Aaron Rodgers Leaves the Jets: What’s Next for the Four-Time MVP?

Aaron Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets is officially over. It lasted two seasons, but if we’re being honest, it never really got started. His Jets career was supposed to be about rewriting history, leading a cursed franchise back to relevance, and proving that he could thrive outside of Green Bay. Instead, it turned into a case study on how quickly things can fall apart in the NFL.

When the Jets released their statement about parting ways with Rodgers, the phrasing was almost unintentionally brutal: “Our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback.” The irony? Rodgers’ 2023 season ended because of a bad move—an ill-fated step on the turf at MetLife Stadium that led to a torn Achilles just four plays into his New York debut. In those few seconds, the Jets’ playoff dreams, the entire trajectory of the franchise, and Rodgers’ own personal redemption arc all came crashing down.

And after a dismal 2024 season, where he managed to stay healthy but couldn’t recapture his MVP magic, it’s fair to ask: What’s next for Aaron Rodgers?

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The Harsh Reality of Rodgers’ Situation

Rodgers is now 41 years old. That number alone is enough to make teams pause. Sure, Tom Brady played until he was 45, but Brady was an outlier—an NFL unicorn. Most quarterbacks decline significantly in their late 30s, and Rodgers has already beaten the odds by staying at a high level for this long.

Last season, he played all 17 games, but it wasn’t pretty. The numbers tell the story: 28 touchdowns, 3,897 yards, and a 5-12 record for the Jets. Those stats are good but not great. The bigger issue? The eye test. He looked slower, less precise, and more frustrated than ever.

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And now, with his time in New York done, the big question is: Who wants Rodgers at this stage of his career?

Option 1: Finding a Starting Job

Despite his age and recent struggles, Rodgers is still one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation. There are a handful of teams that could use him as a starter in 2025.

Teams That Might Be Interested:

• Tennessee Titans: The Titans have a high draft pick and are expected to target a quarterback, but if they want a veteran to bridge the gap, Rodgers could be a fit.
• Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson’s situation is still murky. If Cleveland wants stability, Rodgers could be a short-term answer.
• Las Vegas Raiders: This one makes a lot of sense. The Raiders need a quarterback, and Rodgers already has a strong relationship with Davante Adams from their Packers days.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers? That would be must-watch TV. The Steelers haven’t had a true franchise QB since Big Ben retired, and they could be intrigued.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (Wildcard): If Trevor Lawrence actually gets moved (as rumored), Jacksonville could look at Rodgers as a one-year fix.

Of these, Las Vegas feels like the best fit. Rodgers reuniting with Adams in an offense that already has playmakers? That sounds compelling. But there’s also the question of whether the Raiders want to go with a veteran QB or draft their own guy.

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Option 2: The Bridge Quarterback Role

If Rodgers is open to the idea, he could take on a bridge role for a team that drafts a young quarterback but wants a proven veteran to start for a year.

Potential Bridge Situations:

• San Francisco 49ers: Rodgers in a Niners uniform would be poetic, given his ties to the Bay Area. But with Brock Purdy entrenched as the starter, this seems unlikely.
• Minnesota Vikings: This one is spicy. Brett Favre went from Green Bay to the Jets to the Vikings. Could Rodgers do the same? Minnesota has J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to injury. If they need a stopgap, Rodgers could be the guy.

A bridge role makes sense in theory, but in practice? Rodgers has never seemed like the type to embrace mentoring a young quarterback. He bristled when the Packers drafted Jordan Love. Would he really want to play that role now?

Option 3: The Backup Plan (Unlikely but Not Impossible)

Let’s be honest: Aaron Rodgers isn’t taking a backup job. He’s too competitive, too proud, and frankly, too expensive for a team to pay him starter money just to hold a clipboard.

However, if injuries pile up across the league and a contender needs a veteran backup who can step in at any moment, maybe—just maybe—Rodgers considers it. But don’t bet on it.

Option 4: Retirement and the Podcast Life

Rodgers has flirted with retirement multiple times. Every offseason, there are whispers that he might walk away. After the Jets’ final game in 2024, he admitted: “It’s been a long career. I’m really proud of what I’ve done, but I’m also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”

Could that rest become permanent?

If he does retire, he won’t disappear. Rodgers has already dipped his toes into the media world. He’s a regular on Pat McAfee’s show, where he shares his unfiltered opinions on everything from football to conspiracy theories. A full-time podcasting gig feels inevitable.

And let’s not forget, Rodgers has always wanted to be the smartest guy in the room. Whether it’s through podcasting, a TV show, or some other form of media, he’s going to have a platform if he wants one.

The Verdict: What Will Rodgers Do?

So what’s next? If Rodgers truly believes he can still play at a high level, the Raiders feel like the best fit. A reunion with Adams, a new challenge in the AFC West, and a chance to prove he still has something left? That sounds appealing.

But if he looks around and doesn’t like the offers, don’t be shocked if he calls it a career. He’s accomplished everything an NFL quarterback could hope for: four MVPs, a Super Bowl ring, countless records. Maybe he decides it’s time to walk away before he becomes another aging QB struggling to hold on.

Whatever he chooses, one thing is certain: The Aaron Rodgers saga isn’t over yet. Whether he’s throwing touchdowns, hosting a podcast, or making headlines for something completely unexpected, Rodgers will always find a way to stay in the spotlight.