New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is tired and plans to take some time away before making a decision on what he does next season.
The four-time MVP said he needs a mental break from the game and needs to do some soul searching before he rushes to a decision.
Aaron Rodgers To Take Time Off Before Addressing Next Season
Rodgers, the Jets quarterback the past two seasons, said he needs to have some time away from the game to determine whether he wants to play next season, and whether he wants to be a member of the Jets.
“I need a break mentally,” Rodgers told reporters. “I don’t want to make a decision until I’ve been able to rest mentally and physically … I just need a break to refresh, put my feet in the sand and see where I’m at after that.
“March is free agency, I don’t think we’re going to get that far because there’s going to be a regime change here with the GM and then I’ll either get a call or have a conversation and go from there.”
Reports out of New York state owner Woody Johnson wants to rid himself of Rodgers and his headaches. He wanted to bench Rodgers after a Week 4 game this season.
Rodgers has one more season on the books with guaranteed money from the Jets, and they might have a difficult time moving Rodgers with his heavy contract.
Aaron Rodgers on his future with the #Jets, or otherwise: "I need a break mentally. I don't want to make a decision until I've been able to rest mentally and physically … I just need a break to refresh, put my feet in the sand and see where I'm at after that."
"March is free…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 1, 2025
Rodgers has not had a very good season. In 16 games this season, Rodgers has completed 63 percent of his pass attempts for 3,623 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
In the event Rodgers does get cut in the offseason, there will probably be at least one team looking for a bridge, veteran quarterback with Rodgers’ credentials.
However, the market could be more sporadic for the 41-year-old quarterback.
The Jets are 3-13 on the season and went out and traded for Rodgers’ former teammate in Green Bay, wide receiver Davante Adams, but has struggled to buoy the offense in the Big Apple. He could be released at the end of the season.
According to Pro Football Network’s QB+ metric — a tool that evaluates quarterbacks using advanced stats like success under pressure and third-down efficiency — Rodgers earned a C- grade, ranking 25th in the league with a score of 71.3.
His performance hit a low point in Week 17 against Buffalo. Rodgers recorded a -1.04 Expected Points Added per dropback (EPA/DB), meaning his play significantly hurt the team’s chances on each snap. He also failed to convert a single third down, capping off a game to forget.
Reflecting on the season, Rodgers acknowledged the grind. “Since September 11th last year, it feels like I’ve been rehabbing and training nonstop,” he said. “It kind of wears on you mentally … I’m just looking forward to a break.”
Despite the tough year, Rodgers expressed appreciation for his time with the Jets.
“It’s been the best two years of my life,” he said. “The excitement, falling back in love with the game, getting to know these guys in here … Obviously, on the field has been short of expectations, no doubt, but this game is about the relationships.”
A self-deprecating Rodgers on how he will process his retirement/play decision in the offseason:
"Probably darkness again." Pause.
"No, I think I'm done with that. I won't be doing any darkness retreats this off season." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 1, 2025
At 41 years old, Rodgers also acknowledged the physical and mental toll of football. “If I want to play and they don’t want me here, then I will see if there are other options,” he said. “But first, I got to wrap my head around doing the grind one more time.”
Even with the uncertainty, Rodgers left the door open for a return. “If I feel good coming back, and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic,” he said.
For now, Rodgers is focused on stepping back and taking a much-needed break.
“I’ve given a lot to this game, and I’m thankful for it. But I need to step back and see where I’m at after some rest.”