‘Just Retire Already’ — Fans React to Latest Update From Aaron Rodgers Regarding Future With the Jets

Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets have a big offseason ahead. The AFC East franchise has to hire a general manager and a head coach while also deciding who the team’s quarterback will be next season.

Rodgers still has a year left on his contract with the Jets, but he isn’t certain about staying in New York. The four-time NFL MVP talked about his future with the team in a recent segment on “The Pat McAfee Show,” which failed to impress the fans on social media.

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Fans React to Aaron Rodgers’ Stance on Future With Jets
Rodgers mentioned that whether or not he plays for the Jets next season depends on who the franchise brings in as the new general manager and head coach. The veteran quarterback emphasized how all parties have to be on the same page for him to stay in New York.

After a middling season at the Jets’ helm, his second in the Big Apple but first where he was healthy, things are complicated for the veteran passer. He recorded a grade of 72.2, according to PFN’s QB+ metric, 22nd in the NFL but well below the standards established during his illustrious, MVP-winning career.

Fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) believe Rodgers should consider retiring as he is already 41 years old and his best days are behind him. Moreover, most of the Jets’ fans are looking for a fresh start after a disappointing 5-12 season. Here are some of the reactions:

Just retire already. Stop wasting people’s time with the drama.

— ⚡️ Virgil Hawkins⚡️ (@ColeWorldSIMBA) January 16, 2025

“It’s time for Rodgers to retire, to be honest. The league is in good hands with QBs,” said a fan.

Another fan added, “The playoffs [Divisional Round] start in 48 hours, we do not care about Aaron Rodgers.”

Just retire already. You’re way past your prime

— Anthony Jones (@Adjones328) January 16, 2025

“Woody [Johnson] has already made up his mind; he’s just gonna tell Aaron it was the new coach’s decision, whoever that is. Rodgers Jets days are done,” wrote a fan, referring to the Jets’ eccentric owner.

“Hope someone tells him to retire,” said one fan.

No coach would want him 😂 #Jets https://t.co/uGhkNl2HgJ

— Batman (@addzeeferrari) January 16, 2025

Despite his age and the team’s poor record (5-12), Rodgers finished the season strong. In the last 10 games, he threw for 2,234 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He completed 64% of his throws with a passer rating of 97.0, averaging 223.4 passing yards per game.

He could still be a good option for the Jets. However, the alleged poor relationship between Rodgers and Garrett Wilson could force the franchise to part ways with the quarterback. At this point, Wilson is more valuable than Rodgers, and the Jets should build around him if forced into an ultimatum.

The Jets have the seventh overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, and it will be tough for them to find a quarterback at that spot. They did draft Jordan Travis in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the franchise might consider giving him a run of games before eventually getting a new quarterback in 2026.

As for Rodgers, if he decides not to retire, the future Hall of Famer could have some interesting options for the next season.

Pittsburgh Was Rumored as a Landing Spot for Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently emerged as a potential landing spot for Rodgers if he gets released by the Jets. Given how poorly Russell Wilson finished the season, the AFC North team is expected to be in the market for a new quarterback.

However, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac has said that Pittsburgh will not pursue Rodgers. The Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns could still be in play for the Jets star as both teams have rosters ready to compete but have serious questions at the quarterback position.

READ MORE: Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Doesn’t Like the Idea of Pittsburgh Pursuing Rodgers

Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have to make some tough decisions next season to save their job, which might result in Anthony Richardson getting benched again. Learning under Rodgers could prove to be ideal for the young quarterback, but it’s too soon to say whether or not they will get another quarterback.

The Browns have the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but given the quality of quarterbacks available in the draft, they might pass on the opportunity to draft one. Deshaun Watson is expected to miss next season after a setback, so the franchise could consider making a run at either Rodgers or Kirk Cousins to pursue the Super Bowl next

Further applying pressure on Cleveland is Myles Garrett, who might request a trade from the team if he does not feel as though their direction is that of a competitor.