Are the Jets built to win when Aaron Rodgers returns in 2024?

Henry McKenna

AFC East Reporter

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit the mark when he labeled this season “a lost year.”

He was speaking about his own career and how his Achilles injury essentially ruined his 2023 season. But in turn, Rodgers’ injury derailed the Jets’ season. They lost a year, too. The Jets seemed to make things worse for themselves after Rodgers’ injury. And now, after being officially eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, they’ve got nothing left to do but think about 2024, when Rodgers will take the field again.

The 40-year-old quarterback, who had previously been wishy-washy about his future, committed this week not just to playing in 2024 but also potentially in 2025 during an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“When I came here, I got kind of a renewed passion and love for the game,” Rodgers said. “I don’t think next year will be my last year. With some of the things that I’ve learned this year about taking care of my body and surrounding myself with some creative people who have helped me with my nutrition and functional training at a more acute level, I feel I can play more years and I can be effective into my 40s.”

New York is committed to building around an aging Rodgers coming off an Achilles injury — for better or for worse. 

“We want to win a championship. We believe we can win a championship,” coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday. “I know Aaron Rodgers said he wants to play at least two years, but in a perfect situation, we win a championship next year and Aaron walks off in the sunlight. I think he’s gonna play until his wheels fall off. I don’t think it’s one, two [seasons]. I think he’ll go three, four, five years if he can. That’s just my opinion.”

It’s optimistic — and probably foolish — to trust Rodgers to play beyond 2024. But it’s worth looking at whether the Jets have the right pieces in place to make that run at a…


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Publish date : 2023-12-21 16:41:13

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