the End?
At 41, Rodgers is preparing for what could be the final two games of his Jets career—or perhaps his NFL career. Despite dealing with an MCL injury to his left knee, Rodgers insists he will play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, stating, “There is no way I’m not playing.” Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, however, was less committal.
With the Jets sitting at 4-11 and facing one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory, Rodgers’ future has become a bigger storyline than the remaining games.
Tensions with Ownership
On Monday, Rodgers made headlines during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, poking fun at Johnson. He referenced a report from The Athletic that suggested Johnson is influenced by his teenage sons, joking, “I’ve never been released by a teenager.”
A source told ESPN it would be surprising if Johnson brings Rodgers back in 2025, even though the quarterback remains under contract. The report also noted that Johnson considered benching Rodgers in Week 6, which reportedly didn’t sit well with the veteran quarterback.
Rodgers has openly discussed the possibility of being released after the season, even mentioning a potential timeline of Jan. 6. While he doesn’t believe it’s likely, Rodgers admitted, “I don’t think it’s a high percentage. “I think this is probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero [percent chance].”
Despite the speculation, Rodgers expressed gratitude to the Johnson family for bringing him to New York in 2023. He described a return in 2025 as “special,” as it would mean the organization values his role in shaping the team’s future.
Frustrations on the Offense
Tensions aren’t limited to ownership; wide receiver Garrett Wilson has also expressed frustration over his role in the offense. After a quiet performance in Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Wilson said he wants more targets, although he didn’t name Rodgers directly.
“I’ve talked to him throughout the season about some of [his frustrations],” Rodgers said, adding, “Not this week. No, not in the last couple of weeks, but it’s not the first time. So, there’s been conversations about it.”
Ulbrich, however, supported Wilson’s concerns, stating, “We have to find ways to get Garrett the ball more often,” Ulbrich said. “He’s one of the best players on our team, if not one of the best players in this league, especially at his position.”
Since Davante Adams joined the team in Week 7, Wilson’s opportunities have diminished. Adams, a longtime favorite of Rodgers, has received 93 targets with 56 receptions, while Wilson has seen 74 targets and made 49 catches in the same span.
Rodgers defended his decision-making, noting, “Coverage dictates where I throw the ball. We’ve moved [Wilson] around a bunch, and there are plenty of plays where he’s No. 1 or 2 in the progression.”
Injury Updates
The Jets placed rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu on injured reserve after he suffered a plantar fascia injury to his left foot. The injury doesn’t require surgery but ends Fashanu’s season.
What’s Next?
As the Jets close out a disappointing season, questions about Rodgers’ future loom large. Whether he returns to New York, continues his NFL career elsewhere, or retires, one thing is clear: Rodgers isn’t afraid to stir the pot on his way out.
Related Content: What Went Wrong for the New York Jets?
This report used information from ESPN.
