After a disappointing 2024 season for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, speculation about the 41-year-old quarterback’s potential retirement has been swirling.
The four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion could serve many teams needing a veteran QB. However, his potential return to football remains uncertain. Although Rodgers has yet to comment on his future, NFL analyst Pat McAfee recently gave his thoughts on the situation.
Aaron Rodgers’ Future Uncertain Amid Jets Split
As Rodgers is set to be made available following his departure from East Rutherford, N.J., a market will certainly open up for the quarterback, but that depends on whether Rodgers chooses to return to football in 2025 or if the end of his legendary career has arrived.
Rodgers has had a rough couple of years leading up to 2025, making the rumors of retirement quite justified. Following the quarterback’s gruesome Achilles injury and an extensive rehab process that cost him all of the 2023 season, Rodgers returned to start in all 17 of the Jets games in 2024.
However, Rodgers did not have the season he had hoped for, finishing 21st in PFSN’s QB+ ranking with a 72.2 (C-) grade. Rodgers also had a 2.5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his third-worst in 16 seasons as a starter.
Although results were far worse than expected for a Jets team that came into the season with playoff hopes, Rodgers’ availability to perform in each game was a huge accomplishment for his health and longevity. He even managed to have a better season than 2022, his final season in Green Bay. That year, he graded out at 68.0 (D+).
Could these numbers potentially fuel Rodgers to believe that another season is possible? McAfee certainly thinks so.
Pat McAfee Expects Rodgers to Play in 2025
Amid reports that teams like the New York Giants could target Rodgers to lead their offense in the 2025 season, McAfee spoke on the Pat McAfee Show about whether or not fans should expect the legendary QB to return to action.
I think Aaron Rodgers plays football next year#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/OKBKLBTpda
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 4, 2025
McAfee was joined by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who asked him, “What’s your gut feel? Does he play next year?” to which McAfee responded swiftly, “I think he plays next year, yeah.” McAfee made his feelings clear about what he expects from Rodgers next season.
McAfee went on to say that he believes football fans will see Rodgers suit up once again because of “the ability to still play football at the level that he has, with the bad taste in his mouth with how the Jets went.”
With Rodgers being one of the most competitive players this sport has ever seen, it makes perfect sense that a great such as himself would rather not end his career after a five-win season that was filled with turbulence.
What Does the Future Look Like for Rodgers?
If Rodgers decides to return to the field, he and Davante Adams, his teammate on both the Jets and Green Bay Packers, will be searching for a new team. Could a reunion be possible? The idea must be on the table, given how much the two enjoy playing together.
The possibility of the two staying at MetLife stadium but swapping out their Jets green for Giants blue could also be in store for the pair in 2025. While a reunion is far from certain, it isn’t unimaginable, either.
SEE MORE: 2024 NFL QB Rankings — Insights Into Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, and Others
However, the other side of the coin would be that Rodgers decides against putting his body through the wear and tear of another 17-game season, and thus would end a legendary career that lasted the length of two decades.
Football fans, analysts, and NFL front offices alike will be eagerly awaiting the future Hall of Famer’s decision on his future. Will Rodgers return for Year 21? Or will Rodgers hang up the pads and cleats, closing the book on a career that will not be forgotten anytime soon?