-
Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Facing one of the most challenging seasons of his illustrious career, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has expressed a desire to play in 2025.
“I think so, yeah,” he stated on Wednesday, just weeks shy of his 41st birthday.
His response lacked unwavering certainty, possibly due to the understanding that potential organizational changes this offseason could influence his decision.
Rodgers, who last offseason expressed hope for playing “two or three or four more years,” indicated that the team’s disappointing start (3-7) hasn’t altered his outlook.
“Not really, not in a negative way,” he said.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Despite coming back from Achilles surgery and battling hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries, Rodgers hasn’t missed any snaps due to injury. However, his performance hasn’t reached his usual standard. He ranks 24th out of 32 qualified passers in Total QBR (52.0), with 15 touchdown passes, 7 interceptions, and a career-low 6.4 yards per attempt.
“I’m not playing as well as I would’ve liked to play for sure,” he admitted. “The beauty of 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.”
While Rodgers is under contract for 2025, none of his compensation is currently guaranteed. Bringing him back would require the Jets to exercise a $35 million option bonus, along with his $2.5 million base salary. His cap charge would be $23.5 million.
Rodgers remains optimistic, stating “the verdict is still out” regarding their season. He acknowledged that the team is working to address their shortcomings under new head coach Robert Saleh.
Ulbrich, taking a back-to-basics approach, has called for full pads practices this week to improve the Jets’ tackling. They missed 20 tackles against the Cardinals, according to Next Gen Stats. He conducted a tackling presentation for the entire team on Wednesday, not just the defense.
In a surprising move, he also benched safety Tony Adams following his performance against Arizona, a source confirmed. Adams is considered the Jets’ third-leading tackler — a two-year starter.
“We are going back to fundamentals and basics,” Ulbrich stated, emphasizing that “something we can improve on, and we will improve.”
Rodgers echoed this sentiment, stating that the team is in a “check-yourself” period. He believes the Jets need to “make alterations” to turn their season around.
# Aaron Rodgers Eyes 2025 Return Amidst Disappointing Season with Jets
The New York Jets entered the 2023 NFL season brimming with hope and high expectations. With the acquisition of four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they were considered a serious contender in the AFC. However, the season has unfolded far differently than anticipated, leaving fans wondering about the future of the franchise and its star player.
A Season of Struggles
The Jets have struggled mightily on both sides of the ball, finding themselves amidst a disappointing campaign. Rodgers himself hasn’t lived up to his usual MVP form, battling injuries and facing a youthful offensive line that has struggled to protect him.
Factors contributing to the underwhelming season include:
* **Offensive Line Issues:** The Jets’ offensive line has consistently been exposed, struggling to provide adequate protection for Rodgers and allowing constant pressure.
* **Slow Start by Rodgers:** While the legendary quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, he hasn’t consistently performed at his peak level, perhaps due to a slow integration into the new system and lingering injuries.
* **Injuries Affecting Key Players:** Beyond Rodgers, key players like wide receiver Garrett Wilson have also dealt with injuries, hindering offensive production and creating disruptions on the field.
Rodgers’ Future in New York
With the season winding down and the Jets firmly out of playoff contention, speculation has intensified regarding Aaron Rodgers’ future in New York. While he initially expressed a desire to remain with the team for multiple seasons, recent reports suggest that he might consider retirement after the 2023 campaign.
Rodgers, at age 40, is contemplating his options carefully. He could choose to:
* **Retire:** After a long and illustrious career, Rodgers may decide to hang up his cleats and enjoy time away from the game.
* **Return to the Jets in 2024:** If Rodgers feels he can still compete at a high level and the Jets make improvements to address their shortcomings, he might opt to stay for another year.
* **Seek a Trade to a Contender:** If Rodgers wants to chase another Super Bowl ring, he could request a trade to a team with a stronger roster and more immediate championship aspirations.
It’s crucial to note that these are just possibilities, and the final decision rests with Aaron Rodgers himself.
The Jets’ Road Ahead
Regardless of Rodgers’ future, the Jets face a critical offseason ahead.
They must:
* **Address Offensive Line Concerns:** Reinforcing the offensive line through free agency and the draft is paramount to protect any quarterback they have moving forward.
* **Evaluate Coaching Staff:** Analyzing coaching decisions and performance will be essential in determining whether changes are needed for success.
* **Rebuild Through Drafting:** The Jets need to strategically utilize their draft picks to acquire talented players who can contribute immediately and build a sustainable contender.
Fan Perspective: A Rollercoaster Ride
Jets fans have experienced an emotional rollercoaster this season. Initial excitement surrounding Rodgers’ arrival quickly gave way to frustration as the team struggled to find its footing.
Fans are divided on what the future holds, with some urging the Jets to rebuild around younger talent, while others hope Rodgers can return for another year and lead them back to contention. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the next few months will be crucial in shaping the direction of the New York Jets franchise.
