Aaron Rodgers Rumors: 3 Execs Say Jets Should Cut QB With 'Post-June 1 Designation'

Three candidates to become the next New York Jets general manager told the team they would cut quarterback Aaron Rodgers after June 1 if hired, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

According to Howe, one candidate "said it'd be worth at least exploring the possibility of a trade, however unlikely it seems."

Rodgers is currently signed through the 2025 season and set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Cutting him before June 1 leaves the Jets with $49 million in dead money for the 2025 season, according to Over the Cap.

Designating the move as a post-June 1 cut would instead leave the Jets with a $14 million hit in 2025, followed by $35 million the following season, per Howe.

Either decision leaves the Jets with more cap flexibility than allowing Rodgers to play out his contract. The quarterback is set to cost the Jets $63 million against the cap in 2026 should he play out the remainder of his deal.

Rodgers' contract also contains a no-trade clause, so he would have to agree to a potential deal even if the Jets were able to find an interested team.

That could be difficult given that Rodgers' trade value could be at an all-time low. The veteran quarterback, who turns 41 in December, has led the Jets to a 3-8 record through 11 starts in his 20th NFL season. He has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,442 yards while throwing 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the stretch.

Rodgers has been playing through ankle, knee and hamstring injuries that could further impact his trade value. The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently reported that Rodgers "could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks."

The Jets are set for a new look in 2025 with vacancies at both head coach and general manager. Whoever replaces former GM Joe Douglas will have to begin their tenure by determining what to do with Rodgers' contract.