As another disappointing New York Jets season draws to a close, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has some things to think about.
Rodgers and the Jets have had a difficult season, going 4-10 and struggling on both sides of the ball. When asked if the way he’s been playing has made him think about next year, the 41-year-old quarterback told reporters Wednesday that he would be contemplating his football future after the season, saying he would decide “if whether I want to play or not.”
“I’ll take some time off after the year unless they release me right away,” Rodgers said. “But I’ll take some time and get away from it either way.”
After playing just four snaps last season before getting injured, Rodgers has started all 14 games this season. The four-time league MVP has a 62.5% completion rate, 23 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.
Rodgers has flirted with the idea of retiring before: The veteran QB attended a dark retreat during the 2023 NFL offseason to contemplate his football future and whether he would stay with the Green Bay Packers or hang up his cleats. A month later, Rodgers requested a trade with the Jets.
Team owner Woody Johnson got rid of everyone around him, firing head coach Robert Saleh in October and general manager Joe Douglas in November, and Johnson reportedly wanted Rodgers benched after a Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos.
New York was officially eliminated from the playoffs on December 8, following an overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins.
In recent weeks, Rodgers has had some bright spots: The quarterback, with the help of his favorite receiver, Davante Adams, led the Jets to a 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Rodgers and Adams connected on nine completions for 198 yards and two touchdowns, including a 71-yard touchdown that was one of Rodgers’ few highlights this season.
New York has three more games this season. After that, Rodgers may have to return to obscurity to make his next decision.