Aaron Rodgers stood before an audience at the New York Jets’ facility, reflecting on a sentiment felt by many fans over the years. During a press conference in April 2023, he remarked, “I noticed walking in this morning that that Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely.” As a celebrated four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers was seen as the transformative figure the Jets desperately needed, someone with a history of success to steer the franchise toward the championships they have long sought.
However, the season has unfolded in disappointing fashion, with Rodgers becoming just another in a line of anticipated saviors who fell short during one of the Jets’ most challenging seasons in memory. With Super Bowl dreams extinguished, the Jets headed into their bye week with a troubling 3-8 record, marred by a series of disheartening events.
“It’s disappointing,” Rodgers expressed following a heart-wrenching loss to Indianapolis. “I know I’ve said that three times now, but we’ve been working really hard trying to figure out what the issues are. It’s not just one person. Sometimes it’s me. Sometimes it’s somebody else.” Owner Woody Johnson, visibly dissatisfied, also indicated his frustration with the team’s performance.
After a shaky start of 2-3, Johnson made the shocking decision to dismiss coach Robert Saleh—a significant midseason change that was unprecedented in his 25 years of ownership. He characterized this year’s squad as one of the most talented the Jets have ever had and appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim coach, expressing hope that this change would inject new energy into the team and lead to victories.
Unfortunately, the team has recorded only one win since, heading toward a potential 14th consecutive season without a playoff appearance, which would mark the longest active drought in the NFL. In another significant move, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett—an ally of Rodgers during their time in Green Bay—was stripped of play-calling responsibilities, with Todd Downing taking over those duties.
The Jets even made a roster move indicating playoff aspirations by trading for star wide receiver Davante Adams and bringing edge rusher Haason Reddick back from a contract holdout, but those strategies have not paid off.
In a decisive move this past Tuesday, Johnson enacted a broader overhaul by firing general manager Joe Douglas after more than five years at the helm, during which the Jets compiled a disappointing record of 30-64 without a single winning season to show for it. Douglas acknowledged the issues, admitting, “Obviously, it starts with me,” when discussing the team’s underwhelming record.
With the search for a new head coach and general manager already underway, a major question looms about Rodgers’ future. Approaching 41 years old and with one year left on his contract, he offered a noncommittal response to whether he envisioned playing next season, indicating a desire to see the situation through despite the setbacks this year.
Rodgers is experiencing one of the lowest points in his career, marking the worst statistical start in his two-decade tenure. He is averaging a career-low of 6.4 yards per pass and seems to be playing with hesitation. Offensive coordinator Ulbrich noted, “I know Aaron would love to be playing better… But it’s not just him, it’s all of us.”
Rodgers’ contract contains non-guaranteed money, resulting in a potential $23.5 million cap hit next season. However, cutting him prior to June 1 would incur a staggering $49 million dead cap charge, while waiting until after that date would reduce it significantly. The decision on whether to retain Rodgers—or whether he will seek a trade or contemplate retirement—rests squarely with Johnson and the incoming front office leadership.
Once again, uncertainty clouds the future of the Jets. What began with high hopes over the past couple of seasons has devolved into a state of disarray, leaving the Super Bowl III trophy still waiting for its companion. As running back Breece Hall aptly put it, “There’s no more time for making excuses. We’ve got to win football games at the end of the day.”