Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers-Jets Update Emerges on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 8:10 PM ET

It has now been well over a year since Aaron Rodgers last suited up for the New York Jets.

The 10-time Pro Bowler spent 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Before his stint in Pittsburgh, however, Rodgers spent the past two seasons with the Jets.

Rodgers joined New York in 2023 via a blockbuster trade deal from the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately for the four-time All-Pro quarterback, he suffered a season-ending injury in the first drive of his very first game with the Jets.

Rodgers worked his way back from a torn left Achilles to return for the 2024 season. He played all 17 games for the Jets, registering 368-of-584 completed passes for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins.(Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)

The Jets decided to release Rodgers after the 2024 season. This allowed him to sign with the Steelers on a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers.

New York’s decision to part ways with Rodgers cost them dearly. In fact, that move will continue to haunt the Jets in 2026. On Sunday, an update emerged regarding Rodgers’ costly connection with the organization heading into the new season. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Rodgers, along with Justin Fields, “are eating up $48 million in cap space (about 16%) because of ‘dead’ charges.”

The Jets recently traded Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick. Cimini pointed out that Fields will carry a $20 million cap hit for the Jets in 2026.

Apart from Rodgers and Fields, the Jets are also absorbing more dead cap in 2026 through a number of other unfavorable contracts. Cimini notes that the Jets are dealing with $104 million in dead money in 2026.

For what it’s worth, the Jets recently signed veteran Geno Smith, who is expected to be their QB1 this coming season. Smith will pocket $3.3 million in 2026.

As for Rodgers, there is currently considerable uncertainty about his future in the NFL. The 42-year-old has not confirmed his decision to return for 2026. At this point, retirement has become a real option for the four-time NFL MVP.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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