Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says his playing future is uncertain but ‘first option’ would be New York

Rodgers’ future with the Jets became a national story last week after New York decided to release Joe Douglas – a move Rodgers said he learned about when he was about to fly to California during the Jets’ bye.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that no firm decision has been made on Rodgers for next season, noting that the veteran quarterback’s late-season play could impact a final decision. The Athletic reported that Rodgers would like to play next season, but for a different team, something Rodgers denied on Tuesday.

“As far as my future goes, I haven’t told anyone in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not with the Jets,” Rodgers said. “So this is 100 percent wrong. I actually said the opposite. I said I’ll wait and see what happens at the end of the season. And if they want me back, what happens to (interim HC Jeff Ulbrich), what happens to the offensive staff and of course to the GM at the time? There are many things that are out of my control, but I really enjoyed my time in New York. We didn’t have the success we all wanted, but I made some great friends within the team. I enjoyed my time in the city. I came here to win here, so I’m not jumping ship: “I definitely want to play and not in New York.” I don’t even know if I want to play, but New York would be my first option.

The 3-8 Jets are currently the No. 12 seed in the AFC playoffs and Rodgers is having one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. Despite the poor performance, Rodgers struggled with hamstring, knee and ankle injuries. Rapoport reported Sunday that Rodgers resisted the scans, something the four-time Most Valuable Player addressed on Tuesday.

“I feel great right now,” Rodgers said. “I had the week off. I felt really good last week or the last game we played against the Colts. I felt better than I had in a long time. I will not voluntarily go into IR without injury. When it comes to this Firstly, I have known my body better than anyone for 20 years. I also have a great relationship with (the Jets training staff). what I was dealing with and I told them how I felt.

“We talked about the possibilities of playing and rehab and what it would take. There was never a requirement, ‘You have to get this scan.'” And I thought, “I’m not going to be able to get the scan.” It was, “How do you feel?” I told them, “I know my body well .” What are the risks of playing? What type of treatment do I need to do? That’s it. There were no strange conversations about it.

Ulbrich told reporters on Monday that the team had no plans to cut Rodgers and that he would “absolutely” be the starter for Sunday’s Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Rodgers’ role as a starter was also a topic of conversation last week after it was reported that Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested that Rodgers be benched following a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4.

Rodgers was asked about his relationship with Johnson on Tuesday.

“I think it’s a good relationship,” Rodgers said. “I am very grateful to all the Johnsons for taking me in. I’ve had some good conversations over the last two years.”