Aaron Rodgers' Future With Jets Will Be Up to Next HC and GM, Woody Johnson Says

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson doesn't intend to interfere with whatever decision the incoming head coach and general manager want to do about Aaron Rodgers amid questions about the four-time NFL MVP's future in the NFL.

Speaking to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Johnson said he will leave Rodgers' fate with the Jets up to the incoming regime:

"From a numbers standpoint, [Rodgers] did OK, except for the most important number—winning games. But that's going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That's going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach—what do we want and when do we get it and what's our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that?"

The first question to be answered is whether or not Rodgers will even be playing football in 2025. He acknowledged last week that Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins could be his last in the NFL.

"I'm just more resigned to the reality of the situation," Rodgers told reporters on Jan. 1. "I think there's going to be change here, and if I'm a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here."

Rodgers also said at the time he intends to take time before making any decisions, but he will make a decision either way before the start of free agency in March.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning before the Dolphins-Jets game kicked off that "several people" close to Rodgers believe that he will choose to retire.

Rodgers didn't offer any hints about his plans during his postgame press conference after throwing four touchdowns in the Jets' 32-20 win over Miami.

"I know I can still play," Rodgers said. "I know I can still do the things I need to do to be successful. It just comes down to the desire on their side and, ultimately, my desire to play. Going to take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax."

The first order of business for the Jets will be hiring a new coach and general manager. They have already interviewed Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera for their head-coaching vacancy. Rex Ryan is expected to interview with the club on Tuesday. They are also putting in interview requests with other candidates, including Arthur Smith, Bobby Slowik, Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy and Joe Brady.

There's no obvious replacement for the Jets at quarterback if Rodgers retires. They own the No. 7 pick in the 2025 draft, which will likely require them to trade up if they like either Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward because there are four teams ahead of them also in need of a new quarterback.

The quarterback free-agent and trade markets look pretty bleak right now, with Sam Darnold potentially the top option available if the Minnesota Vikings elect not to keep him. Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Daniel Jones are the other top names who could be available.

Rodgers, who turned 41 on Dec. 2, finished this season with 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and a 63.0 completion percentage. The Jets would take on a $49 million dead-cap charge if they release him, but that money could be spread out over two seasons if he is designated as a post-June 1 cut.