The 2024 campaign obviously hasn’t gone as planned for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Considering the frustrations that have mounted during a 3-7 start, there’s been some speculation that the future Hall of Famer might call it a career.
However, the soon-to-be 41-year-old seemed to somewhat commit to a 2025 campaign during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. When asked if he’ll be back in New York next season, Rodgers said he “think[s] so, yeah” (per ESPN’s Rich Cimini). While the QB gave a less-than-emphatic response, he did acknowledged that this season hasn’t changed his stance on 2025 (per Brian Costello of the New York Post).
Rodgers was also asked about his statement from last offseason that he intends to play “two or three or four more years.” The QB said his stance hasn’t really changed, and he even hinted that he has a stronger desire to continue his career in 2025.
In his return from a lost 2023 campaign, Rodgers hasn’t necessarily looked like his old self this year. His TD% and INT% are among career worsts, and his 6.4 yards per attempt represents his lowest average as a starter. Rodgers told McAfee that he hasn’t come close to reaching his “standards” in 2024, and that could be a motivating factor as he considers playing next season. As Cimini notes, there’s also a natural financial incentive; Rodgers has a $35MM option bonus due this upcoming offseason.
On the flip side, Rodgers has battled hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries this year, and with 2025 representing his age-42 season, Rodgers may prefer to walk away from the game in one piece. Cimini also wonders if Rodgers’ lack of a definitive commitment could be due to the lack of certainty regarding Jets leadership heading into next season. For what it’s worth, Rodgers did give an endorsement to interim HC Jeff Ulbrich.
“I feel like he’s done some really good things,” Rodgers said (via Cimini). “I think Brick is an NFL head coach, whether it’s here moving forward or down the line. I mean, he’s a leader of men and I’ll stand by him. I’d love to play for him until the end. So have a lot of love and respect for him.”
The Jets will surely consider options at both head coach and GM this offseason. However, the biggest factor surrounding their offseason approach could be focused on the status of their veteran quarterback.