NFL insider: ‘Aaron Rodgers is a longshot’ to return to New York Jets in 2025
Aaron Rodgers is a “longshot” to return as quarterback for the New York Jets (3-8) in 2025, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said on Sunday’s “NFL GameDay.”
“My understanding is that Rodgers is considered as of right now to be a longshot to return to the Jets,” Rodgers said. “Conversation will happen with the new power brokers after the year, but that is my understanding of where it stands right now.”
Rodgers, who turns 41 on Monday, is having his toughest season to date in the NFL. After starting the season 2-1, the Jets have dropped seven of their last eight games. Rodgers has thrown for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 63.4% passing. That’s hardly what the Jets had in mind when they acquired the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion from the Green Bay Packers (9-3) in March 2023.
Aaron Rodgers addresses future with New York Jets, NFL
Moving on from Rodgers — whether by choice or if he retires — will cost the Jets a pretty penny. Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York has a $49 million dead charge if Rodgers doesn’t play for them next season.
“If Rodgers doesn’t play for the Jets in 2025 — if he’s cut or retires — the Jets have a $49 million “dead” charge, which is an accumulation of pro-rated bonuses from past years,” Cimini wrote. “That’s a substantial cap hit, more than double his cap charge if he’s on the roster [$23.5 million].”
Top 10
- 1
Mike Norvell
$4.5M of salary going back to FSU
- 2
Commish shreds portal
Marshall bowl opt-out spotlights issue
- 3
Predicting AP Poll
Chaotic Saturday will shake up rankings
- 4
Tom Brady
Reaction to Bill Belichick to UNC
- 5Hot
Pop-Tart Bowl
New trophy with functioning toaster
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
If Rodgers does return, the Jets are required to pay him a $35 million option bonus by the first regular season game in addition to a $2.5 million base salary.
Speaking on Tuesday’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers said he’s yet to make a decision on if he wants to play at all in 2025. Rodgers noted that if he decides he wants to play, “New York would be my first option.”
“It feels good,” Rodgers said. “I’m healthy now. … If I can stay healthy the rest of the year and play the way I want to play and everybody feels good about bringing me back, then there’s a decision there. And if not, then there’s all the other options. I think at this point I’m open to everything and attached to nothing. It’s a good place to be.”