The New York Jets are moving forward without veteran quarterback and four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers, the team announced on Thursday.
Rodgers joined the Jets ahead of the 2023 NFL season after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in his first game.
“Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback,” coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said in a statement from the team.
“It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”
The 41-year-old, having recovered from the injury after undergoing surgery, started 17 games for the Jets last season. He completed 63% of his passes, recording 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns, the third-best single-season totals in franchise history.
“I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets,” said Chairman Woody Johnson in a statement released by the team. “His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career.
“From day one, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans, and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here. He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”
Rodgers, however, was unable to rekindle the spark that has earmarked his Hall of Fame career as he led the Jets to a 5-12 record during the 2024-25 season, with the team missing the playoffs for a 14th consecutive year.
Moving forward is key for the Jets, who have a new head coach and general manager in Glenn and Mougey, respectively. They currently have veteran Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and Jordan Travis, a 2024 fifth-round pick, as the only quarterbacks on their roster.
