In recent weeks, 40- year-old veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has continued to express his intention to play in the 2025 NFL season, though his commitment has been somewhat ambiguous.
Even more uncertain is where Rodgers would play next season if he does decide to return to the NFL.
There’s a possibility that Rodgers may opt not to come back. According to Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York, “stability is believed to be the deciding factor on Rodgers returning for a third year with the Jets.”
However, New York has been anything but stable.
Head coach Robert Saleh has already been dismissed, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has had his play-calling duties stripped, general manager Joe Douglas could see his job at risk,
And owner Woody Johnson is set to resume his duties as the U.K. Ambassador after addressing the staff this offseason.
The departure of Saleh and Hackett’s demotion aren’t necessarily signs of instability that would deter Rodgers; they may actually align with his preferences.
For Rodgers, stability would hinge on Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich remaining in their roles.
Rodgers has stated that he would like to play for Ulbrich “until the end,” but as the Jets face the consequences of trying to appease Rodgers, his influence might not be as strong as before.
Ulbrich, on his part, has expressed a strong desire for Rodgers to play under him next season, stating he “absolutely” wants him back.
However, Ulbrich’s opinion will only carry weight if he is officially named head coach, shedding his interim title.
Over the last decade, only three out of 23 interim coaches have been promoted to full-time head coach for the following season.
Neither Mike Mularkey in Tennessee nor Doug Marrone in Jacksonville had long tenures, and Antonio Pierce is currently struggling in his first full season with Las Vegas.
If Ulbrich is not retained, even if Rodgers wishes to return, the Jets might have other plans.
A new regime could decide to part ways with a quarterback who will be turning 42 next season.
With no guaranteed money left on the final year of Rodgers’ contract, moving on from him financially would be relatively straightforward.
Finding a replacement for Rodgers might not be easy. As of now, Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson are the only full-time starters expected to hit free agency after this season.
Both are enjoying resurgent years with new teams, but Wilson is far from his prime, and Darnold has yet to demonstrate the potential that Rodgers possesses; moreover, Darnold’s previous stint with the Jets may leave him hesitant to return.
Other free agents, such as Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston, and Mac Jones, have starting experience and could serve as short-term solutions, but only Fields offers the potential to develop into a solid long-term starter.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes that players like Derek Carr or Daniel Jones might become cap casualties, but they’re on the chopping block for a reason.
The Jets also have the option of drafting a rookie quarterback, but this plan has its challenges.
First, there’s no guarantee the Jets will be in a position to select one of the draft’s top quarterbacks.
Second, the 2025 draft class lacks depth in top-tier quarterback talent, with only two prospects currently projecting as first-round picks.
Ultimately, numerous factors will influence whether Rodgers will play next year and where he might land if he does return.
While he can set his own priorities, the final decision could ultimately be beyond his control.
