NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers' Release from Jets In-Season Wouldn't Surprise Insiders

Even though New York Jets coaches were able to talk Woody Johnson out of benching Aaron Rodgers earlier this season, there is a possibility the four-time NFL MVP doesn't finish the year with the club.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, some people around the NFL wouldn't be surprised if the Jets decide to release Rodgers during the season.

At the very least, Russini noted it wouldn't be a surprise if Rodgers ends up on injured reserve or benched in the next few weeks.

The Jets have been in a state of disarray for a long time. There were rumblings about the relationship between Rodgers and Robert Saleh for weeks before Saleh was fired on Oct. 8.

There was an awkward moment during a Week 3 win over the New England Patriots when Saleh tried to go for a hug after a touchdown, but Rodgers pushed him away and tried to explain it away after the game.

After defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim head coach, he demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and named Todd Downing offensive play-caller.

One week after Saleh's firing, the Jets brought in Davante Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders hoping that might spark the offense. They are 1-4 and averaging 18.2 points per game in five games with Adams.

The most recent move saw the Jets fire general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday. That same day, Russini and Zack Rosenblatt reported Johnson suggested to the coaching staff they bench Rodgers following a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4.

Even though the coaching staff was able to talk Johnson out of the decision, it is starting to become clear that Rodgers won't be in the Jets' plans for 2025. It's hard to imagine a scenario in which a new head coach and general manager want to join a situation where they are tied to a struggling quarterback who will turn 41 next month.

Rodgers has dealt with injuries at times this season, but nothing that has kept him out of a game thus far. He has thrown for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 starts.

There is an opportunity for the Jets to make a change at quarterback that could follow a similar path to what the New York Giants just did with Daniel Jones. The Jets are on a bye this week before hosing the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1.

The Giants came out of their bye last week by announcing that Jones was being replaced as the starter with Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock would serve as the backup. Jones was later granted his release by the club after meeting with team president John Mara.

The Jets (3-8) have lost six of their last seven games and are tied with the Patriots for last place in the AFC East.