Aaron Rodgers, the 4 time NFL MVP and current New York Jets quarterback, has once again made headlines regarding his future in the NFL. Just a day after asking sports media members to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination statuses, Rodgers revealed that he will take time after the season to decide whether to continue playing or retire. However, he added, “unless I get released right away,” suggesting that his decision could depend on the Jets’ actions.
This isn’t the first time Rodgers has taken time to reflect on his career. After the 2022 NFL season with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers spent four days in a “darkness retreat” to help him decide whether to play another season or retire. Now, at 41 years old, making him the oldest player in the NFL, Rodgers is again facing a crucial decision about his future.
Although Rodgers showed flashes of his former self in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he is having one of the toughest seasons of his career. His passer rating is on pace for a career-worst, and he’s nearing career-lows in completion percentage and yards per game. Despite this, he remains a key player for the Jets as they navigate a difficult season.
If Rodgers chooses to take more time to decide, it could have significant consequences for the Jets. With general manager and head coach vacancies looming for the team this offseason, they may opt to part ways with the quarterback in favor of a new direction. If the Jets release Rodgers, it would come at a massive financial cost. According to OverTheCap data, releasing him before June 1, 2025, would result in $74.5 million in dead money on the salary cap. However, if they wait until after June 1, 2025, that amount drops to $4.5 million.
While a release is one option, the Jets could also trade Rodgers, but that would require his approval. Rodgers has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he must agree to any trade before the Jets can move him to another team.
Rodgers is set to make $2.5 million in base salary, along with a $14 million signing bonus and $7 million in other bonuses for the 2025 season. His total cap hit for that year would be $23.5 million. Additionally, his contract includes four void years that extend into 2027-2029. In 2026, Rodgers will cost the Jets $63 million against the cap. While he won’t count against the cap from 2027 to 2029, the team will still owe him bonuses in the following years: $21 million in 2027, $14 million in 2028, and $7 million in 2029.
As the Jets prepare for a crucial offseason, Rodgers’ future remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to return for another season, retire, or potentially move to another team, his decision will have a significant impact on the team’s next steps.
