Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets find themselves at a crossroads, with the quarterback’s future hanging in the balance. The team limped to the end of a disappointing 5-12 season, and rumors of Rodgers’ potential retirement are growing louder.
Rex Ryan Didn’t Entertain the Idea of Aaron Rodgers as a Jet Next Season
On “Sunday NFL Countdown,” former Jets head coach Rex Ryan didn’t shy away from the controversy, delivering a stinging critique of the four-time MVP while sharing his take on the Jets’ future. When asked about an opinion on whether Rodgers will be a Jet next season, Ryan had a one-word response: “NO.”
Here’s the clip thanks to @antwanstaley. https://t.co/JCc7SnaD5Z pic.twitter.com/fC0rnC5p3l
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 5, 2025
Ryan, who is set to interview for the Jets’ vacant head-coaching position after the firing of Robert Saleh, said in his current role as an ESPN analyst, “I think you can let a guy walk out the door when he’s not committed to the team. You can’t tell me that hasn’t been the case. This is a guy that wasn’t at mandatory minicamp.”
Will Aaron Rodgers be back with the Jets?
"No," Rex Ryan, who is interviewing for the Jets coaching vacancy.
"You can let a guy walk out the door when he's not committed to the team…you can't tell me that hasn't been the case." pic.twitter.com/QIGIPLwrff
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 5, 2025
Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tear just four snaps into his Jets debut last season, has hinted that retirement could be on the table. During a press conference earlier this week, the 41-year-old expressed gratitude for his 20-year career and acknowledged the toll it has taken.
“This game has given me a lot. I’ve given a lot back to it. And I’m thankful for it,” Rodgers said. However, the former Green Bay Packers legend dismissed assumptions about leaning toward retirement, stating, “resigned to the reality of the situation.”
“I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but, of course, it’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest,” Rodgers elaborated.
Seeing the situation statistically, Rodgers’ brief stint with the Jets has been underwhelming. This season, heading into Week 18, Rodgers had 3,623 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions — all well below his career averages. When combined with the Jets’ forgetful record, many fans and analysts question whether Rodgers is the right fit for the team moving forward.
Rodgers sits 25th in PFN’s QB+ metric, just behind Kirk Cousins and his steep decline. Rodgers’ C- grade, coupled with his 2022 D+ grade, signal the struggles that have characterized Rodgers’ recent past.
Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi, on the ESPN panel alongside Ryan, argued that the Jets can’t afford to let the future Hall of Famer walk away. Adding to the chaos is the Jets’ internal turmoil. The team fired Saleh in October and general manager Joe Douglas in November, signaling a complete organizational overhaul.
As Ryan positions himself for a second stint as head coach, his willingness to publicly not back Rodgers suggests a bold approach that could either rebuild the franchise or alienate its star player.