Aaron Rodgers Finally Gives Up After Woody Johnson’s Betrayal as NFL Insider Reports Daniel Jones Fate for Jets QB

The Jets are heading toward a losing. Yeah, you read that right—with a 3 and 8 record. So, at this point, a winning season is about as realistic as dreaming of a W post-game. Sure, they’d need a miracle 6-0 run to turn it around, but with their current play? Let’s just say that’s not a bet even Vegas would take.

It’s tough to watch Gang Green in this kind of turmoil, but let’s not sugarcoat it—they brought this mess on themselves. And now, the ripple effects are reaching Aaron Rodgers’ future. Is this the last dance we’ve been teasing all along?

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini has just dunked an apple over Green Apple. She reported, “Aaron Rodgers still wants to play in 2025, but not for the Jets.” Ouch. The signal-caller seems to have given up on the franchise he’s called his base (but probably not his home) since 2022. As if the chaos wasn’t spicy enough, Russini made it hotter, suggesting Rodgers’ time with the Gang might end with a stint on injured reserve—or worse, a mid-season cut.

“I’m told [owner Woody] Johnson has lost confidence in Rodgers’ ability to lead the team to their first playoff berth in 14 years, a drought that stands as the longest in the major North American professional sports leagues. There are some on the team who believe everyone is simply tiptoeing around the fact that Rodgers isn’t the same player anymore. 

“I’m told no decisions have been made yet, but it appears increasingly likely that the four-time MVP, who is banged up, could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks, signaling the end of his disastrous time with the Jets. Some around the league say they won’t be surprised if Rodgers is cut in-season,” Russini’s report for The Athletic read.

The last time the Jets made it to the postseason was in 2010. They’ve played 13 complete campaigns since then… and by the looks of it (their 3-8 record so far), the New York-based franchise won’t be getting itself out of that drought anytime soon. Interestingly, these reports came after interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said he would “absolutely” want Rodgers to stay in New York next season.

“I would love for him to get an opportunity to play healthy football and see what that looks like for an entire season,” Ulbrich stated, referring to the soon-to-be 41-year-old’s leg injuries. Even Aaron Rodgers, when asked if he wants to play in 2025, said last week, “I think so, yeah.” The answer was quite non-commital, compared to the confidence he had earlier this year when revealing he’d like to play for another two or three more seasons. But it looks like he wasn’t too confident about his future with the Jets. 

And the timing? Couldn’t be more dramatic. Just hours after the Giants bid farewell to Daniel Jones, the Jets are apparently prepping for their own quarterback breakup. It’s ironic, considering Rodgers was supposed to be their savior, the guy to finally end their playoff drought. Instead, he’s limping (literally) toward what looks like a messy divorce.

The veteran quarterback is under contract for 2025, but none of his compensation is guaranteed. If he plays in 2025, he’ll receive $23.5 million in the final year of his 3-year restructured deal with the Gang Green. The thing is, if the Jets cut him from the team or opt for a trade immediately, they’d lose around $25.5 million. However, if they release him after June 1, it would save them $9.5 million against the 2025 salary cap. And Rodgers’ deal won’t be part of it.

“As for Rodgers, his relationship with the owner has been strained for months — that’s not a secret in the building or the locker room,” Russini reported. The relationship may have worsened after the Jets’ Week 4 game against the Broncos, considering what Woody Johnson suggested after the loss. But we’ll come to that later. As for the prospect of parting ways with Rodgers, if you think that’s a fumble, then what are you going it call this:

The four-time MVP who took pay cuts (chalked off $35 million in 2023, which was now used to bring Davante Adams), backed the Jets, and stayed “all in,” now finds himself at the center of serious exit rumors. Did we all see this coming? Maybe. But it still feels like a curveball out of nowhere. Plus, I mean, after that Woody Johnson “leak,” Rodgers’ response feels more like a classic clapback than any sort of surprise.

Was Aaron Rodgers disrespected?

Just days after Aaron Rodgers’ rallying call—“A week to clear all of our heads. Come back, and stick together”—things spiraled fast. Dianna Russini reported that the Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested Tyrod Taylor should take over as QB1 after the team’s Week 4 loss to the Broncos. And this wasn’t just casual banter over coffee. The meeting allegedly included then-head coach Robert Saleh, then-general manager Joe Douglas, and even an advisor to Johnson. Imagine sitting in that room discussing demoting the franchise’s supposed savior—trouble…

At that point, the Jets were 2-2, a shaky balance of highs and lows. Losses to the 49ers and Broncos stung but wins over the Titans, and Patriots kept hopes alive. Rodgers’ numbers? Not exactly MVP caliber—849 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 pick—but those 10 sacks? That’s a beating no quarterback deserves. It felt less like an offense and more like Rodgers auditioning for an extreme survival show.

Fast-forward to now: Saleh fired. Douglas fired. Rodgers improved. With 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 11 games. Solid? Sure. But the Jets? A dismal 3-8. And guess who’s catching all the blame? Yep, the guy slinging the ball behind a collapsing pocket. That’s an easy pick. But this has been a running theme.

Rodgers brought his leadership and star power, but with an offensive line that couldn’t protect a grocery cart, the results are clear. And all he got in return was a lot of chatter… So, was Rodgers disrespected? Well, if mid-season bench rumors and public finger-pointing are to go by, then yes, he was. What do you think?