Report: Jets Owner Wanted To Bench Aaron Rodgers This Season
Yesterday at 09:43 PM
No matter which way you slice it, the Aaron Rodgers experiment for the New York Jets has been a complete disaster.
From a production standpoint, Rodgers hasn't been good enough to warrant his loud personality off the field. For starters, he's completing 63.4 percent of his passes, his lowest mark since 2019. While he does have 17 touchdown passes, he threw multiple interceptions in losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers.
To make matters worse for Rodgers, the Jets are 3-8 heading into this weekend. They suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday. Although the team doesn't need any additional drama at this point in the season, it's about to get some more.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Rodgers at a team meeting earlier this season. His suggestion was eventually shot down because other people in the building thought it was a bad idea.
"After losing to Denver, Woody Johnson suggested in a contentious meeting that they bench Rodgers because he felt the QB wasn't playing well. The coaches pushed back and asked each other if he was serious," Russini said.
This report from Russini actually goes hand in hand with what ESPN's Rich Cimini said about Rodgers' future in New York. Apparently, Johnson doesn't want the four-time MVP back in East Rutherford once this season is over.
"One source said he'd be 'shocked' if Johnson brings Rodgers back in 2025," Cimini wrote. "Rodgers, 40, mired in one of his worst statistical seasons, is under contract for next season ($23.5 million cap charge), but none of his salary is guaranteed."
Rodgers has already said that he plans on playing next season. At this point though, it's hard to envision a scenario where he suits up for the Jets.
It's possible Rodgers considers retirement after viewing all his options, but would an all-time great want to go out like this? Probably not.
There'll be plenty of eyes on Rodgers this offseason, make no mistake about it.
Related: Aaron Rodgers Needs To Retire After The 2024 NFL Season
