Aaron Rodgers reportedly may not finish season with Jets

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets’ disastrous season may end with someone other than Aaron Rodgers quarterbacking the team.

The Jets are increasingly likely to find a way to end Rodgers’ time as starting quarterback in the coming weeks, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. That could involve placing Rodgers on injured reserve or benching him. Some rival executives even believe the Jets could outright release Rodgers before the season ends.

Rodgers’ relationship with Jets owner Woody Johnson is described as “strained.” Johnson has lost faith in Rodgers’ ability to win games for the team, and it is believed that Rodgers would want to play for another team in 2025 even if the Jets wanted him back. Ultimately, the desire to part ways appears to be mutual between team and player.

The reports of tension are not a huge shock, especially on the back of claims that Johnson wanted Rodgers benched earlier in the season. If that is how Johnson felt after Week 4, it is safe to assume his opinion has not improved since then. The Jets’ stance seems to be that it is time to move on, even though there is no long-term quarterback replacement on the roster.

Rodgers has thrown for 2,442 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season. However, the Jets are just 3-8, and their offense has been inconsistent at best. The quarterback has shown flashes of his old MVP form, but never consistently.

Rodgers has made clear that he wants to play next year at the age of 41. It will have to be with a different team than the Jets, and it sounds like both sides want it that way.