Aaron Rodgers reportedly made a final plea to remain with the New York Jets, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
According to The New York Post, Rodgers "aggressively urged" the team's new leadership to keep him as their starting quarterback for another year or two. However, head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey had already decided to move in a different direction.
Once it became clear that his pleas wouldn't change their minds, Rodgers accepted the decision "like a man going to the gallows," bringing his turbulent two-year stint in New York to an end.
Aaron Rodgers’ final days as a Jet: Pleading to stay before accepting his fate ‘like a man going to the gallows’ https://t.co/zpXftj12cu pic.twitter.com/Ri9sILARua
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 14, 2025
The Jets' decision stemmed largely from Rodgers' on-field struggles and the team's overall lack of success.
After missing almost the entire 2023 season due to a torn Achilles, he returned in 2024 and started all 17 games, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Despite those numbers, the Jets finished 5-12, leading to the midseason firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
Glenn and Mougey made it clear that the franchise would no longer cater to Rodgers' preferences. "This thing is not about Aaron Rodgers," Glenn stated at his introductory press conference. "This is about the roster."
The new regime also had little interest in the off-field distractions surrounding Rodgers, including his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show, which reportedly created tension with team officials.
🚨🚨BREAKING🚨🚨
— PATS PLANET 🪐 (@patsplanet__) February 17, 2025
Sources are claiming Aaron Rodgers “basically begged” @nyjets while pleading his case why next season would be different.
They weren’t buying his pitch. pic.twitter.com/zI5Y5H52Av
Now 41, Rodgers faces an uncertain future, considering retirement or a fresh start with another team. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, but it's unclear if they or any other team are willing to take on a veteran quarterback with baggage.
Some reports indicate the Jets told Rodgers to give up his McAfee Show appearances if he wanted to stay, a sign that tensions had reached a breaking point.
Once seen as the piece that could turn the Jets into a contender, Rodgers leaves New York with little to show for his time there, and his next move remains in doubt.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
