Aaron Rodgers' tenure with Jets ends in disappointment

When the New York Jets signed Aaron Rodgers in 2023, he was entering his age-40 season, yet there were still high expectations for Rodgers to be the “savior” for the Jets. This franchise has not had a stable quarterback since Mark Sanchez, and the Jets hoped Rodgers could help them return to the playoffs. Unfortunately, Rodgers’ first season was cut short due to an Achilles' tear, and it is safe to assume that injury affected him in year two in New York. He looked like a shell of himself last season, throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. The Jets finished with a 5-12 record and then released Rodgers, hoping to find improvement at the position.

With the Jets moving on to Justin Fields, Rodgers recently agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His one season playing as a Jet will not be remembered fondly by many, and it will be interesting to see if he has anything left to give to the Steelers. The Jets will enter 2025 amid a 14-year drought without a playoff appearance. They hope Fields is the one to help them regain their relevance.

One fascinating aspect of the 2025 season is that the Jets and Steelers face each other in Week 1. Both Rodgers and Fields will make their season debuts against their former teams. Seeing these two go head-to-head will give the Jets an early indication of whether they made the right move by releasing Rodgers for Fields.

Justin Fields Vs Aaron Rodgers Week 1 showdown is now official. MetLife will be a madhouse. Rodgers and Fields will both be trying to prove their former teams wrong 🍿 pic.twitter.com/2HdgJkgs7z

Ultimately, Rodgers is never going to reach MVP levels again, so the Jets decided it was best to go with a younger option. All the Jets want to do is prove to their fan base that they can be competitive. With a new quarterback and coaching staff, there should be optimism surrounding this team as it enters the season.