Rodgers: Jets my 'first option' if I keep playing in 2025
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't certain if he'll return for his 21st season amid a frustrating year with the New York Jets.
"I don't even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option," Rodgers said during his appearance Tuesday on "The Pat McAfee Show."
Rodgers' uncertainty about whether he would return next season is a change from earlier in November when he said "I think so, yeah" when asked about his desire to play in 2025.
"I haven't told anybody in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not on the Jets," Rodgers said. "That's 100% false. I actually said the opposite. I said that I'm going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season. ... There's a lot of things out of my control when it comes to that. But I've really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously we haven't had the success that we've all wanted to have. But I've made some great friendships on the team."
The Jets reportedly would like to move on from the star quarterback who'll turn 41 on Monday. Team owner Woody Johnson reportedly suggested after a Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos that Rodgers be benched because he was stifling the offense.
"I came here to win here," Rodgers said. "So I'm not jumping off ship."
While the four-time MVP expressed a desire to remain with the Jets, he understands that decision ultimately comes down to the new general manager and coaching staff.
"At this point I'm open to everything and attached to nothing," Rodgers said.
Rodgers also dismissed a rumor that he isn't healthy enough to finish the season. A recent report suggested the Jets passer could be placed on injured reserve and that he refused to get his current injuries tested to reveal their severity.
The Jets are 3-8 this season in games that Rodgers has started. New York had reinforced its offense by acquiring Davante Adams and Tyron Smith in an attempt to lead the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2010.
New York would owe Rodgers close to $38 million next season if he remains on the roster, with the bulk of his salary stemming from a $35-million option that would be exercised before the 2025 campaign, per Over The Cap.