The fallout from the Aaron Rodgers situation continues. This time, criticism of the New York Jets decision to “move on” from the future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback takes its turn.
Former WFAN host, one-half of the acclaimed “Mike and the Mad Dog” radio program, and the often labeled “Sports Pope,” Mike Francesa, dropped the hammer on the new Aaron Glenn-led regime Saturday evening.
“If Rodgers really did want to stay, then the new regime completely botched its first big decision,” Francesa wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Francesa has been a longtime fan of Rodgers and a proponent of the Jets bringing him to town. He has also routinely criticized the Jets. Often, that criticism was warranted, whereas other times—specifically the early Rex Ryan days—his backlash was emotional and irrational.
This time around, Francesa joins a long list of individuals who aren’t a fan of the move.
While more than half of the Jets fanbase is seemingly happy with it, the split is relatively close to 50/50. Those in the “unhappy” camp cite the fact that cutting Rodgers is still extremely expensive ($49 million in dead cap space).
On the other hand, the “happy” campers fear the risk that a 41-year-old Rodgers brings to the salary cap. One wrong move or off-kilter play could end the man’s career, thus sticking the new regime with a hefty bill.
Either way, my personal belief is that the great majority of fans and media pundits are severely underrating what Rodgers still has left in the tank. To do what he did in 2024—3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions—was spectacular considering the circumstances (horrific coaching and first year back off an Achilles).
Don’t confuse “spectacular” with his overall production. Instead, view it in the scope of the actual situation. The only thing that separated the 2024 Jets from Rich Kotite or Adam Gase-level seasons was Aaron Rodgers.
The 2024 Jets might have been the worst-coached team I’ve ever witnessed in my life. On offense, they couldn’t run the ball a lick, and it had nothing to do with Rodgers’s so-called at-the-line antics. In fact, Rodgers sticking to the game plan too long turned out to be a detriment to his team in the early part of the season.
Look, there’s a reason Archie Manning is not in the Hall of Fame—and it has nothing to do with the No. 2 overall pick’s talent (1971 NFL draft). When stuck in a brutal situation—a scenario within the structure of the greatest team sport on Earth—there isn’t much one individual can do.
In any event, the call has been made, and the call was a close one. Whether it’s Mike Francesa criticising the move or Jets fans opening rooting for it, those who pretend it wasn’t a close call are simply allowing emotions to get the better of them.
One can only wonder if Mike Francesa falls into that camp.
