Aaron Rodgers continues to be considering whether or not he needs to play soccer subsequent season. And if he does return, he prefers it to be with the New York Jets.
The star quarterback, who turns 41 subsequent Monday, denied a current report that he needs to maintain taking part in subsequent yr — however not with the Jets.
“I came here to win here, so I’m not jumping off ship,” Rodgers mentioned Tuesday throughout his weekly look on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option.”
The Athletic reported final week that Rodgers had already determined to play subsequent season, however would wish to play for an additional staff. He and the Jets have struggled to a 3-8 begin and proprietor Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh final month and changed him with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. He dismissed common supervisor Joe Douglas final Tuesday.
Rodgers not too long ago advised reporters “I think so, yeah,” when he was requested if he plans to play subsequent season. However that was earlier than the newest entrance workplace upheaval.
“As far as my future goes, I haven’t told anybody in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not on the Jets,” Rodgers mentioned. “That is 100% false. I truly mentioned the alternative. I mentioned I will wait and see what occurs on the finish of the season, if they need me again and what occurs to ‘Brick’ and what occurs with the offensive workers and clearly the GM on the time. They simply fired Joe.
“There are a lot of things out of my control when it comes to that. But I’ve really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously, we haven’t had the success we all wanted to have.”
Rodgers has handled varied accidents to his left leg, together with a sore knee, sprained ankle and balky hamstring. The four-time NFL MVP mentioned that will even be a significant factor in his choice as as to if he continues taking part in.
“When you’re 40 going on 41, you’re obviously at the end of your career,” Rodgers mentioned. “Obviously, if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. And then the new GM, new staff, all have to want me to be with the Jets. And then body-wise, I’ve got to see how I’m feeling and if I want to sign up to go back to the grind and all that.”
Rodgers mentioned he “feels good” after the Jets’ bye week, a part of which he spent in Berkeley, California, as a part of the Cal Bears’ 20-year reunion of the 2004 staff below former coach Jeff Tedford earlier than its sport final Saturday in opposition to Stanford.
Ulbrich confirmed Monday that Rodgers will “absolutely” be the starter Sunday at house in opposition to Seattle.
NFL Community reported final Sunday that Rodgers, who missed all however 4 snaps final season with a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined having medical scans on his injured leg so he can proceed to play. The Athletic additionally reported the Jets may doubtlessly launch Rodgers or place him on injured reserve within the subsequent few weeks.
“Well, I feel great right now,” Rodgers mentioned. “I had the week off. I felt actually good final week that final sport we performed in opposition to the Colts. I felt nearly as good as I’ve felt in a very long time. I cannot willingly go on IR with out an damage.
“When it comes to scans, first of all, I’ve played 20 years and I know my body better than anybody.”
Rodgers added he has “a great relationship” with the Jets’ athletic trainers and medical doctors, and so they’ve all labored by his illnesses.
“There was no mandate ever that you’ve got to get this scan, and then I was like, I ain’t getting this (expletive) scan,” Rodgers mentioned.
The Athletic additionally reported final week that Johnson broached the thought throughout a gathering with the teaching workers of getting the banged-up Rodgers sit after the Jets’ loss to Denver in Week 4. That and subsequent reviews prompt a considerably strained relationship between the proprietor and quarterback.
“I’ve got a lot of love and appreciation and gratitude for all the Johnsons,” mentioned Rodgers, who added he not too long ago had dinner with Woody’s brother Christopher.
Rodgers’ remaining yr on his contract incorporates non-guaranteed cash and he’d depend $23.5 million in opposition to the wage cap subsequent season. But when the Jets lower Rodgers earlier than June 1 subsequent yr, they’d incur a $49 million lifeless cash cost; it might be $14 million subsequent yr if a separation occurs after June 1 and $35 million in 2026.
That will even issue into the choice by Johnson and the Jets — and Rodgers — over the following a number of weeks.
“I’ve made some great friendships on the team,” Rodgers mentioned. “I’ve loved residing in (New) Jersey. I’ve loved time within the metropolis. I’ve loved attending to know the followers.”
