This week, despite the New York Jets’ elimination from the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers is still in the news as speculation about his future rises in the wake of his comments about vaccination to members of the media surrounding the team.
The four-time NFL regular-season MVP (MVP) winner said he will take some time at the end of the season to analyze his options.
Unless he is released by the Jets, by his own admission.
In the case of Rodgers, a period of reflection has become customary in recent years. In 2022, after his final season with the Packers, he entered into a closed retirement in complete obscurity in order to decide whether or not he would play in 2023. Eventually, he joined the Jets before getting injured in the first game of the countryside.
This season, Aaron Rogers is the oldest player in the NFL, turning 41 in December. He’s played some good games for the Jets over the past few weeks, but statistically speaking, this is his worst full season of his career.
While Rodgers takes time to think about his future, the Jets could make the decision for him after a major housecleaning of the coaching staff.
A risky release
The New York Jets, after the season, can release Aaron Rodgers. But, if the team makes its decision before June 1, a bill of $74.5 million will be imposed on the salary cap for the next season. If we release him after June 1, this figure drops to 4.5 million.
If the team instead attempts to trade him, Rodgers will have to waive his no-trade clause.
Otherwise, Rodgers’ contractual situation is to his advantage for the 2025 season. He will receive a base salary of $2.5M in addition to a signing bonus of $14M. He can also cash in another $7M in bonuses.
If the Jets continue the adventure with Rodgers, he will also have an impact of $63M on the payroll for the 2026 season in addition to numerous bonuses in 2027 and 2028.
