Aaron Rodgers’ arrival with the New York Jets was supposed to mark a new chapter for the franchise. However, he missed almost all of last season due to a torn Achilles, and the 2024 season has been anything but a success.
Sitting at a disappointing 4-11 record with two games left in the season, the Jets find themselves out of the playoffs and mired in dysfunction. Recently, questions about Rodgers’ future with the team have reached a boiling point. While the NFL world is already buzzing, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin didn’t hold back while calling Rodgers’ recent actions “desperate” in his bid to stay with the team.
Michael Irvin Mocks Aaron Rodgers For His Attempts to Stay With The Jets
When the Jets acquired Rodgers, the veteran quarterback took a $30-plus million pay cut. As rumors swirl around his uncertain future, Rodgers was recently asked if he would be willing to take another pay cut.
“Yeah, I’m open to everything,” Rodgers said. “I’m open to everything.”
Irvin took aim at Rodgers for hinting that he’d take a pay cut to remain with the Jets for another season, calling out his desperation.
“He’s flat-out begging,” Irvin said. “He’s begging!”
Mimicking Rodgers mockingly, he added: “I’ll give back some money; I’m willing to be a mentor, though nobody has ever mentored me!”
.@michaelirvin88: Aaron Rodgers is begging to stay with the New York Jets next season. pic.twitter.com/iWqpQDZYow
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) December 23, 2024
The harsh criticism explains how many feel about Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP who is trying to cling to his career despite diminishing returns on the field. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old hasn’t shied away from addressing his uncertain future.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers joked about the possibility of being released by the team and took a jab at Jets owner Woody Johnson.
There was a recent report that Johnson is often influenced by his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, on football matters (though the Jets denied it). This didn’t stop Rodgers from poking fun at the situation.
“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers mused.
The chaos extends beyond Rodgers. Midseason firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have left the team without direction, and leaks from within the organization have only added to the instability. Recently, there are rumors that star wide receiver Garrett Wilson may request a trade in the offseason.
Rodgers expressed frustration with the culture during his interview with ESPN, saying, “What’s best for the Jets is not having these types of leaks all the time… It has an impact on the culture and the chemistry and the overall energy of the building, and that’s what needs to get better.”
Despite the turmoil, Rodgers has made it clear that the Jets remain his “first option” if he chooses to return for a 21st season. He also reiterated his willingness to take a pay cut, saying, “I think I’ve already proven I’m willing to take a pay cut.”
However, reports suggest the Jets are leaning toward parting ways with the quarterback, with new leadership likely to influence that decision.