Aaron Rodgers has indicated that he is open to playing in 2025, stating, “I think so, yeah,” during a recent interview. This perspective comes amid a challenging season with the New York Jets, filled with unexpected losses and frustrations.
When asked about his desire to continue playing next year, Rodgers dismissed concerns about negativity surrounding the team’s performance, emphasizing his commitment to the game.
The future of the four-time NFL MVP has been a topic of discussion, especially given the Jets’ rocky start to the season, marking the worst beginning of his two-decade career. With one year remaining on his contract, which includes a base salary of $2.5 million and $21 million in bonuses, the financial implications of his situation are significant. If the Jets decide to part ways with him before June 1, they would face a hefty $49 million dead money charge.
Rodgers’ return from a torn Achilles tendon has been less than stellar, although he has shown glimpses of his former greatness in wins against the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans. However, a disappointing performance against the Arizona Cardinals raised further questions about his current abilities, as he struggled to connect on longer passes.
Injuries have plagued Rodgers, impacting his mobility and effectiveness on the field. He openly acknowledged his struggles, stating, “I’m not playing as well as I would like to play, for sure.” His competitive nature drives him to hold himself to high standards, which he feels he has not met this season.
The Jets’ Super Bowl aspirations were high when Rodgers joined the team in April 2023, but those hopes were dashed following his injury in the season opener. Despite a rocky start this year, changes in coaching staff, including the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, have not yet yielded the desired results. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has stepped in as interim head coach, with further adjustments made to the offensive coaching staff.
Rodgers remains supportive of his teammates and coaching staff, expressing respect for Ulbrich’s leadership. He believes that despite the challenges, the team has shown resilience and unity. “Brick’s done a really good job of trying to find ways to motivate the guys to keep them together,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of team cohesion during tough times.
With seven games left in the season, Rodgers encourages Jets fans to maintain hope, recognizing that anything can happen as they push forward. He acknowledges the difficulties he’s faced in adapting to a new environment and system, but remains optimistic about the future.
“It’s been actually a really beautiful couple of years for me in totality,” he reflected, despite the frustrations on the field. Rodgers’ journey with the Jets continues to evolve, leaving fans and analysts alike curious about what lies ahead.
