Rodgers Confirms Desire to Continue Playing Next Season, Backs Ulbrich as Jets Coach

Aaron Rodgers has expressed his desire to continue playing in the NFL next year, despite the New York Jets' disappointing 3-7 record this season.

The 41-year-old quarterback, who turns 41 on December 2, reaffirmed his intentions to play beyond this year, despite struggling in his first season with the Jets. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after practice, Rodgers responded when asked if he still wanted to play in 2024: “I think so, yeah,” nodding in confirmation.

Rodgers, who has one year left on his contract, which includes a $2.5 million base salary and $21 million in bonuses, will count $23.5 million against the salary cap next season. However, the Jets would face a significant financial penalty if they cut him before June 1, 2024, with a $49 million dead cap charge. This amount would drop to $14 million if he is released after June 1.

Rodgers, who tore his left Achilles tendon last season, returned to the field this year but has not been able to regain his former level of play. He has shown glimpses of his past brilliance, such as during the Week 3 victory over New England and the Week 9 win against Houston. However, his performance in a 31-6 loss to Arizona saw him throw for just 151 yards, with only one completion of more than 10 yards.

In addition to his Achilles recovery, Rodgers has also dealt with ankle, knee, and hamstring injuries that have affected his mobility, an attribute that once made him a top-tier quarterback. When asked about his play this season, Rodgers admitted, “I'm not playing as well as I would like to play, for sure. The beauty in this game is it's a team game. The frustrating part is that if you're a great competitor, you hold yourself to a standard and it's not unrealistic. And I haven't reached that standard this year.”

The Jets' underwhelming performance this season led to the firing of head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has since taken over as the interim head coach. The team has struggled under Ulbrich, going 1-4 so far. Despite this, Rodgers expressed his full support for Ulbrich, stating, "I think Brick is an NFL head coach, whether it's here moving forward or down the line. He is a leader of men, and I'll stand by him.”

Rodgers also spoke about the challenges the Jets have faced this season, particularly the tough decision to fire Saleh. “It was tough for everyone because we all love Robert,” Rodgers said. “But it wasn't the players' decision.”

While the Jets' playoff hopes continue to dwindle, Rodgers maintained optimism and urged fans to hold on to hope, pointing out that “anything could happen” in the final seven games of the season.

The Jets' season has been defined by injury, coaching changes, and a string of underperforming games, with Rodgers struggling to meet the high expectations that came with his trade to New York. Despite the frustrations, Rodgers emphasized the personal growth and relationships he's built during his time with the team, acknowledging the challenges of adjusting to new teammates, systems, and personalities.

“It's been actually a really beautiful couple of years for me in totality,” he said, reflecting on his time in New York, “but it's obviously been frustrating with the football part.”