Aaron Rodgers took a reflective approach as he gets ready for what could be his final game with the New York Jets, as well as the end of his 20-year NFL career.
When asked on Wednesday if he’s thought about the possibility that Sunday’s season finale against Miami could be his last game, Rodgers responded, “Yeah, of course.” However, the 41-year-old quarterback stressed that he’s not ready to make a decision about his future yet.
“I just need a break mentally to kind of refresh and put my feet in the sand,” he said. “And see where I’m at after that.”
Despite not making a firm decision, Rodgers seemed to suggest that he may not return to the Jets even if he does want to keep playing.
“I mean, gratitude, honestly,” Rodgers said, referring to his time with New York. He repeated this sentiment throughout his 10-minute conversation with reporters. “It’s been the best two years of my life.”
Rodgers described his time with the Jets as a “perspective adjustment,” particularly during his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon that kept him to just four snaps in his highly anticipated debut for the Jets last season.
He mentioned that the experience helped him fall back in love with football after his long time in Green Bay and that he values the relationships he’s built with teammates, coaches, and others in the Jets organization.
“Obviously wish things would have gone better on the field,” he said. “But nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”
Rodgers joined the Jets in April 2023 through a trade from the Packers, sparking hopes for a Super Bowl run. But those hopes quickly faded after his injury last season, and the team has faced other setbacks this year, turning it into one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
The Jets are 4-12, have fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, and Rodgers has only shown glimpses of his former MVP-level play. He has also admitted that the team might release him after this season.
“I think there’s going to be change here and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a great experience all around, and again, I’m disappointed about the performance of both myself and as a team, but really thankful for the opportunity.
“If I feel good coming back and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic. But I’m not naive to the situation we’re in.”
Rodgers’ future with the Packers was also uncertain after the 2022 season, and at that point, he was leaning toward retirement. He took a darkness retreat in Oregon, spending four days in isolation, and came out refreshed and ready to play, deciding to join the Jets.
Rodgers plans to take time to think things through during the offseason.
“Probably darkness again,” Rodgers joked about his plans, then smiled and added, “No, I think I’m done with that. I won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason.”
He will need to decide whether he wants to endure the physical and mental challenges of another season. Rodgers doesn’t think he’ll drag out the decision into the offseason.
“March is free agency,” he said. “I don’t think we’re even going to get that far just because there’s going to be a regime change here, at least with the GM. And then whatever they end up doing, I’m sure I’ll either get a call or have a conversation, and go from there.”
Rodgers still has one year left on his contract with a $2.5 million non-guaranteed base salary. He would also be due a $35 million option bonus before the season begins and would count $23.5 million against the salary cap. The new management team will need to take this into account when making decisions.
If Rodgers is cut or retires, the Jets could face a $49 million dead money charge next year, unless they designate him as a June 1 cut, which would allow them to spread the charge over two years.
But that’s all something for the future.
For now, Rodgers is focused on the present, and the one thing he knows for sure is that he will play for the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
“This game has given me a lot,” Rodgers said. “I’ve given a lot back to it and I’m thankful for it. I’m not thinking (and) I won’t be thinking about that come game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but of course it’s been a long career.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”