In the wake of a turbulent season capped off with a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was reflective about his future, both in the NFL and with the Jets organization.
Rodgers, 41, expressed his gratitude for his two years in New York but stopped short of committing to another season.
“I just need some time away to think about my future in the game, and my future here if they want me to be a part of the next phase,” Rodgers said. “Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here.”
If Sunday’s game marks the end of Rodgers’ illustrious career, it was a memorable sendoff. He joined the exclusive 500-touchdown club with a strike to tight end Tyler Conklin, becoming just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to achieve the milestone. Rodgers finished the game with 274 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, delivering two late-game touchdown passes to fend off a potential Dolphins comeback.
A Vintage Performance in an Uncertain Year
Rodgers’ season was a rollercoaster. Following his 2023 Achilles injury, the future Hall of Famer returned in 2024 with flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Despite the Jets’ organizational chaos and an underperforming roster, Rodgers posted solid numbers:
- 63% completion rate
- 3,897 passing yards (third-best single-season total in Jets history)
- 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions
While those stats would ordinarily secure a quarterback’s return, Rodgers and the Jets face deeper uncertainties, particularly as the organization searches for new leadership at both the head coach and general manager positions.
Rodgers’ Decision Timeline
Rodgers was candid about needing time to evaluate his next steps:
“I honestly don’t know… if I did, I don’t know that I’d tell you.”
He also dismissed speculation that those close to him were hinting at retirement. However, he did leave the door open to playing elsewhere if the Jets decide to move on:
“If they don’t want me, I’d consider other opportunities.”
Jets’ Offseason in Flux
The Jets are simultaneously dealing with a head-coaching and general manager vacancy. The franchise has already interviewed multiple candidates, including former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who is widely considered one of the top options on the market. Vrabel, however, may also be courted by the New England Patriots, who fired Jerod Mayo after just one season.
What’s Next?
As Rodgers steps away to deliberate his future, the Jets face a pivotal offseason. They’ll need to determine if Rodgers, who carries a $37.5 million cap hit in 2025, aligns with their vision for a franchise desperate to emerge from decades of inconsistency.
Rodgers’ decision will likely set the tone for a transformative offseason in New York. Whether he returns to lead the Jets or suits up for another team, one thing is clear: his journey with the Jets—and potentially his storied career—remains an open-ended story.
