The news that Aaron Rodgers has been informed by the Jets that they intend to part ways with him this offseason brings an end to one of the most disappointing chapters in franchise history.
In two seasons with New York after being traded by the Packers in a blockbuster swap, Rodgers started just 18 games, missing all but four snaps of the 2023 season with a torn Achilles, and led the Jets to a 5-12 record in 2024, a year marked by the firings of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. In his age-41 season, Rodgers was inconsistent, better than most Jets QBs but not good enough to return the organization to the postseason.
By most metrics, the two-year experiment was underwhelming. But C.J. Mosley, a Jets captain for four seasons running, says otherwise.
"No instant reaction, I guess, until everything is set in stone," Mosley told FOX 5 NY on Monday when asked about Rodgers' reported departure. "But if that is the case, obviously I'll reach out to Aaron personally myself.
"We tried to do something special. Injuries took part in that, took away a lot of time. He did do some great things this year, getting his 500th [passing] touchdown. He was a leader no matter what when he came into the locker room, when he was with us this year. Nothing but respect for him to come back from the Achilles, 40-plus years old. I know the wins and losses can get in the way of a lot of things that you can accomplish, but there's no reason for him to leave New York with his head down 'cause I know he gave us his all."
Rodgers' future with the Jets has been uncertain for months as Gang Green embarks on a new era with fresh leadership in coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. The veteran QB said on Jan. 16 that he was in no hurry to make a decision on his future. That was before Glenn and Mougey were hired.
The start of the new league year is now just a month away, and the deadline is spurring the Jets' action.
Whether New York cuts or trades Rodgers remains to be seen. According to Over The Cap, a pre-June 1 move (trade or release) would incur a $49 million hit in dead cap for the Jets. They'd save $9.5 million in cap space if they designated a trade or release as a post-June 1 move. The soon-to-be 42-year-old great could also just call it quits.
Mosley, who has one year left on his deal with the Jets, said he thinks Rodgers still has up to two seasons left in him.
"We've seen him sling the ball around," Mosley added. "He can definitely still play ball. He was real mobile towards the end of the year, so that was fun to watch. That definitely got the sideline going. Like I said, it's up to him, but I think he's definitely still got a year or two in the tank. That's what he said before everything started."
