FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers sent a strong message Wednesday to team ownership — and perhaps potential future employers.
Despite his struggles, Rodgers said he has nothing to prove over the final five games, inferring that his career accomplishments should supersede his performance down the stretch. The four-time MVP said it would be “ridiculous” to make a player with his resume audition for next season.
“If they want me to stay, fantastic,” the four-time MVP said. “If it takes these five games, maybe they don’t know what I bring to the table. But that being said, I’d love to play really frigging well the last five games.”
One source said recently that he’d he “shocked” if owner Woody Johnson signs off on another season of Rodgers, who is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. The NFL Network reported that Rodgers will need a strong finish to have a chance at returning next season.
The Rodgers-Johnson relationship has come under the spotlight recently with reports that Johnson, in a meeting with team officials and coaches, suggested benching Rodgers in Week 5.
On Wednesday, Rodgers made a cryptic comment about Johnson regarding the in-season firings of coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. It came in response to a discussion Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
During his weekly appearance on the show, Rodgers — in general terms — stressed the importance of ownership remaining publicly supportive of team officials during tough times. He used the Detroit Lions as an example of a franchise that did that and has flourished.
In his weekly news conference Wednesday, Rodgers was asked specifically about whether Johnson has been publicly supportive.
“Is that a rhetorical question?” he said. “Like I said, I cited an example that I’ve seen. There were probably examples over the years in Green Bay … but I think it’s an important part of ownership to hire the right guys, set the vision, and then support them when the outside world is trying to tear them down.”
Pressed on the question of Johnson’s support, Rodgers said, “I mean, I’d have to look. I don’t follow a lot of stuff. I’d have to ask you guys. Has there been a lot of public comments? Supportive comments?”
The Saleh and Douglas firings were mentioned to him.
“Yeah, so there’s your answer,” Rodgers said.
To be fair, Johnson did give Saleh and Douglas a public vote of confidence last Christmas Eve, pledging his support for 2024. Rodgers was on injured reserve at the time, recovering from Achilles surgery. With a heathy Rodgers this season, the Jets got off to a 2-3 start, prompting Johnson to fire Saleh. Since then, they’re 1-6. Douglas was fired on Nov. 19.
The Jets will have a new GM and coach in 2025, and they will be entrusted with deciding Rodgers’ fate. Johnson, too, will have significant input.
Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, has said he’s undecided on whether to play next season. He’s under contract for 2025, but none of his compensation ($37.5 million) is guaranteed. If he decides to play, his “first option” is the Jets, he has said.
Rodgers, who received a vote of confidence Monday from interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, said his goal is to start every game and play well. Regarding the future, he said, “I’d like to feel like I’m wanted. If not, I won’t be offended. I won’t be upset. I’ll be so thankful either way.
“I have to be healthy mentally, physically, and then there’s got to be interest on both sides. And if that’s not the case, then I’ll look at other options, but first I’ll think about whether I actually want a play or not. It usually takes a good month to get away from it, which I’ll do the first month, and then see what happens.”
The Jets (3-9) will be officially eliminated if they lose Sunday to the Miami Dolphins (5-7). It would extend their playoff drought to 14 years, the longest active slump in the league.
Rodgers’ close friend, wide receiver Davante Adams, addressed his future Wednesday. He was noncommittal on whether he will be back with the Jets.
“That’s a great question and I truly don’t have the answer to it right now,” said Adams, acquired in a midseason trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. “I would love to be a part of this football team. … I’d love to go to war with these guys, but it’s a business and there are a lot of pieces, contractually, and, obviously, with Aaron’s future — a lot of things that I can’t control.
Adams is under contract through 2026, but his cap charge is $38.3 million in both years. If the two sides don’t renegotiate, they will have little choice but to cut him.
“Hopefully,” he said, “we do enough to where everybody’s feeling like it’s the right thing to do for us to stay here.”
