Rodgers spent two seasons with the Jets after being acquired in a trade from the Green Bay Packers — the team that he spent 18 seasons with — in April 2023. Expectations were high for the Rodgers-Jets marriage but it took a sudden turn just four plays into the 2023 season when he tore his Achilles and went on to miss the rest of the year. In 2024, Rodgers started every game for the Jets and threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions but his 90.5 passer rating was the lowest Rodgers had in a full season. The team finished 5-12 in a drama-filled year that saw coach Robert Saleh dismissed after just five games, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett lose his play-calling duties, wide receiver (and close Rodgers’ friend) Davante Adams acquired in a mid-October trade and general manager Joe Douglas let go in November.
Nearly two years after welcoming him with a large-scale news conference, the Jets said goodbye to Rodgers on Thursday with a news release that included statements of gratitude from team officials. The Jets didn't give a reason for the decision, saying only they met last week with Rodgers 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 joint statement. "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," they said. "We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward."
The Jets now must decide whether to release him and take the full $49 million dead money hit on their salary cap in 2025 or designated him as a post-June 1 release. That would allow them to split the cap hit over two years — $14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026. If the Jets decide to make him a post-June 1 release, they have to wait until the new league year on March 12 to actually release him. Rodgers, 41, would be free to sign with any team after that. Rodgers’ $23.5 million salary cap charge would remain on the books for the Jets until June 1. The Jets sent a package of draft picks to the Packers in April 2023 to acquire Rodgers. The hope was that the four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer could provide the Jets with a culture change and elevate the team out of its losing ways.
