Aaron Rodgers demonstrated to the NFL in Week 18 that he is still capable of playing at an elite level, should he choose to pursue a 21st season in professional football.
The four-time league MVP delivered four touchdown passes against a team desperately trying to keep its slim playoff aspirations alive, allowing the New York Jets to conclude a disappointing season with a victory.
In the 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins, Rodgers became the fifth player in NFL history to throw for 500 career touchdown passes.
As the offseason begins, Rodgers faces a period filled with uncertainty regarding his future.
He needs to evaluate whether he wants to continue playing or hang up his cleats for good. There’s also the question of whether the Jets would like to keep him, given the team’s only 5-12 record this past 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 or they’re ready to move on,” Rodgers stated. “Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here.”
The Jets are in the process of searching for both a general manager and head coach. Therefore, the franchise may want to take input from new leadership before making any decisions about Rodgers. Owner Woody Johnson, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, and team president Hymie Elhai are expected to have discussions with Rodgers sometime this week.
“I’m looking forward to those conversations,” he said. “It feels good to be able to do some of the things these last five or six weeks I know I was capable of doing, even at 40, 41. But either way, I won’t be upset or offended with what they decide to do — if they want to move on, if I still want to play. And if not, I’ll let them know, if that’s the case.”
Rodgers, who turned 41 last month, struggled with injuries after returning from a torn Achilles tendon that cut short his first season with the Jets after just four plays.
However, he showed improvement late in the season and delivered his strongest performance in the final game of the year.
“We have talked a lot about can he still play,” commented Fox analyst Greg Olsen. “Can he move? Can he do all of the physical things? Coming into (this game) he had five touchdown passes through 17 weeks where he was under pressure or on the move. He has thrown four (Sunday), which is the most by any quarterback the entire season.”
“This is the best version of Aaron Rodgers we’ve seen all year. And I promise you, there are a lot of teams around the league that are taking very close note.”
Rodgers is under contract with a nonguaranteed salary of $37.5 million in 2025, along with a dead cap hit of $49 million. This means his salary cap figure will increase from $17.1 million to $23.5 million.
Should the Jets opt to release him, they might be able to spread the dead money over two years by utilizing a post-June 1 designation. Additionally, Rodgers holds a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he would need to approve any trades.
If Rodgers is eager to continue his playing career but the Jets decide to move on, here are five possible landing spots that could suit the future Hall of Famer:
**TENNESSEE TITANS:** Following a six-game losing streak, the Titans secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and are in dire need of a franchise quarterback after benching Will Levis. They could select between Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward or pursue a trade. Signing Rodgers to a one-year deal might allow a rookie to develop from the sidelines.
**CLEVELAND BROWNS:** Like the Titans, the Browns ended the season with a six-game losing streak and will hold the No. 2 draft pick. With Deshaun Watson’s substantial contract hindering their flexibility and him recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Rodgers could be a viable short-term solution for a team aspiring for success in 2025.
**NEW YORK GIANTS:** The Giants’ recent win cost them the top pick, landing them third in the draft order. They desperately need a franchise quarterback, but competition for the best prospects may require a trade-up. Rodgers could remain in New York and serve as an experienced bridge quarterback.
**LAS VEGAS RAIDERS:** Seeking a quarterback with the sixth pick, the Raiders could be a prime destination. New minority owner Tom Brady advocates for rookie quarterbacks to sit and learn, and with his strong relationship with Rodgers, Brady might support the idea of having Rodgers start while mentoring a young player.
**INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:** After selecting Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023, the Colts have seen inconsistency from him. With playoff aspirations slipping away since their 2020 season, bringing in Rodgers to make a playoff push while Richardson learns from an experienced quarterback could be enticing for owner Jim Irsay.
