The New York Jets made the decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason, cutting ties with the future Hall of Famer just two years after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade.
It marked a turning point for the franchise, as new general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn set out to reshape the team in their own vision, one that didn’t include Rodgers.
By all accounts, it wasn’t just the Jets pulling away. Reports have indicated the split may have been more mutual than some initially believed. While the Jets were ready to go in a different direction at quarterback, it seems Rodgers wasn’t all that eager to return to a team with no clear Super Bowl path.
That decision to move on is looking smarter by the day.
According to CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, Rodgers is “more likely to retire than sign with a team that’s not a Super Bowl contender.” The report paints a clear picture of a quarterback who isn’t interested in rebuilding projects or transitional years.
Rodgers only wants to return if he believes he can immediately compete for a championship, and that likely ruled out the Jets before they ever made their final call.
NY Jets continue to be validated for moving on from Aaron Rodgers
The Rodgers decision was a complex one for the new Jets regime this offseason. The four-time MVP was coming off the worst season of his NFL career but was still considered to be one of the more appealing options in a weak quarterback market.
But as is always the case with Aaron Rodgers, the conversation extended far beyond just his on-field play. His contract, recent injury history, and the gravity he carries off the field all played a role in the Jets’ decision to move on.
Rodgers’ ongoing indecision about his 2025 plans only makes the Jets’ decision look even prudent. The 41-year-old has spent the entire offseason flirting with retirement, and while the Pittsburgh Steelers remain hopeful he’ll be their quarterback this year, Rodgers has yet to make anything official.
The Steelers are just days away from the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, and they still don’t know who their quarterback will be. They’ve essentially been held hostage by Rodgers as he weighs his options.
That’s a situation the Jets likely feel fortunate to have avoided, especially considering his intentions to only play for a contender this year.
The Jets won just five games with Rodgers as their quarterback last season. It’s hard to envision a scenario where they could’ve improved the roster enough this offseason to legitimately contend for a championship with him under center in 2025.
Rodgers might still believe he can compete for a title, but it’s clear he only wants to do so on his own terms. That’s not the kind of approach this new Jets regime is embracing. The organization has turned the page, and with each new Rodgers update, that decision looks smarter and smarter.
More NY Jets news and analysis:
