Report: New York Jets could bench or cut Aaron Rodgers in coming weeks

There’s an increasing chance that Aaron Rodgers could be done for the season soon, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

“It appears ‘increasingly likely’ that the Jets will place Aaron Rodgers on IR or bench him over the next few weeks, per Dianna Russini,” the tweet read. “It’s also a possibility the Jets simply cut Rodgers midseason. Rodgers reportedly still wants to play in 2025, just not for the Jets.”

In this latest turn for the New York Jets, Rodgers could be playing his last snaps for the green and white amid a disappointing campaign.

It is "increasingly likely" that the New York Jets will bench Aaron Rodgers or place him on injured reserve in the coming weeks, per @DMRussini 😳

The four-time MVP could also be cut before the season ends.
https://t.co/ZCFyAJ7XeR pic.twitter.com/oIzgGKjMad

— 5 GOATs (@5GOATs_) November 23, 2024

Russini had more in her latest piece.

“I’m told Johnson has lost confidence in Rodgers’ ability to lead the team to their first playoff berth in 14 years, a drought that stands as the longest in the major North American professional sports leagues,” she wrote. “There are some on the team who believe everyone is simply tiptoeing around the fact that Rodgers isn’t the same player anymore. I’m told no decisions have been made yet, but it appears increasingly likely that the four-time MVP, who is banged up, could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks, signaling the end of his disastrous time with the Jets.

“Some around the league say they won’t be surprised if Rodgers is cut in-season. As for Rodgers, his relationship with the owner has been strained for months — that’s not a secret in the building or the locker room. At this point, after conversations with sources with the team and around the league, my understanding is that Rodgers still wants to play in 2025, just not for the New York Jets.”

This could be the end of Aaron Rodgers in New York

New York’s season has been marred by inconsistent play across the board. After starting the season 2-1, the Jets are 1-7 in their last eight games.

This year, Rodgers has 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 63.4% completion percentage in 11 games. The numbers aren’t bad, but are pedestrian compared to a season like he had in 2021, his second to last with the Green Bay Packers.

While speaking to reporters last week, Rodgers was asked if the way the season has played out changed his outlook on playing next year and beyond.

“Not really, not for the negative,” Rodgers said. A reporter then asked Rodgers if he wanted to play next season, and he said, “I think so, yeah …

“I’m not playing as well as I would’ve liked to play, for sure. The beauty in this game is it’s a team game. The frustrating part is that if you’re a great competitor, you hold yourself to a standard that’s not unrealistic, and I haven’t reached that standard this year.”

Rodgers is under contract for next season. However, if the 40-year-old returns in 2025, the Jets would exercise a $35 million option bonus.

“You have to hold on to that beautiful thing in life called hope,” Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show prior to the 28-27 loss to the Colts last Sunday. “We aren’t mathematically eliminated. There is a lot to play for. At the end of the day, the one thing that we can play for, whether we are 10-0 or 3-7, is pride. Pride in your performance and pride in the product you are putting on the field.”