Former Jets QB shares Aaron Rodgers theory after bombshell benching report

Part of a bombshell report released Tuesday night revealed that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson allegedly wanted then-head coach Robert Saleh to bench quarterback Aaron Rodgers in favor of backup Tyrod Taylor after New York fell to 2-2 via a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos back in late September. 

During Wednesday's edition of the WFAN morning show, former Jets quarterback and current NFL analyst Boomer Esiason shared a theory regarding Rodgers' noticeable on-the-field struggles this season. 

"I’m telling you right now, he’s injured. He’s 100 percent injured," Esiason said after reviewing game film from New York's loss to the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "I want to say it’s his left leg, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a hamstring. You can just tell by the way everything is coming off his back foot. It looks like he’s trying to protect his left leg. I’m sure we’re gonna hear about it eventually."

It's no secret that Rodgers has dealt with injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a hamstring issue this season coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. 

While he tossed 17 touchdown passes with seven interceptions over the ongoing campaign's first 11 games, ESPN stats show the 3-8 Jets began Wednesday ranked 26th in the NFL in scoring (18.5 points per game) and 26th in total offense (294.4 yards per contest). According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers is 27th among qualified players with a 50.8 QBR.

"I know he’s always been a different kind of guy when he’s throwing," Esiason added about Rodgers, "and that he does throw off his back foot quite a bit, but I don’t see him putting a lot of pressure on that front leg." 

Shortly after Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday, it was reported that Johnson "does prefer a change at quarterback" following this season. 

For a piece published Wednesday, NFL reporter Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports said that "one source familiar with the Jets' plans" said there's "no chance" Rodgers will spend another season with the club. The Jets can afford to part ways with Rodgers when the new league year opens in March 2025.

If Esiason is right and Rodgers hasn't been healthy throughout this season, the future Hall of Famer, who turns 41 years old next month, could look to sign with a different team in an attempt to end his career on his terms. Whether or not any other club would give Rodgers a starting job early next year remains to be seen.