Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets has come to an end, following a disappointing two-year stint that did not meet the high expectations set for the four-time MVP quarterback. The Jets officially released Rodgers, allowing him to enter free agency for the first time in his career, as he decides whether to continue playing in the NFL.
While the Jets didn’t make a formal announcement, the news was confirmed through the league’s transaction wire early Thursday morning. Cutting Rodgers has cost the Jets a significant $49 million in dead money, but the team will manage this charge over two years, spreading it to $14 million this year and $35 million next year due to a post-June 1 designation.
This decision follows comments from the Jets’ new leadership, including general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, who indicated back in February that they were ready to move forward without Rodgers. A farewell post on the Jets’ social media channels featured a picture of Rodgers in his Jets uniform, thanking him for his contributions over the past two seasons.
In a move to secure their quarterback situation, the Jets recently signed former Steelers and Bears quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed. Fields is expected to take over as the starting quarterback for the Jets.
Rodgers, who previously played for the Green Bay Packers for 18 seasons, had high hopes of revitalizing the Jets franchise. However, his tenure was marred by injury, including a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into his first game, which sidelined him for the entire season. The following year was equally disappointing, seeing the Jets finish with a 5-12 record, leading to the firings of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
In total, Rodgers registered only six wins in 18 starts with the Jets, but he still managed to throw for 28 touchdown passes and accumulate nearly 3,900 passing yards last season, ranking him third for a single season in Jets history. Unfortunately, injuries limited his effectiveness, impacting his mobility on the field.
Despite his challenges with the Jets, Rodgers has had a remarkable career overall, ranking fifth in NFL history with 503 regular-season touchdown passes and seventh with 62,952 passing yards. As he heads into free agency, teams like the Steelers, Giants, and possibly the Vikings may be looking for a quarterback of his caliber.
