Jets Rumors: Woody Johnson 'Saw a Freight Train'; Led to Aaron Rodgers Benching Idea

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson's desire to get a grip on the Jets' season reportedly played a role in his rumored suggestion to bench quarterback Aaron Rodgers back in September.

Speaking Friday on her Scoop City podcast (beginning at the 4:40 mark), Dianna Russini of The Athletic explained Johnson rationale, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

"Woody saw a freight train," Russini said. "In his mind, this thing was gonna get out of control, and he saw it when they were just 2-2. And he wanted to figure out a way to get some control of it and figure out if the direction of the Jets actually would benefit from sitting Aaron Rodgers."

Earlier this week, ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that a meeting took place on Sept. 30, following the Jets' 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4 to drop their seasonal record to 2-2.

Per Cimini, Johnson brought up the idea of benching Rodgers, and while one source expressed their belief that the suggestion was "said in jest in a provocative nature," another said Johnson "appeared to be serious."

Rodgers was ultimately not benched, and he has started all 11 games this season, but the results have been disappointing to say the least.

Despite having high hopes for a playoff run entering the season, the Jets are tied with the New England Patriots for last place in the AFC East. They have also fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the campaign.

The Jets acquired Rodgers in a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers prior to the 2023 season with the idea that the 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time NFL MVP, one-time Super Bowl champion, one-time Super Bowl MVP and future Hall of Famer would be able to reverse their fortunes.

Instead, Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the Jets' first offensive series of the 2023 season, and he clearly hasn't been the same player he once was so far this season.

Rodgers, who will turn 41 on Dec. 2, is completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a Jets team that is only 26th in the NFL in scoring with 18.5 points per game.

If Johnson seriously considered benching Rodgers early in the season, it is fair to wonder if he would have any interest in bringing Rodgers back next season after watching things progressively get worse.

Rodgers is under contract for 2025, but given that the GM and head coach who brought him in are both gone, it is fair to wonder if the Jets will attempt to trade or release him during the offseason, or if Rodgers may retire and end his 20-year NFL career on a low note.