The New York Jets quickly made their decision on Aaron Rodgers, revealing before the Super Bowl that one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history wouldn’t return in 2025. As the Jets now prepare to find their own short-term quarterback solution, NFL rumors are already flying regarding Rodgers’ future.
He never came close to meeting expectations in New York, demonstrating that he is no longer a Pro Bowl-caliber starter. There is also a great deal of uncertainty about whether or not he wants to play football again, with retirement once again on the table. However, if he does return, plenty believe he can still be an effective starter next season.
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- Aaron Rodgers stats 2024 (ESPN): 3,897 passing yards, 28-11 TD-INT, 63% completion rate, 6.7 ypa, 90.5 QB rating, 40 sacks taken
In his first year removed from a ruptured Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season, Rodgers played relatively well for a 40-year-old quarterback. The four-time NFL MVP also showed improved play down the stretch, providing film that led many executives and coaches to believe he can still be a quality starting quarterback in 2025.
From Weeks 1-7, Rodgers compiled a 10-7 TD-INT ratio with an 82.2. QB rating, completing just 61.7 percent of his pass attempts and averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. In his final 10 starts, the Jets’ quarterback recorded an 18-4 TD-INT ratio with a 97.0 QB rating and completed 64.02 percent of his passes with a 6.81 ypa.
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New York was willing to have him as its starting quarterback in 2025, but only on specific conditions. He needed to commit to being a part of the team’s offseason program and the club reportedly wanted him to stop making appearances on the Pat McAfee Show. However, a split was always the likely outcome with a fresh start needed for both parties.
While the 41-year-old hasn’t made a decision on whether or not he’ll retire, there is expected to be a market for his services if he decides to return next season. Specific preferences – offensive system and freedom to do what he wants – will certainly play a factor in what team he signs with if he returns for the 2025 season.
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As for potential landing spots, Bleacher Report‘s NFL insider James Palmer mentioned the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans as teams that could sign Rodgers.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 62,952 passing yards, 503-116 TD-INT, 7.6 ypa, 102.6 QB rating, 65.1% completion rate, 6.1% touchdown rate, 153-87-1 record
Los Angeles is obviously the least likely destination, but it stems from recent NFL rumors about the New York Giants trading for Matthew Stafford if he won’t restructure his contract with the Rams. However, Sean McVay’s system might not fit with what Rodgers wants.
The Steelers have been linked to Rodgers, especially amid reports that Russell Wilson could be headed elsewhere. However, there’s plenty of doubt around the league about whether or not Rodgers’ personality and the spectacle he creates is something Mike Tomlin wants in the Steelers locker room.
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Cleveland will be in the market for a veteran quarterback, but the Deshaun Watson contract will force the franchise to find a veteran starter whose salary is largely being covered by his former club. It’s why there have already been plenty of NFL rumors this winter linking Kirk Cousins to the Browns.
It leaves the Titans, which might be the likeliest destination for Rodgers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback lives in Nashville and he would give head coach Brian Callahan, who is on the hot seat, a stabilizing presence at quarterback to make the offense function. Plus, starting Rodgers would allow Tennessee to not reach for a rookie quarterback with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
