Aaron Rodgers Skips Jets’ Mandatory Minicamp for Previous Engagement, Subject to Fine

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVJune 11, 2024

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was an unexcused no-show at minicamp Tuesday, meaning he is subject to a potential fine.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers’ absence was due to an event that is “important to him.”

Rodgers, 40, is working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered during the Jets’ first offensive series of the 2023 season against the Buffalo Bills, which caused him to miss the remainder of the year.

After an 18-year run with the Green Bay Packers that saw him win four NFL MVP awards, one Super Bowl and one Super Bowl MVP award, Rodgers was traded to the Jets prior to the 2023 season.

The Jets hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2010, but expectations were through the roof with Rodgers joining an offense led by a pair of young stars in wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, and complementing one of the top defenses in the league.

However, after Rodgers was lost to injury, it was more of the same for the Jets last season, as Zach Wilson struggled to guide the offense, and the team finished outside the playoffs for a 13th consecutive year with a 7-10 record.

Given Rodgers’ age, the fact that he is coming off a serious injury and the fact that he is only signed through 2025, the Jets’ window of opportunity to reach the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl may not be open for much longer.

Because of that, the front office got aggressive again this offseason, adding several key pieces, including wide receiver Mike Williams, offensive tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, and pass-rusher Haason Reddick.

Reddick’s status with the team is on shaky ground, though, as he was also absent from minicamp Tuesday, per SNY’s Connor Hughes.

Hughes noted that while Reddick’s absence is “somewhat of a surprise,” it is clear he wants a new contract, which is why the Philadelphia Eagles traded him in the first place.

There doesn’t appear to be any type of contractual issue or unhappiness on Rodgers’ part, but it is still of the utmost importance to get him on the field with his teammates after he essentially missed the entire 2023 campaign.

Even if Rodgers integrates well into the offense and stays healthy in 2024, the Jets face an uphill climb in a tough AFC East that includes the four-time defending division champion Buffalo Bills and a Miami Dolphins team that has made back-to-back playoff appearances.