Aaron Rodgers Reportedly 'Wanted' Jets Return in 2025, NFL Rumors Reveal Why QB Left for Steelers

The reason Aaron Rodgers left the New York Jets after the 2024 season reportedly wasn't connected to either his public jabs at owner Woody Johnson or the quarterback's own lack of interest in a return.

That decision to part ways with Rodgers came down to candidate feedback in the search for a new coach and general manager, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.

Rosenblatt reported Tuesday that last offseason Rodgers "made it clear to members of the Jets' front office that he wanted to return, according to multiple team sources."

The Jets were searching for new leadership at the time after dismissing former coach Robert Saleh in October 2024 and general manager Joe Douglas the following month.

According to Rosenblatt, Johnson was open to the reunion "if that's what his new coach and general manager wanted."

"The search committee asked each candidate if they'd want to bring back Rodgers. They all said no," Rosenblatt reported.

The Jets hired general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn shortly before releasing Rodgers.

Rodgers said in an April 2025 appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show he was informed he was going to be released by the Jets shortly into his first in-person meeting with Mougey and Glenn.

The quarterback ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in July before re-signing in Pittsburgh this summer to reunite with his former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy ahead of what he has said will be his final NFL season.