Aaron Rodgers isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. Despite a disappointing season with the New York Jets, the 40-year-old quarterback told reporters on Wednesday that he plans to return in 2025. “I think so, yeah,” Rodgers said when asked about his future. But given the Jets’ struggles this year, questions remain about whether Rodgers can help turn things around before Father Time catches up with him.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2024 Struggles
The Jets entered 2024 with high expectations, aiming for a deep playoff run and possibly a Super Bowl appearance. Instead, they sit at a dismal 3-7 through 10 weeks, far closer to securing the No. 1 overall draft pick than making the postseason. Rodgers’ performance has been a significant factor.
After returning from a 2023 Achilles injury, Rodgers has struggled mightily. He has thrown 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, recorded 2,258 passing yards, and completed a career-low 62.4% of his passes. His 6.4 yards per pass attempt and 86.8 quarterback rating rank among the worst in his 16 seasons as a starter.
For a team that hoped Rodgers could replicate the late-career success of Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, the results have been sobering. The Jets’ offense looks outdated in a league that increasingly values quarterback mobility, something Rodgers has largely lost post-injury.
The Jets’ Woes Run Deeper
While Rodgers’ decline has grabbed headlines, the Jets’ struggles go beyond their quarterback. The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh midseason due to poor coaching decisions, exposing a flawed roster.
The Jets went all-in on veteran players like Tyron Smith and traded for Davante Adams after a Week 6 loss to the Bills, but the moves haven’t paid off. Injured players like Mike Williams have struggled to regain form, leaving New York with limited firepower. The team’s offensive line woes and lack of depth have compounded the issues, leaving Rodgers with little support.
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Also Read: Everyone Is Saying The Same Thing About Aaron Rodgers’ Shocking Comments About Next Season
Aaron Rodgers’ Contract
The Jets’ bold gamble on Rodgers in 2023 is proving costly. After acquiring him from Green Bay, Rodgers restructured his contract into a three-year, $112.5 million deal. His 2024 cap hit is relatively modest at $17.1 million, but it jumps to $23.5 million in 2025.
Even if Rodgers retires early, the Jets will feel the financial effects through 2029 due to the void years built into the deal. He will become a free agent after the 2025 season, but the team has seen little return on its investment so far.
Can Aaron Rodgers Rebound?
Rodgers has built a Hall of Fame career by defying expectations, but time isn’t on his side. At 40 years old, he’s the NFL’s oldest active player and will turn 41 on December 2. While he’s still a long way from George Blanda’s record of playing until age 48, Rodgers’ diminished mobility and declining stats are raising doubts about how much longer he can compete at a high level.
Despite the challenges, Rodgers remains committed to the Jets. It remains to be seen whether that commitment will drive a turnaround in 2025 or result in more disappointment.
The Bigger Picture for the Jets
The Jets’ woes aren’t just about Rodgers. The franchise has endured just five winning seasons since 2003 and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, the longest drought in the NFL. Rodgers was supposed to change that narrative, but so far, it’s been the same old story for Gang Green.
Without significant changes to their roster and coaching staff, the Jets may waste what’s left of Rodgers’ career. Unless they can solve their systemic issues, they may rebuild again once Rodgers retires.
