Controversial New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may soon be benched, following the rising trend of high-profile QBs getting shut down, according to NFL Insider Dianna Russini.
It is fair to say that the Jets are currently in a state of chaos. The team made another major change on Tuesday, firing general manager Joe Douglas just six weeks after parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh. According to multiple sources, owner Woody Johnson had considered even more drastic actions earlier in the season as the team struggled to find its footing.
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Russini has reported that Johnson had even suggested to the coaching staff that they consider benching quarterback Aaron Rodgers following the Jets’ 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. During a meeting, the team owner reportedly floated the idea of benching Rodgers in favor of Tyrod Taylor, expressing concerns that Rodgers’ performance was holding the team back.
The suggestion was so shocking that one coach even asked if the owner was serious. However, multiple sources confirmed that Johnson appeared to be fully committed to the idea.
After Saleh’s dismissal, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was elevated to interim head coach. Ulbrich immediately began making changes to the coaching staff, including demoting offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and promoting Todd Downing to offensive play-caller in an attempt to shake up the team’s underperforming offense.
To bolster the offense and spark some momentum, the Jets made a high-profile trade, acquiring wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the move has yet to pay off. Since Adams’ arrival, the Jets have posted a dismal 1-4 record, averaging only 18.2 points per game over their last five contests.
The Jets entered the 2023 season with high expectations for Rodgers, hoping the Super Bowl XLV champion could bring the success he had enjoyed in Green Bay to New York. After completing a trade with the Packers, the Jets believed Rodgers would be the missing piece to elevate their franchise.
However, disaster struck early in his first season, as Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles just four plays into his Jets debut, ending his season before it even began. In his absence, the Jets turned to Zach Wilson, who finished the year with a 4-7 record—far from ideal, but the team held out hope for a better 2024 with Rodgers returning to full health.
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Fast forward a year, and the Jets were optimistic that Rodgers’ return would lead to a much-needed turnaround. But reality has been harsh. Despite the anticipation surrounding his comeback, Rodgers has struggled to live up to expectations.
With a disappointing 3-8 record through 11 games, Rodgers’ performance has actually been worse than Wilson’s was the previous season, leaving the Jets’ playoff hopes in jeopardy and his future with the team now uncertain.
If Rodgers is benched, it is unclear whether the 41-year-old QB will continue to play for the Jets in 2025 and, if he doesn’t, where he might land next.
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