FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Nearly two years ago, Aaron Rodgers stepped into the New York Jets’ facility under great expectations, seen as a potential game-changer for a team struggling for success. However, little has improved since his arrival, with the team still facing challenges and disappointments.
Currently, the Jets find themselves at a crossroads, much like when Rodgers first joined. The team is still sitting with only a single Super Bowl championship trophy dating back to 1969 and is now on a bleak streak, having not made the playoffs for the last 14 seasons, the longest active drought in the league.
After the Jets concluded their season on Sunday with a disappointing win over the Dolphins, ending with a 5-12 record, Rodgers expressed his sentiments. “I put my heart into this and I wanted it really bad and it didn’t work this year. We came up short and I played four plays last year. So, it’s overall disappointing,” remarked Rodgers.
The quarterback, who is 41 years old, had an unfulfilled debut season last year due to an Achilles injury that curtailed his season. While he managed to start all 17 games this season, his performance fluctuated, marred by various leg issues that affected his ability to be consistent for the team.
With the eventual firing of both general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh during the season, Jets owner Woody Johnson and his team are now engaged in hiring new leadership. The incoming management will immediately confront a significant dilemma: the future of Rodgers. The four-time MVP has a year left on his contract that is non-guaranteed, which includes a hefty $35 million option bonus due ahead of the upcoming season.
If the Jets were to release or if Rodgers were to retire, they could face a substantial $49 million dead cap hit unless they navigate the situation correctly by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. On the other hand, Rodgers, who is the fifth player in NFL history to record 500 touchdown passes, is also contemplating whether he wants to continue playing, noting he will take time during the offseason to reach a decision. He pointed out several possibilities, stating, “There’s obviously a lot of hypotheticals here. If I want to play — hypothetical No. 1. If they want to move on — hypothetical No. 2. Would I be willing to play for another team — hypothetical No. 3.” He smiled and affirmed, “The answer is yes.”
Statistically, Rodgers had a season that ranks among the best in New York’s franchise history with 28 touchdown passes and 3,897 passing yards, standing as the third-best single-season output for the team. However, the lack of consistent performance and wins has overshadowed his accomplishments. He expressed his desire to contribute positively, regardless of his future in New York. “Whether I’m back or whether it’s the guys they’ve got or new guys or whatever, the focus has to be how can I, the player, be part of the solution, not the problem?” he said, adding that he holds a lot of affection for the organization and hopes for its turnaround.
The Jets have begun their search for a new head coach, having already interviewed candidates such as Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, with plans to speak soon to Rex Ryan — who previously led the team to consecutive AFC championship games — as well as interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. This list of candidates is expected to expand rapidly. The organization is also working on filling the general manager role, having already spoken to several prospective candidates including Thomas Dimitroff and Jon Robinson.
Also intertwined with Rodgers’ fate is wide receiver Davante Adams, who was brought in from Las Vegas last October. Adams, who shares a close bond with Rodgers from their time in Green Bay, remarked that this past season has been tumultuous for him. Scheduled to earn $35.64 million in the coming two seasons, Adams’ future hinges significantly on Rodgers’ decisions, as he acknowledged that what the quarterback decides will impact his own path.
The Jets are looking to build for the future with a roster that includes promising young talents such as cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, all of whom are eligible for contract extensions this offseason. While Gardner excelled during his initial seasons, he battled consistency this year, and Hall’s performance declined compared to his rookie campaign. However, Wilson made history as one of the few players in Jets history to record over 100 catches in a season, though his usage during crucial moments left him unsatisfied. Johnson, coming off an Achilles injury, only participated in two games last season.
As the offseason looms, several key players may also be on their way out due to impending free agency, including linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who emerged as a standout this season. Other players in jeopardy of leaving include tight end Tyler Conklin, cornerback D.J. Reed, and several others who contributed notably this past year.
