Aaron Rodgers’ much-talked-about but ultimately lackluster two-year run with the New York Jets has concluded. The team parted ways with the four-time MVP, a move that had been anticipated. This marks the first time in Rodgers’ career that he is available to sign with another team as a free agent, should he decide to pursue a 21st season in the NFL.
Though the Jets did not make a formal announcement regarding the release, the decision became evident as it appeared on the NFL’s transaction wire early Thursday morning. By releasing Rodgers, the Jets take on a $49 million cap hit, but they have opted to spread this financial impact over two years, designating him as a post-June 1 cut—$14 million will be accounted for this year and $35 million in the following year.
The Jets’ newly appointed general manager, Darren Mougey, along with head coach Aaron Glenn, conveyed on February 13 that they planned to proceed without Rodgers. New York acknowledged Rodgers’ time with the team by posting a thank-you message and a photo of him wearing a Jets jersey on social media, captioning it: “For everything you’ve given us the past two years, thank you 8.”
In a significant move for the team, the Jets finalized an agreement on Monday with Justin Fields, formerly of the Steelers and Bears, signing him on a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. Fields is set to be the franchise’s new starting quarterback, filling the void left by Rodgers.
The offseason has also seen other prominent releases by the Jets, including wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker C.J. Mosley. Rodgers now enters the free agency market, where teams like the Steelers, Giants, and possibly the Vikings could be potential landing spots if he continues his playing career.
Rodgers was initially traded to the Jets in April 2023 after an 18-year spell with the Green Bay Packers, with aspirations to guide the franchise back to Super Bowl success reminiscent of Joe Namath’s era in 1968. However, his journey was undermined by a severe Achilles injury just four plays into his debut, sidelining him for his first season. The next year ended with a 5-12 record, leading to the departure of coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas.
Despite the tumultuous tenure, Rodgers concluded his time with the Jets by recording six victories, including the game he was injured in, while amassing 28 touchdown passes and finishing with 3,897 passing yards last season. These statistics place him third for single-season records within the franchise’s history. However, lingering leg injuries, notably a serious hamstring concern, limited his performance.
Across his career, Rodgers has accumulated 503 regular-season touchdown passes, positioning him fifth in NFL history alongside legends such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. With 62,952 passing yards, Rodgers also ranks seventh in league history.
