Jets insider shares huge prediction about future of Aaron Rodgers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this past summer he wanted to give the New York Jets "two great years" coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. That was before the Jets dropped to 2-5 this season and before Rodgers was slowed by injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a hamstring issue this fall. 

On the latest edition of his "Flight Deck" podcast, Jets insider Rich Cimini of ESPN explained why he feels Rodgers' tenure with the organization will come to an end shortly after the future Hall of Famer turns 41 years old in December. 

"I don’t know if there’s any scenario where [Rodgers] would come back in 2025," Cimini explained. "...He’s just not playing well. I think his body is beat up. [And] I think if the Jets miss the playoffs, which it certainly appears they will, the Jets will start over next year." 

It was widely believed as far back as last winter that Rodgers, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were facing a "playoffs or bust" mandate delivered by team owner Woody Johnson. Johnson fired Saleh earlier this month, and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was subsequently stripped of his play-calling duties. 

Meanwhile, Pro Football Reference shows that Rodgers enters Week 8 tied for 24th in the NFL with a 48.9 adjusted QBR and 24th with an 82.2 passer rating on the season. He tossed 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions over the campaign's first seven games. 

"I’m not basing that on anything Rodgers told me or anyone in his circle told me," Cimini added. "I just think this is probably going to be his final season. Again, just gut feeling, reading the tea leaves. That’s what I see." 

The Jets will hope to jumpstart their season by earning a win this Sunday at a lowly New England Patriots (1-6) team that may be worse off than Gang Green in many ways. Judging by Cimini's comment, New York suffering what would be an embarrassing loss at Gillette Stadium could essentially spark the beginning of the end of Rodgers' time with the Jets.