Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, had a challenging 2024 season. Despite claiming that his past two years in New York have been “the two best years” of his life, the trade bringing him to the Jets has been a failure. After tearing his Achilles just four plays into Week One in 2023, Rodgers has played far below his Hall of Fame standards in 2024.
In 2024, Rodgers completed 63.0% of his passes for 3,623 yards, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and an 89.1 passer rating. Over his career, his average over a 17-game season is a 65.1% completion rate, 4,314 yards, 34 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 102.6 passer rating.
Given his disappointing performance, his strained relationship with Jets owner Woody Johnson, and the team’s need for a full rebuild, Rodgers is not expected to return in 2025.
NFL salary cap expert Michael Ginnitti has predicted that Rodgers will retire in 2025. Although Rodgers has stated he is unsure about playing in 2025 and won’t rely on a “darkness retreat” for guidance, he has not committed to either retirement or playing again. If Rodgers were to continue playing, it would not be for the Jets. While other teams might be interested, Ginnitti believes Rodgers will not let them bid for his services.
Rodgers is owed a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025, including a $35 million option bonus due before the regular season starts. Though his $23.5 million cap hit in 2025 isn’t a major obstacle, the Jets are unlikely to continue their relationship with him. The contract includes $49 million of dead cap from previous bonuses, and the Jets may release him in early March, taking on all $49 million. Rodgers would then have the spring to consider his future, likely choosing to retire after 20 seasons.
Rodgers could throw his 500th career touchdown pass on Sunday, making him only the fifth quarterback to reach the milestone. However, he’s stated that if he retires with 499, he won’t lose sleep over it.
Heading into Week 18, possibly his final game, Rodgers is ranked eighth all-time in passing yards (62,678), fifth in passing touchdowns (499), first
Leave a Reply