The New York Jets are entering a new era with fresh faces in both the head coach and general manager roles. But while there are many changes, one thing is clear: the team's approach to Aaron Rodgers is anything but conventional.
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Aaron Glenn, who was introduced as the Jets' new head coach on Monday, made it clear that no player is bigger than the team - not even the four-time MVP quarterback. Speaking alongside newly appointed general manager Darren Mougey, Glenn emphasized that Rodgers, like all players, will be evaluated as part of the overall roster.
"We're still in the evaluation mode, so for anybody else who's going to ask that, I'm going to give you the same answer," Glenn said, via ESPN. "So don't waste your time. We clear?"
Glenn's straightforward approach was reminiscent of his playing days, where as a cornerback for the Jets (1994-2001), he was known for shutting down wide receivers with precision. And he's applying that same no-nonsense attitude to his coaching.
Owner Woody Johnson, whose involvement in personnel decisions last season created friction with the previous regime, stated that he would defer to Glenn and Mougey on the Rodgers situation. Johnson, who has had a strained relationship with Rodgers at times, did not seem eager to intervene in the process.
"Absolutely," Johnson said when asked if he would welcome Rodgers back if Glenn and Mougey felt it was the best move. "Aaron's a talent, for sure. He's a Hall of Famer. ... I'm not going to voice my opinion. That's up to them."
The Jets' previous regime went to great lengths to accommodate Rodgers, acquiring some of his former Green Bay Packers teammates and hiring his close friend Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator. But after a torn Achilles sidelined Rodgers for nearly all of the 2023 NFL season, and a disappointing 2024 campaign with just 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on a 5-12 team, the future of the 41-year-old quarterback is uncertain.
Mougey, who most recently served as the Denver Broncos' assistant GM, expressed deep respect for Rodgers' legacy but indicated that the team's decision would be based on a thorough evaluation.
"First and foremost, I've got the utmost respect for Aaron Rodgers and what he's done in this league as a player," Mougey said. "[He's] one of the greatest of all time to play the position - one of the greatest players of all time."
Though Rodgers is under contract for 2025, none of his money is guaranteed, and the Jets will have to carefully consider their options. He has a $35 million option bonus, a $2.5 million salary, and a manageable $23.5 million cap charge. However, if he's released or retires, the Jets would face a $49 million cap hit, which could be spread over two years. Keeping him under his existing contract would result in a staggering $63 million cap hit in 2026 - a financial burden that would greatly limit the team's flexibility.
Rodgers himself has hinted that he's open to restructuring his deal if he decides to return. But Glenn emphasized that the team's decision will always come down to what's best for the roster as a whole.
"When it comes to the team, it's always a football decision," Glenn said. "Mental and physical toughness," he added when asked about the qualities he values in a quarterback.
If the Jets do decide to move on from Rodgers, their quarterback options are slim. Backup Tyrod Taylor, 35, is the most experienced option after playing only 36 snaps in 2024. They also have 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, who sat out the season with an injury.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the Jets' transition is their revamped power structure. In an unconventional move, they hired Glenn as head coach before bringing in a general manager. Both Glenn and Mougey will report directly to Johnson, with Mougey having the final say on personnel decisions. However, Mougey emphasized that decisions, especially regarding the 53-man roster, will be made collaboratively with Glenn.
Glenn's fiery personality was on full display at his introductory press conference. After alluding to the Jets' losing history, he issued a rallying cry for the future: "We're the freaking New York Jets and we're built for this s—-!"
The coach was greeted by more than 10 former Jets players, many of whom were his former teammates. Glenn admitted that he had interviewed with four other teams but made it clear that this was the only job he wanted.
"We're going to do some magical things here, bro," Glenn said, turning to Mougey. "Some magical things. I look forward to it."
In no uncertain terms, Glenn made it clear that the focus would be on building the best roster possible, with Rodgers' status being just one piece of the puzzle. "This thing is not about Aaron Rodgers, folks," he said after the press conference. "This is about the roster. We plan on building the best roster that we can."
"Listen, everybody's under the microscope. That's just what it is," Glenn concluded.
