The New York Jets’ decision to release Aaron Rodgers has cost the franchise a staggering $49million.
Rodgers’ much-hyped but overwhelmingly disappointing two-year tenure in New Jersey officially came to an end earlier this week.
The team released the four-time MVP, as expected, and the 41-year-old quarterback can now join another team as a free agent for the first time in his career – if he stills intends to play a 21st NFL season.
While the team didn´t announce the move, which was a formality, it appeared on the league’s transaction wire early Thursday morning.
As a result, the Jets absorbed a $49m dead money charge by cutting Rodgers, but are able to spread that over two years instead of one – $14m this year and $35m next year – by designating him a post-June 1 cut.
The Jets’ new regime of general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn said on February 13 that they informed Rodgers they were moving on without him.
The New York Jets’ decision to cut Aaron Rodgers has cost the franchise a staggering $49m
New York posted on its social media platforms at that time a picture of Rodgers in a black Jets uniform, with his back to the camera. The post read: ‘For everything you’ve given us the past two years, thank you 8.’
Exclusive DailyMail.com pictures this week showed a solemn Rodgers pensively strolling along a Malibu beach with his future up in the air.
The shoeless 41-year-old quarterback was alone at sunset on the Pacific Coast, where he was seen sporting a backwards baseball hat and a blanket wrapped around his torso.
Rodgers was wearing headphones in the candid pictures, but it’s unclear if he was listening to music, a podcast, or perhaps taking a call with his agents concerning his next team.
On Monday, New York agreed to terms with former Steelers and Bears quarterback Justin Fields on a two-year deal worth $40m with $30m guaranteed. Fields is expected to immediately step in as the Jets’ starting quarterback.
Rodgers joins wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker C.J. Mosley as big-name players released by the Jets this offseason.
Rodgers could have a few options to start if he still wants to play, including the Steelers, Giants and possibly the Vikings.
Rodgers was traded to the Jets in April 2023 after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers – looking to help the franchise end a Super Bowl drought that dates to the glory days of Joe Namath and the 1968 season.
The Jets’ new regime decided to move on from Rodgers, signing Justin Fields to replace him
Instead, Rodgers’ stint was marked by a torn Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut that cost him his first season, and a disappointing 5-12 finish last season during which both coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas were fired.
Rodgers finished his Jets tenure with six wins – including the victory during which he was injured – in 18 starts. His 28 touchdown passes and 3,897 yards passing last year both rank third for a single season in franchise history.
But he lacked some mobility early in his return and then dealt with a few additional leg injuries, including a significant hamstring ailment that hobbled him.
Rodgers has 503 regular-season touchdown passes, joining Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre as the only players to throw at least 500. His 62,952 yards passing rank seventh in NFL history.
