The New York Jets announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't return for the 2025 season Thursday.
"Last week we met with Aaron and shared that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback," new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said in a statement.
"It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward."
Rodgers joined the Jets ahead of the 2023 campaign but played just four snaps before sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury. He started all 17 games in 2024 and threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Jets finished the season 5-12.
"I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets," chairman Woody Johnson said in a statement. "His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career. ... He will always be welcome, and I wish him only the best in whatever he chooses to do next."
Rodgers' release will incur a $49-million dead-cap hit, according to Over The Cap. Designating the transaction as a post-June 1 move will spread the penalty across 2025 ($14 million) and 2026 ($35 million).
Veteran Tyrod Taylor, 2024 fifth-rounder Jordan Travis, and former UFL MVP Adrian Martinez are all quarterbacks under contract with the Jets for the 2025 season.
Rodgers, 41, has thrown for 62,952 yards, 503 touchdowns, and 116 picks in 248 career games with the Green Bay Packers and Jets.
