While their intention to do so was first reported on Sunday, the New York Jets officially announced their plans to part ways with Aaron Rodgers on Thursday.
Through a joint statement from head coach Aaron Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey, and owner Woody Johnson, the Jets bid farewell to their quarterback of the last two seasons.
The join statement from Glenn and Mougey reads, “Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback. It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”
Johnson stated, “I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets,” said Chairman Woody Johnson in a statement released by the team. “His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here. He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”
The Jets’ official X account released a post thanking Rodgers for his time with the team.
Thus concludes an eventful yet unsuccessful two-year stint in New York for the four-time MVP. Despite immense hype upon his arrival, the Jets went 12-22 across Rodgers’ two seasons, including 6-12 in games started by Rodgers.
Although the on-field results left much to be desired (largely due to an unfortunate Achilles tear four plays into his first season), one cannot question the admirable commitment that Rodgers displayed upon joining the organization. With his career in flux, Rodgers chose to attack the most daunting challenge the NFL has to offer: quarterbacking for the New York Jets. And he did it with an inspirational vigor, embracing the team, city, and fanbase in earnest as he brought championship dreams back to a fledgling franchise.
Things did not pan out as hoped for a variety of reasons – some Rodgers’ fault, some not. Regardless, it’s all etched in the history books now. Both sides will move forward in 2025, each seeking greener pastures.
For the Jets, the hope is to find the long-term stability they have long sought under center. It remains to be seen where they can find the solution to that problem – or whether they will even attempt to do it in 2025. Either way, it is the primary factor that Glenn and Mougey will be judged upon in the coming years.
For Rodgers, the future is up in the air. Rodgers could continue playing and try to go out on a higher note. If he chooses this route, he will surely have a large number of suitors, as the current demand for starting quarterbacks exceeds the supply. Or, Rodgers could retire as a four-time MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and one of four quarterbacks to throw for 500 touchdowns.
With the opening of the NFL’s legal tampering period coming up in less than a month (March 10), we should get an answer on Rodgers’ future sooner rather than later. Upon being released by the Jets (likely with a post-June 1 designation), Rodgers will be free to negotiate with any team once the legal tampering period opens.
Whatever that answer may be, it is no longer the Jets’ concern. After two years of the Jets’ news cycle dominated by Rodgers’ name, a new era begins in Florham Park – ideally featuring less drama and more victories.
