New York Jets eliminated from playoff contention for 14th consecutive season

The New York Jets (3-10) have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 14th consecutive season, extending the longest drought of any team in the four major American sports.

New York’s playoff hopes came to an end with Sunday’s 32-26 Week 14 road defeat to the Miami Dolphins (6-7) in overtime.

The Jets, a trendy pick to not only snap their postseason drought but make a run at the Lombardi Trophy with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from his Achilles tear, have now dropped nine of their last 10 games after a 2-1 start. Their latest loss surely stings, as New York held a 26-23 lead with 52 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter after Anders Carlson connected on a 42-yard field goal attempt.

But then, receiver Malik Washington returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to put Miami in good field position. Five plays later, Miami was lining up to attempt a 52-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. Jason Sanders put it through the uprights, setting the stage for free football at Hard Rock Stadium. The Jets’ offense never touched the ball in overtime, as the Dolphins went eight plays and 70 yards, capping off their game-winning drive with a 10-yard touchdown reception from tight end Jonnu Smith.

Jets fail to meet lofty expectations in 2024, Aaron Rodgers’ future TBD

Now, the conversation shifts back to Rodgers’ future in New York. While Rodgers recorded his first 300-yard passing day in nearly three years on Sunday against Miami, the overall production has been unlike what we’ve come to expect from the four-time NFL MVP. Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, has thrown for 2,966 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said on last Sunday’s “NFL GameDay” that Rodgers is a “longshot” to return to the Jets in 2025. Moving on from Rodgers — whether by choice or if he retires — will cost the Jets a pretty penny. Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York has a $49 million dead charge if Rodgers doesn’t play for them next season.

If Rodgers does return, the Jets are required to pay him a $35 million option bonus by the first regular season game in addition to a $2.5 million base salary. Rodgers previously noted that if he decides he wants to play, “New York would be my first option.”

“It feels good,” Rodgers said last week. “I’m healthy now. … If I can stay healthy the rest of the year and play the way I want to play and everybody feels good about bringing me back, then there’s a decision there. And if not, then there’s all the other options. I think at this point I’m open to everything and attached to nothing. It’s a good place to be.”