By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-26 19:52:02 | Updated at 2024-11-28 23:56:12
2 days ago
Aaron Rodgers has spoken out on reports that his time in New York will come to an end at the end of the season.
It was widely reported last week that the New York Jets are ready to move on from the veteran quarterback as the franchise looks to completely clear house following the firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
The 40-year-old was also reported to be ready to call it time on his Big Apple tenure, wanting to continue playing in 2025 but for a different team, according to The Athletic.
However, the four-time MVP firmly shutdown those rumors during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show Tuesday, insisting his heart is still set on New York.
'I haven't told anybody in my life that I wanna play in 2025 and not on the Jets,' Rodgers told McAfee and co. on the ESPN program.
'That's 100 percent false and I actually said the opposite. I'm going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season and if they want me back, what happens with Ulbrich and the offensive staff, and obviously the GM at the time - they just fired Joe [Douglas]. There's a lot of things out of my control,' he continued, acknowledging the recent front office exits from New York.
Aaron Rodgers has spoken out on reports that his time in New York will come to an end
The veteran shutdown rumors he wants to play next season but not in New York on ESPN
'But I've really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously we haven't had the success that we've all wanted to have but I've made some great friendships on the team. I've enjoyed living in Jersey. I've enjoyed time in the city and getting to know the fans. I came here to win here, so I'm not jumping off ship, like "I definitely want to play and not in New York."
'I don't even know if I wanna play yet but New York would be my first option.'
Rodgers has endured a miserable couple of seasons at the Jets following his blockbuster move in 2023.
Last September, the four-time MVP played just four snaps of his debut before tearing his Achilles against the Buffalo Bills .
The quarterback returned this year following a long period of rehab but the Jets are 3-8 after another dreadful campaign in the AFC East.
Rodgers is slated to make a non-guaranteed $37.5million in 2025 with a dead cap hit of $49m as his salary cap total goes from $17.1m to $23.5m.
Yet, despite repeatedly expressing his desire to continue to playing in the NFL - and to do so in New York - it may be out of Rodgers' control.
The Jets could spread the dead money over two years by releasing Rodgers with the use of post-June 1 designation. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so they would need his permission to make a deal.
The quarterback is pictured at Cal's game against Stanford with Marshawn Lynch
Owner Woody Johnson has fired both his head coach and general manager after an awful start
The San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders have all been mooted as possible destinations for Rodgers next season.
There have already been rumors that the former Super Bowl winner is being frozen out by the Jets.
Saleh and general manager Douglas have both been fired in recent weeks as owner Woody Johnson searches for a solution to the team's issues.
The Athletic reports that Rodgers has endured a 'strained' relationship with Johnson for months.
It's also claimed that New York is considering placing the quarterback on injured reserve as their season drifts towards further disappointment.
According to The Athletic , some NFL executives even believe the veteran quarterback could be cut in a similar move to Daniel Jones' exit from the Giants.
