Aaron Rodgers came to the New York Jets as the franchise’s savior. He is leaving as another failed attempt at fixing the position. After a subpar season, many wondered whether the Jets would bring back the four-time MVP. There aren’t many other options in free agency, and they aren’t in a position to get a top prospect in the NFL Draft. The team made their decision official this week, Rodgers would not be returning to the team. However, it wasn’t from a lack of trying on Rodgers’ part. A recent report indicates he “pleaded” with the team for a second chance.
Aaron Rodgers Wanted To Stay With The New York Jets
The New York Jets went 5-12 this season. For most of the season, their offense was anemic, and Aaron Rodgers showed his age and lack of mobility due to the Achilles injury. However, his numbers weren’t horrible, and this is the case he likely made to the team. He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. The 11 interceptions were concerning, but overall, the offense showed flashes. The Jets apparently were not as impressed. Ryan Dunleavy and Steve Helling of the New York Post reported he “pleaded” with the team and “aggressively urged” the Jets to keep him.
The New York Jets weren’t budging. They had decided to move in a new direction, and the report indicates Rodgers accepted this result. It does beg the question of what the team plans on doing at the quarterback position. There isn’t much help on the current roster. More than likely, they will play the long game. Next year’s quarterback class is loaded, so being bad for one more year might land them a generational talent. In terms of the Rodgers situation, it seems less about his play and more about the taste he has left in the mouths of many fans and team members.
A Two-Year Saga
When the trade from the Green Bay Packers happened, New York Jets fans were brimming with hope. They expected an MVP-caliber player who could lead the team back to the playoffs. The Achilles injury four plays into the season put a huge damper on the season. However, hope springs anew every August, and fans were back on the hype train heading into 2024. The team couldn’t find a rhythm and made many desperate moves throughout the season.
The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh early in the season. They traded for Davante Adams, hoping he would jump-start the offense. Rodgers and Adams showed off some of their connection, but overall, it was an expensive move for nothing. GM Joe Douglas was fired near the end of the season, and now the new regime has to pick up the pieces of this roster that Rodgers helped build. The decision to move on from him is the right one for the team.
Final Thoughts
The conversation now shifts to where Aaron Rodgers will play in 2025. His pitch to the New York Jets showed he still believes he can play for another few years. Some quarterback-needy teams could take a flyer on the veteran, but there are not many obvious landing sports. Will Rodgers see the field again, or will he retire and start his post-career ventures?
