Report: New, surprising details emerge on Aaron Rodgers-New York Jets breakup

The Aaron Rodgers-New York Jets breakup saga came to a head last week when the team formally parted ways with the veteran NFL quarterback.

It was previously reported that Rodgers didn’t want to move on from the organization in the same way as the Jets. However, a surprising new wrinkle has been revealed that may shed new light on the public outlook of the separation.

“I think for this new regime, they felt that this needs to be a fresh start. So when they met late last week or two weeks ago now, the conversation was friendly,” The Athletics’ Dianna Russini told Rich Eisen. “There was no anger or bitterness. It was, ‘Hey look, if you were to stay, here’s how we would want it to go,'”

“I’ll just go with what I know and nobody had shared with me that Rodgers was begging to stay a New York Jet. In fact, this entire time I knew that Aaron Rodgers wanted his time in New York to come to an end as well. He knew this chapter was over a while ago.”

Rodgers wanting a divorce just as the Jets did contradicts earlier reports that he “pleaded” to the organization to return for at least one more year.

The official statement from the Jets was that “they informed Aaron Rodgers that we will be moving in a different direction at quarterback.” They went on to say that they met with Rodgers to share their intention to move on, but did not address his side of the situation. Rodgers has not commented on the situation himself since the move became official.

The Packers originally traded Rodgers to the Jets in 2023, but Rodgers missed nearly all of the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles. He returned in 2024 and led the Jets to a 5-12 record despite throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Of course, Rodgers has put together a Hall of Fame career, finishing up his 20th NFL season following the 2024 campaign. Over that time, the veteran quarterback has thrown for over 62,000 yards with 503 touchdowns, winning four MVP awards and a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers, as well.

Whatever may be next for Rodgers, it does not appear to be retirement, as he reportedly expects to play football again during the 2025 season. Wherever that is, it won’t be for the Jets as they look for a new identity under center moving forward.