More details have begun to emerge about the New York Jets’ divorce from Aaron Rodgers.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Jets told Rodgers that he would not be able to continue his appearances on The Pat McAfee Show if he wanted to return next season. They also informed him he would be required to attend all of training camp, a clear condemnation of his skipping mandatory minicamp for a trip to Egypt in the 2024 offseason.
Russini added that almost all of the coaching candidates the Jets interviewed this offseason said they wanted to move on from Rodgers.
“This, to me, is Aaron Glenn getting control back,” Russini said. But then she added, “I think that no matter what the Jets were going to say, Aaron Rodgers wanted to move on.”
Russini discussed the likelihood of a Jets rebuild year given the dearth of quarterback options on the roster. She pointed to the possibility that they’ll simply go with Tyrod Taylor as a bridge quarterback.
Addressing the whispers that Garrett Wilson could ask for a trade, Russini said, “We’ll see if that’s just talk. I think when you’re frustrated and you’re losing, the immediate response is, ‘I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to be part of this organization.’ I think when people kind of take some time in the offseason and think about what’s best for them [they may change their minds].”
Russini added that Aaron Glenn could have influence in this area.
About Rodgers, Russini asserted that he would not want his career to end this way and likely will not retire. She said he’ll want to go a team that is close to winning and has good leadership, but other than floating out the possibility of the Rams, she did not provide any other realistic options.
Overall, from Russini’s comments, it seems that the Jets and Rodgers were destined to part ways this offseason. Both sides apparently wanted to move on, and so they will on March 12.
