FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 26: New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey during an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Dolphins, the Jets’ playoff hopes were all but gone, yet still technically alive. However, their elimination felt inevitable as the Dolphins quickly marched down the field on their first possession of overtime.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found tight end Jonnu Smith for the game-winning touchdown, effectively ending the Jets’ faint playoff aspirations.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 339 yards and one touchdown, posting a 104.5 passer rating with no interceptions. While the quarterback played solidly, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. This marked his first 300-yard game since December 2021, when he faced the Chicago Bears.
Despite missing all of 2023 due to a season-ending Achilles injury, Rodgers has not made a significant impact for the Jets in 2024.
“Yeah, the expectations were high, and we didn’t meet them. Not even close,” Rodgers admitted in a post-game interview. “We just couldn’t figure out how to win enough games. I didn’t perform well enough in key moments, and that’s why we’re where we are with this record.”
Now with a 3-10 record, the Jets are shifting focus to the future, which likely won’t involve Rodgers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to target a young quarterback in the upcoming draft, regardless of Rodgers’ status for next season.
Rodgers is now playing the role of a “bridge quarterback,” but with the Jets officially eliminated from playoff contention again, it’s hard to see a reason for keeping him on the roster for 2025.
Reports suggest team owner Woody Johnson is planning to overhaul the quarterback position, coaching staff, and front office next season. Rodgers himself has hinted at an uncertain future, with rumors circulating about a potential switch to the New York Giants.
Ultimately, with the Jets in the same spot they’ve been for over a decade, despite their all-in gamble on Rodgers, it’s clear that the brief Rodgers era is drawing to a close.
