New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't have a lot of answers about his future with the team and wants people to ask owner Woody Johnson about it, not him.
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In a press conference yesterday, Rodgers addressed his most recent injuries and how they might affect the remainder of the season. He also, naturally, faced questions about whether he would return to the Jets after the team's subpar 2024.
When asked directly whether Jets owner Woody Johnson wanted him back in 2025, the QB quipped "You should ask Woody" to a long silence in the room.
Considering rumors earlier this season that Johnson had suggested to the coaching staff that they consider benching quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the Jets' 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, that quip could be taken a lot of ways.
The team has since downplayed the idea that Johnson has wanted to sideline Rodgers, but it is clear that the QB's future with the team is far from certain.
At the press conference, Rodgers also said that conversations were currently not happening about his place on the team and that there were different managerial positions that needed to be filled first, which is certainly true.
"I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there's so many uncertainties," Rodgers continued. "There's a G.M. that has to get hired I would assume first, and then he's going to be part of hiring the head coach, so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the G.M., and then the head coach, so that's why, to me, that would not be a conversation I'm expecting anytime soon until those things are in place."
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There is also a pretty large financial aspect to the QB's future with the Jets. Rodgers, under his renegotiated contract, is set to earn a $35 million option bonus and a $2.5 million base salary in 2025, though none of it is guaranteed.
Last year, he took a $34 million pay cut to provide cap relief for the Jets' free-agent pursuits. His 2025 cap charge is a manageable $23.5 million, but if released or traded, the team would face a $49 million dead cap hit.
Rodgers is under contract through 2025 with a no-trade clause, meaning the Jets would have to release him outright after the 2024 season to part ways.
This clause complicates trade talks, as the Jets wouldn't receive any compensation in a trade. While benching Rodgers could signal a potential move, the team may also be preparing to simply move on from him.
The Jets may be considering benching Rodgers for the final two games of the season due to a new knee injury. Rodgers appeared on the injury report with an MCL issue, casting doubt on his availability for Week 17.
However, he clarified his status on Tuesday, insisting to reporters that he's "going to play" on Sunday, despite the injury. Rodgers also mentioned that his knee "feels pretty good" and that he's dealt with worse injuries in the past.
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