Aaron Rodgers’ decision looms large as the New York Jets search for a new coach and general manager, a process that could redefine the future of this storied franchise.
Despite the arrival of the four-time MVP, the Jets have struggled to break free from their losing ways.
Rodgers may depart the Jets with nothing but memories of a solitary Super Bowl trophy on display, a reminder of their lone championship win in 1969, while the team grapples with an NFL-worst playoff drought spanning 14 seasons.
Reflecting on the season, Rodgers expressed his disappointment, stating, “I put my heart into this, and I wanted it really bad — and it didn’t work this year.” After a season-ending victory against the Dolphins, the Jets finished with a disappointing 5-12 record. “We came up short, and I played four plays last year. So, it’s overall disappointing.”
At 41 years old, Rodgers’ highly anticipated debut last season was abruptly halted due to a torn Achilles tendon. This year, he started all 17 games, but his performance, like that of many teammates, fluctuated, particularly as he dealt with various leg injuries.
With owner Woody Johnson and his team already in the midst of selecting a new general manager and head coach after the mid-season firings of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, one pressing question remains: What will they do with Rodgers?
Rodgers has one year remaining on his nonguaranteed contract, which includes a $35 million option bonus due before the start of the next season. His cap hit stands at $23.5 million. Should the Jets release him or he decides to retire, they could face a staggering $49 million dead money charge unless they designate him as a post-June 1 cut, allowing them to distribute that charge over two years.
As the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 regular-season touchdown passes, Rodgers is contemplating his future. He stated he would take time during the offseason to make a decision about continuing his career.
“There’s obviously a lot of hypotheticals here,” he noted, listing potential scenarios: “If I want to play — hypothetical No. 1. If they want to move on — hypothetical No. 2. Would I be willing to play for another team — hypothetical No. 3?”
With a grin, he added, “The answer is yes.”
Statistically, this season ranks among the best in Jets history, with Rodgers throwing 28 touchdown passes and accumulating 3,897 passing yards, both third-best in franchise single-season records. However, the lack of consistency and victories overshadowed these achievements.
Rodgers emphasized the need for a collective effort, stating, “Whether I’m back or whether it’s the guys they’ve got or new guys or whatever, the focus has to be how can I, the player, be part of the solution, not the problem?” He expressed his affection for the organization and his hope for its turnaround, pledging to contribute if he remains involved.
Former players Olsen and Davis concurred that a triumphant exit for Rodgers would allow him to conclude his career on his own terms.
“To put together a four-touchdown performance, have a smile on his face, run around, make plays off script, off rhythm – that’s been the magic of Aaron Rodgers for the last 20 years,” Olsen remarked.
Let’s talk
The Jets have already interviewed coaches Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera for their head coaching position and plan to meet with Rex Ryan, who previously led New York to consecutive AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010, along with interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who ended the season 3-9 after taking over for Saleh.
As the search continues, the list of potential candidates is expected to expand, with requests being made to interview coaches from other teams. The general manager search is also underway, with discussions already held with Thomas Dimitroff, Jon Robinson, Jim Nagy, and Louis Riddick.
Adams & A-Rod
Wide receiver Davante Adams, acquired from Las Vegas in October, finds his future with the Jets closely linked to Rodgers. Adams, who shares a strong friendship with Rodgers from their eight seasons in Green Bay, described this past season as a “whirlwind” and expressed uncertainty about his next steps. The 32-year-old is set to earn $35.64 million in each of the next two years.
The Jets could propose a contract restructuring for Adams, or he might be released in the coming months. He acknowledged that Rodgers’ decision will significantly influence his own, stating he could “potentially” return even if the quarterback does not.
Building blocks
The Jets have several promising young players poised to play vital roles in the team’s future, including cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, running back Breece Hall, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, all eligible for contract extensions this offseason.
Gardner, an All-Pro during his first two seasons, showed promise but lacked consistency this year. Hall’s production also fell from his previous season. Wilson, who joined Brandon Marshall as the only players in franchise history with over 100 catches in a season, expressed frustration regarding his role in critical game situations. Johnson, a Pro Bowl selection last season, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that limited his contributions to just two games.
Next steps
Several key players who contributed significantly this season are set to become free agents. This group includes linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who led the Jets in tackles and was named team MVP after stepping in for an injured C.J. Mosley. Other notable potential free agents include tight end Tyler Conklin, cornerback D.J. Reed, right tackle Morgan Moses, edge rusher Haason Reddick, left tackle Tyron Smith, safety Chuck Clark, and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas.
