According to league sources speaking to The Athletic, the New York Jets are expected to part ways with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Jets expected to move on from QB Aaron Rodgers: Sources

During their winter meetings with potential coaching candidates, the Jets organization discussed Rodgers’ future. Team co-owner Woody Johnson took into account feedback from the coaching staff, including newly appointed head coach Aaron Glenn, leading to the anticipated split, sources said.https://svtoday.org/

Rodgers, now 41, has endured a turbulent two-season stint in New York. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers in April 2023—where he had spent 18 seasons—the veteran quarterback initially ignited hope among Jets fans. However, just four plays into the team’s season opener that fall, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles, prematurely ending his campaign and marking the start of an underwhelming tenure.

As Rodgers rehabbed, the Jets struggled to a 7-10 record, ultimately missing the playoffs while he remained on the sidelines.

Things unraveled further in 2024. After a 2-3 start, the Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh and promoted defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, but his leadership failed to turn the season around. New York finished with a disappointing 5-12 record.

Rodgers played all 17 games that season, posting a 90.5 passer rating—the lowest of his career in any season where he played at least 15 games. He recorded 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Following the season’s conclusion, Rodgers acknowledged that the team’s upcoming coaching and general manager hires would heavily influence his future in New York.

“I think everyone understands that it comes down to the GM, the coach, and me—whether we all want to move forward together or if it’s just not meant to be,” Rodgers remarked in early January.

How Did It Come to This?

The tension between Rodgers and the Jets has been brewing for quite some time—long before the arrivals of Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as general manager. Throughout the 2024 season, Rodgers privately and publicly voiced frustrations over Johnson’s handling of team affairs. To Johnson’s credit, despite Rodgers’ criticisms, he allowed Glenn and Mougey to determine the team’s direction.

Had Rodgers stayed, it would have been under clear conditions—most importantly, an understanding that no player, not even him, is bigger than the team. However, with the Jets committed to a rebuild, parting ways with Rodgers appears to be the logical step. His contract includes a sizable roster bonus, meaning retaining him for 2025 and beyond would be a costly move.

Statistically, Rodgers delivered one of the best quarterback seasons in franchise history in 2024, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. He was inconsistent, will turn 42 in 2025, and no longer aligns with the team’s long-term vision. His departure could also signal exits for receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard.

What’s Next for the Jets?

The quarterback situation looks bleak. As of now, the only options on the roster are veteran Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis, the injured rookie from the 2024 draft. Neither the upcoming draft nor the free-agent market is expected to offer strong alternatives.

Sam Darnold, a former Jet, is set to be the top free-agent quarterback, though a reunion seems unlikely. Kirk Cousins is expected to leave the Atlanta Falcons in some capacity, but at 37 and coming off a poor season—where he was benched for Michael Penix Jr.—he may not be a viable solution.

The Jets could explore trading for Justin Fields or Detroit Lions backup Hendon Hooker, who has connections to their coaching staff. However, neither option would make them instant playoff contenders.

Holding the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, the Jets are also likely outside the range of landing an elite quarterback prospect, leaving them with difficult choices ahead.

— Zack Rosenblatt, Jets beat writer