Aaron Rodgers is still thinking about whether he wants to keep playing football next season. If he decides to return, he would prefer to do so with the New York Jets.
The star quarterback, who will turn 41 next Monday, denied a recent report that claimed he wanted to play next year, but not with the Jets.
“I came here to win here, so I’m not jumping off ship,” Rodgers said Tuesday during his regular appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option.”
A report from The Athletic last week stated that Rodgers had already decided to play next season, but he wanted to play for another team. The Jets have had a tough season with a 3-8 record, and their owner, Woody Johnson, fired coach Robert Saleh last month and replaced him with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Johnson also dismissed general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday.
Rodgers had recently told reporters “I think so, yeah,” when asked about playing next season, but that was before the latest changes in the front office.
“As far as my future goes, I haven’t told anybody in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not on the Jets,” Rodgers said. “That’s 100% false. I actually said the opposite. I said I’m going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season, if they want me back and what happens to ‘Brick’ and what happens with the offensive staff and obviously the GM at the time. They just fired Joe.”
“There are a lot of things out of my control when it comes to that. But I’ve really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously, we haven’t had the success we all wanted to have.”
Rodgers has been dealing with several injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle, and a tight hamstring. These injuries will also play a big role in his decision about whether to keep playing.
“When you’re 40 going on 41, you’re obviously at the end of your career,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. And then the new GM, new staff, all have to want me to be with the Jets. And then body-wise, I’ve got to see how I’m feeling and if I want to sign up to go back to the grind and all that.”
Rodgers said he feels good after the Jets’ bye week, which he spent partly in Berkeley, California, attending the 20-year reunion of the 2004 Cal Bears team before their game against Stanford last Saturday.
Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers will “absolutely” be the starter for Sunday’s home game against Seattle.
NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed almost all of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon, has refused medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue playing. The Athletic also reported that the Jets might release Rodgers or place him on injured reserve in the coming weeks.
“Well, I feel great right now,” Rodgers said. “I had the week off. I felt really good last week that last game we played against the Colts. I felt as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I will not willingly go on IR without an injury.”
“When it comes to scans, first of all, I’ve played 20 years and I know my body better than anybody.”
Rodgers also said he has “a great relationship” with the Jets’ athletic trainers and doctors, and they have been helping him with his injuries.
“There was no mandate ever that you’ve got to get this scan, and then I was like, I ain’t getting this (expletive) scan,” Rodgers said.
The Athletic also reported last week that Johnson discussed the idea of having Rodgers sit out after the Jets’ loss to Denver in Week 4. This, along with other reports, suggested some tension between the team’s owner and Rodgers.
“I’ve got a lot of love and appreciation and gratitude for all the Johnsons,” Rodgers said, adding that he recently had dinner with Woody Johnson’s brother Christopher.
Rodgers’ contract for next year includes non-guaranteed money, and he would count $23.5 million against the salary cap. If the Jets decide to cut Rodgers before June 1, they would take a $49 million dead-money hit; if the release happens after June 1, that amount would be reduced to $14 million for 2024 and $35 million in 2026.
This financial aspect will also play a role in the decision by Johnson and the Jets, along with Rodgers, in the coming weeks.
“I’ve made some great friendships on the team,” Rodgers said. “I’ve enjoyed living in (New) Jersey. I’ve enjoyed time in the city. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the fans.”
