What it would take for Aaron Rodgers to play for Jets in 2025

The New York Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers seem keen on extending their marriage through 2025, but the club entered its bye at 3-8 and could part ways with both interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich and general manager Joe Douglas after Week 18. 

According to Connor Hughes of SNY, Jets owner Woody Johnson blowing things up could result in Rodgers leaving the organization during the offseason. 

"Stability is believed to be the deciding factor on Rodgers returning for a third year with the Jets," Hughes reported after New York suffered a brutal 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "That means Ulbrich and Joe Douglas retaining their positions. Rodgers reaffirmed that [last] week when he said he hopes to play for Ulbrich 'until the end.' If they are gone, Rodgers is believed to be, too, as the organization ushers in a fresh start – including the quarterback position. That does not mean Rodgers will retire (though, it's not impossible), but his time with the Jets could end."

The Jets running it back with Rodgers, Ulbrich and Douglas would be a tough sell to fans and season-ticket holders. New York has gone 1-5 since Ulbrich, who began the season as the team's defensive coordinator, replaced fired head coach Robert Saleh. Making quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Todd Downing the offensive play-caller hasn't stopped Rodgers from looking like a shell of his former great self coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023.  

The future Hall of Famer, who turns 41 years old in December, hasn't earned the right to have any say in future personnel decisions made by Johnson. According to ESPN stats, Rodgers began Monday ranked 24th in the NFL with a 50.9 adjusted QBR and 23rd with an 88.9 passer rating on the season. 

"A new general manager means a new view on the roster," Hughes added. "A new coach means a new offensive scheme. Among the reasons Rodgers was drawn to the Jets in the first place was that they afforded him the chance to run the offense he wanted, bring in the players he coveted. That would not be the case next year."

If Johnson believes Rodgers still has one good, if not great, season left in the tank, the Jets could give Mike McCarthy a call assuming the Dallas Cowboys move on from him in January. Rodgers played under McCarthy when both were with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 through the 2018 season, and McCarthy would undeniably be an upgrade over Ulbrich.

Then again, the Jets could afford to show Rodgers the door in March 2025 if he continues to disappoint with his play through his final snap of the season and then insists on having any say regarding the organization's next coaching staff.