Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has apparently delivered some bad news to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The NFL offseason is always filled with teams working hard to improve their rosters, and one team that has a lot to do is the New York Jets. Aaron Glenn, the former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator, is now the Jets’ head coach, and he’s aiming to lead them to a better season than the disappointing 5-12 record in 2024.
Reports now state that Glenn, along with Jets general manager Darren Mougey, is parting ways with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
On Sunday, February 9, Jay Glazer of Fox NFL Sunday shared the news on X, reporting that Rodgers and the Jets are splitting up. Glazer mentioned that Rodgers “flew back to New Jersey last week to meet with the Jets about his future with the team, only to be told that the team was moving on from him.”
Glazer also stated, “If that means he will be a June 1 designation, that would allow him to sign with any team starting March 12 if he decides to keep playing.”
He pointed out that Rodgers doesn’t seem ready to retire, as “Aaron made the effort to fly back to discuss his future, suggesting he plans to continue playing. It just won’t be with the Jets.”
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the news, reporting that the Jets and Rodgers are “going in different directions, leading to a split.”
In January, Glenn commented on Rodgers’ future with the team, saying, “Here’s what I do know: Aaron Rodgers will be talked about, it will be discussed. We’ve already had communication with him. As we look at the roster, we’ll make decisions accordingly, including with several players.”
While this news is surprising, it’s not entirely unexpected. In a February 9 article for the NFL, analyst Nick Shook mentioned that “Rodgers’ future has been uncertain for months” and that the quarterback had “spoken openly about the many directions he could take, including expressing a desire to stay with the Jets if they’d have him.”
It will be interesting to see which teams might be interested in signing Rodgers. Several NFL teams could use a veteran quarterback, but finding a suitable fit may not be easy.
“A number of teams need help at quarterback,” Shook said, but added that Rodgers may now be “nothing more than an experienced bridge quarterback.”
Regarding Rodgers’ contract, Over the Cap reports that a pre-June 1 move, such as a trade or release, would result in $49 million in dead cap for the Jets. However, if they designate the trade or release after June 1, the team would gain $9.5 million in cap space.
