The New York Jets have announced the release of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, bringing an end to a tumultuous chapter marked by unmet expectations and significant organizational change. The decision comes after a challenging 2024 season in which the Jets finished with a 5-12 record, despite Rodgers starting every game. As Rodgers prepares to enter free agency on March 13, the Jets are now turning their focus toward securing a veteran quarterback either through trade or free agency to stabilize their lineup.
Rodgers' tenure with the Jets began with high hopes when he joined the team in April 2023. His arrival was celebrated as a major acquisition for the franchise, with owner Woody Johnson expressing gratitude for Rodgers' decision to join the team and continue his Hall of Fame career.
"His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career." – Woody Johnson
Despite the initial enthusiasm, Rodgers' performance on the field fell short of expectations. He finished the season ranked 25th in Total QBR, 30th in completion percentage, and 28th in yards per attempt among qualified passers. These statistics contributed to the Jets' struggles in close games, as they posted a 3-7 record in one-score games, with Rodgers unable to secure victories on several final possessions.
Rodgers did manage to make notable contributions, throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, placing him third on the Jets' single-season list for both categories. However, these efforts were overshadowed by the team's overall performance. The Jets' disappointing season also saw the departure of Coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Joe Douglas, who were pivotal in recruiting Rodgers to the team.
In an effort to support the team financially, Rodgers voluntarily took a $35 million pay cut in 2023 to provide cap relief. Despite this gesture, his decision to skip a mandatory minicamp in June 2024 to vacation in Egypt resulted in a $100,000 fine, drawing criticism from some quarters.
Rodgers' contract still has one year remaining, but the Jets have opted for a post-June 1 designation for his release. This approach will allow them to distribute the remaining cap charges of $49 million over two years, easing their financial burden. Until June 2, Rodgers' cap number of $23.5 million will remain on the team's books.
Reflecting on Rodgers' time with the Jets, Woody Johnson emphasized the quarterback's commitment to the team and its fans.
"From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here." – Woody Johnson
The move to release Rodgers is expected to be remembered as one of the most disappointing trades in franchise history. Despite his consistent starts throughout the season, the Jets remained largely non-competitive, and Rodgers only managed six victories out of eighteen starts.
As Rodgers considers his future at age 41, he has yet to announce whether he plans to continue his illustrious career elsewhere. Meanwhile, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey emphasized the necessity of addressing Rodgers' situation promptly to allow all parties involved ample time to plan ahead.
"It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures," – Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey
Leave a Reply