Aaron Rodgers couldn’t replicate even an ounce of success. The NY Jets were completely annihilated in the 2024 season. Everything that could have gone wrong happened. Be it the fight with Robert Saleh, or issues with the owner Woody Johnson, A-Rod was in a battle mode, just in the wrong direction. So finally, they decided to move on from the veteran. Just like that, comparisons started. Old Aaron Rodgers vs the new!

During the February 17 episode of the Nightcap show, 3-time Super Bowl winner Shannon Sharpe questioned A-Rod’s performance. Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson gave a hard-hitting reply, “Zack Wilson was a better quarterback just FYI (than) Aaron Rodgers. I’m not talking about the old Aaron Rodgers. I’m talking about the new Aaron Rodgers.” But Sharpe also took a mean jibe, “Old Aaron Rodgers or just an old Aaron Rodgers.”

Age, at 41 years, is clearly not on the veteran QB’s side. Knee injuries marred his 2024 season as the team dropped to a 5-12 win-loss record. But side-by-side with Zach Wilson, who played 3 seasons for the Jets and had a 12-21 win-loss record, it doesn’t look as bad.

At the same time, Garrett Wilson had his best season in 2024. The receiver recorded 101 receptions and 1,104 receiving yards with 7 TDs. But yes, reports claimed that the WR wasn’t happy with the quarterback’s approach in training sessions, not mixing well with the other players. However, it still worked on the pitch, since his best season came despite having star WR Davante Adams in the locker room.

However, all those things are in the past now. The Jets brought in a new head coach, Aaron Glenn, to change their fortunes. And he started off the wave of changes by showing his namesake the exit door. But the way it happened was unexpected.

Aaron Rodgers pleaded to stay at the Jets

Just a few days back, Super Bowl winner Jason McCourty praised the 4X MVP. But he also requested him to retire to finish his legacy as a great. Though A-Rod claimed before the season ender that this could be his last year in the league, he hasn’t spoken about his future since.

However, according to an insider source, Aaron Rodgers pleaded with the Jets management to keep him at the franchise for one more year or so. But when they didn’t accept his request, he accepted the decision with a heavy heart and kept quiet about the development.

It was expected. He had a feud with Robert Saleh during the 2024 offseason, ultimately leading to the HC’s firing after week 5. Even when the season was ending, he publicly fired shots at the owner, claiming the public hated him. His rumored destination for a last hurrah, the Steelers, are also considering going back to their 36-year-old QB Russell Wilson. Things are becoming hard. Will we see him play again in the league? Currently, chances appear slim.