One day after having fun with amusing on the expense of New York Jets proprietor Woody Johnson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers supplied an unusually curt response Tuesday when requested about Johnson — boosting the notion of a rift between them.
Rodgers, discussing his future, mentioned he have to be “within the plans of a number of individuals, beginning with the possession” for the Jets to retain him in 2025. The future Hall of Famer sidestepped a query on whether or not he believes Johnson desires him again.
“You ought to ask Woody,” Rodgers mentioned tersely.
Has he had any conversations with Johnson about his future?
“No.”
Rodgers, 41, is making ready for what seemingly would be the remaining two video games of his Jets profession — and maybe his NFL profession. Despite an MCL damage to his left knee, Rodgers mentioned he is planning to play Sunday in opposition to the Buffalo Bills, insisting, “There isn’t any method I’m not taking part in.” Earlier Tuesday, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich was noncommittal.
With the Jets (4-11) closing out their most disappointing season in latest reminiscence, the sport is the secondary storyline for Rodgers, who continues to make headlines.
On Monday, he poked Johnson throughout his weekly look on “The Pat McAfee Show,” saying he has by no means been launched by a youngster — a reference to a latest story by The Athletic that mentioned Johnson is influenced by his teenage sons, Brick and Jack.
A supply advised ESPN not too long ago that he’d be “shocked” if Johnson, 77, brings again Rodgers, who’s underneath contract for 2025 however hasn’t performed as much as expectations. In Week 6, Johnson advised benching Rodgers, sources mentioned. That did not sit effectively with Rodgers, who has battled by varied leg accidents to remain on the sphere.
In latest days, Rodgers talked overtly about the potential of being launched, maybe as quickly as Jan. 6 — the day after the season ends. He would not assume that is seemingly, however he would not rule it out.
“I do not assume it is a excessive share,” he mentioned. “I believe that is in all probability a dialog available, however I’m simply not naive to that being a zero [percent chance].”
Rodgers, who mentioned he’ll take time after the season to mull his future, expressed gratitude to the Johnsons for bringing him to New York in 2023 — which means Woody and his youthful brother, Christopher, the vice chairman. Rodgers and Christopher Johnson are identified to have relationship.
Rodgers mentioned it could be “particular” to be requested again as a result of it could imply they see him “as an vital a part of serving to the tradition, the changeover, no matter they do at head coach and serving to the subsequent wave of New York Jets. … But if they do not, once more, no offense in any respect will likely be taken.”
The four-time MVP additionally responded brusquely when requested about large receiver Garrett Wilson, who has expressed frustration over his position within the offense. Rodgers did not appear all for explaining why Wilson’s numbers have slipped.
“I’ve talked to him all through the season about a few of [his frustrations],” Rodgers mentioned, including, “Not this week. No, not within the final couple of weeks, nevertheless it’s not the primary time. So, there’s been conversations about it.”
After being a nonfactor for many of Sunday’s recreation, a 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Wilson mentioned he desires extra targets, however “individuals see it in another way.” He did not point out Rodgers by title, however the reference appeared apparent.
On Monday, Ulbrich mentioned Wilson must be extra concerned.
“We have to search out methods to get Garrett the ball extra usually,” Ulbrich mentioned. “He’s the most effective gamers on our staff, if not the most effective gamers on this league, particularly at his place.”
Wilson has 90 receptions and is the fourth-most-targeted participant within the league (139), however his probabilities have declined because the arrival of Davante Adams in Week 7. Since the commerce, Adams — a longtime Rodgers buddy — has 93 targets and 56 receptions. Wilson has 74 and 49, respectively.
Rodgers mentioned he understands that receivers all the time need the ball, however he added, “There’s a ton of performs within the plan for each him and Davante. That’s the way you normally you scheme out performs in your prime gamers.” He mentioned protection dictates the place he throws the ball.
“We’ve moved him round a bunch,” Rodgers mentioned of Wilson. “We give him a number of performs the place he is No. 1 or 2 within the development.”
In damage information, rookie left sort out Olu Fashanu suffered a plantar fascia damage on his left foot and was positioned on injured reserve, ending his season. He will not want surgical procedure, based on the Jets.
